Installation of decking on a metal base. Do-it-yourself decking

Choosing flooring for a terrace, pool area, recreation area fresh air- a responsible matter. First of all, the coating must be durable and withstand temperature changes, precipitation, and snow cover in winter. Decorative qualities are also important; you want the site or terrace to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and decorate it. In principle, these requirements are met ceramic tile, but it can be easy to slip on, especially when the floors are wet, for example, by the pool or on the playground during the rain. In addition, the tiles are usually cold; walking barefoot, much less sitting on them, is not very pleasant. Wooden floors are devoid of such shortcomings, however, if they are made from regular board, they will not last long, precipitation has a destructive effect on them. Meanwhile, there is a material that combines all the advantages of tiles and wood - this is terrace decking. It is a specially treated decking board, characterized by strength, durability and excellent appearance.

Types of terrace decking

There are three groups decking boards, they differ in the materials from which they are made, surface texture, installation method and some other characteristics.

Solid wood board

To produce this type of decking they use different breeds trees: the usual pine, oak, larch, cedar, as well as rare species growing in forests South America, Africa, Asia. There are types of wood from which decking is made with a service life of up to 80 years. For example, massaranduba mahogany, due to its high content of rubber resins, has increased moisture resistance and wear resistance; mold fungi do not affect it. Australian kekatong nut withstands aggressive influences well sea ​​water, is often used in shipbuilding, so a coating made of such wood will last a long time in the open air.

The decking board, made of solid wood, will suit fans one hundred percent natural materials. But in order for the flooring to last long years, requires regular care.

The price for decking made from rare tree species is quite high - a square meter costs from 5,000 to 13,000 rubles. A terrace board made of oak, cedar, larch will cost less - from 500 to 1000 rubles. per square meter.

Treated wood decking

To protect against rapid wear and tear, wood is treated in one of two ways:

Impregnation is vacuum impregnation with chemicals using a special technology. After treatment, the material becomes resistant to rotting and fungal growth; such a board will last 15–20 years without additional care.

To ensure the quality of the board treated with the impregnation method, you just need to scrape upper layer- material that has undergone vacuum impregnation has the same shade of all layers of wood. If the inner layers are different in color, it means protective covering applied only to the surface of the decking board.

Heat treatment - wood is heated at a temperature of about 200 °C. After this, it becomes lighter, denser and repels water without using special means. In addition, processed high temperature the tree is not subject to rotting. However, as the strength of the material increases, its fragility also increases - dents, cracks and chips can form from impacts and falling heavy objects.

The price for products processed by one of the methods ranges from 700–1700 rubles. per square meter.

Wood-polymer composite (plastic decking)

To make it, wood flour is mixed with polymer materials. WPC flooring is not at all afraid of moisture, is not subject to rotting, and can withstand high mechanical loads. Disadvantages include the appearance, which differs from natural wood, and the material’s susceptibility to fatigue deformation.

WPC boards can be sanded or unsanded. Outwardly, they are almost identical, but manufacturers claim that the surface of the polished board is not slippery at all. As practice shows, the differences are minimal and after a month of operation the sliding characteristics are identical.

Unscrupulous manufacturers use sanding to hide board defects resulting from the use of low-quality raw materials. If the top layer of polymer is damaged during sanding, wood particles come into contact with environment, which leads to rapid destruction.

The price of wood-polymer decking, depending on the country of origin, is 1000–1500 rubles. per square meter.

Dimensions of decking boards

The width of the product ranges from 90 to 250 mm, standard length- 3–6 meters. Based on thickness they are divided into three types:

• thick board - 42–48 mm;
• middle board - 25–30 mm;
• thin board - 18–22 mm.

There is also tile decking made from WPC. It is suitable for covering a small area of ​​flooring, and also if for some reason it is undesirable to use a long board. The size of the tiles varies - from small products of 25 x 25 cm to the maximum possible 50 x 50 cm.

Manufacturers of decking

Today the corporation is becoming the leader in the production of decking boards from rare and valuable wood species JUNGLWOOD. Its factories, located in Indonesia and Portugal, produce boards from an array of rare varieties of wood. Thanks to the use latest technologies wood processing, its natural characteristics are preserved in the finished product.

An equally famous manufacturer is an Italian company Ital Parchetti. Raw materials are delivered to the wood processing factory from South America and Africa in the form of unprocessed logs. Here the wood is sawn and further processed. Production is under strict control at all stages. Thanks to this, the products produced at the factory are classified as class “A”.

The production of composite decking boards is more widespread. The market offers products from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The products of each brand have their own characteristics that need to be taken into account when choosing.

Firm TREX, a market-leading manufacturer from the USA, produces solid boards with a 25-year quality guarantee. Our own developments in wood processing have made it possible to achieve high wear resistance of the produced material.

Wood decking is the most popular

WOOZEN- a brand of the Korean company LG, a famous manufacturer of electronics and household appliances. One of the factories produces high-quality hollow boards. Its surface imitates unpolished wood. Product warranty from the manufacturer is 10 years.

Brand ECODEK- products from large domestic manufacturer DPK Engineering. Cost of decking boards Russian production lower due to the use of local wood, the absence of customs duties on the import of products and intermediary markups. Thanks to the special composition of raw materials, the board has excellent resistance to adverse weather conditions; a quality guarantee is given for 7 years.

HOLZDORF- the German-Ukrainian enterprise uses Italian and German equipment and raw materials from Europe for production. Hollow boards, with lock connection(tongue and groove), thanks to which the flooring is continuous, without gaps and cracks. The company guarantees quality for 7 years of operation.

Additional materials for installation and subsequent maintenance

Before installing any type of decking board, load-bearing supporting elements (joists) are installed on the leveled area. They are made from various materials:

1. Composite logs - used in difficult climatic conditions, but with low operational load (for example, in the courtyard of a private house). Before laying, dense rubber is laid between the soil or concrete base and the joists. The width of the lag laying step is 30–40 cm.
2. Wooden logs are made from dry wood (less than 25% humidity) and treated with special wood preservatives before installation. Depending on the cross-section of the timber, laying is carried out at a distance of 60–100 cm from each other.
3. Aluminum logs are the most expensive option. Used in areas subject to constant heavy loads. Mounted in increments of about 100 cm.

To install solid wood decking, screws are used, no additional elements not required. WPC boards need to be framed with end elements. They use junction strips between the building wall and the flooring, edging strips, and profiles of various configurations. The edging protects the open cuts of composite boards from atmospheric influences and improves the appearance of the coating.

A significant expense item during the operation of a solid board covering is the purchase protective equipment for impregnation of wood. The first time the treatment is carried out before installation (the board is treated on both sides), then repeated every 24 months. With the help of oil-glaze, the surface is protected from destructive effects. sun rays and decay. Anti-slip oils are used near bodies of water - on piers, by the pool.

The cost of such preparations is quite high - to cover just forty square meters of board you will need a can of protective oil costing about 5,000 rubles.

Photos of decking in different colors

Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors Photos of decking of different textures and colors

Photos of interiors with terrace boards

DIY decking

• Only a flat surface is suitable for decking installation - concrete screed, wooden structures, logs supported on screw piles or polypropylene adjustable supports. Laying the coating on a sand or gravel bed; soil is not recommended.
• Adjustable propylene supports allow you to compensate for the height and slope of the terrain, withstand heavy loads, high humidity and temperature changes.
• If the space between the ground and the flooring on the supports is waterproofed and good ventilation is ensured, various communications can be installed in the resulting gap.
• When arranging open areas and terraces on difficult terrain, where it is impossible to make traditional types of foundation, screw piles are used. The greater strength and load-bearing capacity of such a foundation will ensure the reliability of structures with the highest operating loads.
• Each manufacturer gives recommendations for the installation of decking manufactured in its factories. The board can be mounted in two ways: maintaining a gap of 4-6 mm between the elements or seamlessly. Linear expansion is also taken into account - 4-5 mm per linear meter. It is impossible to lay it close to a wall or fence; you should move at least 1.5-2 cm away from it.
• The flooring is installed at a slope of 2-2.5% (2-2.5 cm for each meter of terrace length) to drain rainwater. If the terrace is adjacent to the house, the slope is directed in the direction opposite to the wall. To maintain good ventilation under the flooring, the spaces between the joists are left unfilled.

Installation rules

The pitch between the logs when installing any type of decking board is on average 40–45 cm. The boards are attached both hidden and open method.

With the open method, the fastening elements are visible, which spoils the attractive appearance of the coating; in addition, soil movements and loads during operation weaken the screwed elements and their heads can protrude above the surface.

In boards made from rare tree species, a hole is drilled before screwing in the screw - this prevents possible cracking at the fastening point. Boards made of larch, cedar, pine are fastened without preliminary preparation. After installation, the screw heads are painted to match the color of the board or covered with special caps.

Hidden installation is carried out using special hidden fasteners, which the manufacturer offers along with the boards. Fasteners from different companies may vary significantly. The flooring fixed in this way can be continuous or with seams between the boards.

A few rules for installing any type of decking:

• the ends and joints of the boards should be located on the joists;
• Before installation, a starting profile is installed; at the end, all open ends are covered with a finishing strip;
• screws, connecting clips or other fasteners are installed at each intersection of boards with joists;
• Some types of logs have special grooves for rubber terminals; they are used when installing structures in places with large temperature differences.

All manufacturers of terrace decking include with the material they sell detailed instructions on installation with photographs and step by step description process. If possible self-installation is in doubt, you can always turn to professionals, they will do the job quickly and efficiently.

How to make a chair with your own hands: attention to calculations and a creative approach...

You can arrange a cozy terrace in a private house on our own, this will require imagination, free time and a set of tools and materials. A lot depends on the correct choice of materials - how long the terrace will last, whether additional maintenance will be required, how much the construction will ultimately cost. We decided to talk about the most the best materials which are used for decking and how to lay decking on various substrates.

Types of decking boards

The decking board is made from solid wood or from composite mixtures based on polymer and natural material.

Natural wood decking board

Wood is used for solid decking boards durum varieties(larch, oak, teak, cedar, ipe, beech, kumaru) with a high content of resins and oils to prevent drying out and cracking. This board is durable and resistant to moisture and adverse weather conditions. The noble appearance and pleasant texture of the material are highly valued by designers all over the world. The board is impregnated with special compounds to protect against insects and microorganisms. To emphasize the pattern of the wood structure, impregnations and coatings are also used. The surface of the board is made in the form of grooves, which prevent slipping and promote the outflow of moisture. Laying decking made of natural wood will be an excellent choice for terraces, stairs, garden paths and gazebos, as well as places high humidity, bridges and piers. The only caveat is that this pleasure will require significant costs.

WPC decking board

Wood-polymer composite (WPC) decking board is a high-quality modern material, which combines the advantages of natural wood and polymer and at the same time the cost of the coating is more affordable than that of solid wood decking. WPC board is:

• Environmental friendliness. The substances included in the composite do not form harmful compounds even when heated to 60 °.
• Long service life. The material does not deform, crack or crumble even with regular temperature changes. Moisture resistance and the absence of a breeding ground for microorganisms guarantee the absence of rotting
• Safety during operation. The board does not have burrs, which eliminates the possibility of splintering or injuring your foot; the relief will not allow you to slip even on a wet surface.
• the flooring does not require painting or special care - wet cleaning is sufficient when dirty;
• The deck board device is most often hollow, with stiffening ribs, so the structure is light in weight. This reduces the load on load-bearing elements buildings, which is especially important when laying flooring on an existing roof;
• the material is pleasant to the touch and aesthetically attractive. Color palette includes both natural wood shades and other colors.

Laying deck boards made of wood-polymer composite is carried out not only on terraces. Piers, swimming pools, garden paths and other areas of open and closed territory.

Laying deck boards

Thanks to the correct shape and specially designed fasteners, laying decking boards is done with a minimum amount of waste and can be done with your own hands. To work you will need:

• drill or hammer drill when laying on a concrete base;
• drills for wood, metal, concrete;
• screwdriver;
• roulette, level;
• mallet;
• saw.

The design of a decking board, regardless of whether you choose a natural or composite board, contains several required elements: a base, a frame made of joists and the decking itself.

Base for laying decking boards

The decking board can be mounted on a foundation or concrete base. Regardless of the type of foundation, there are a few key points to consider:

• the base must withstand the expected loads;
• it is necessary to ensure the slope of the flooring so that water does not stagnate;
• must be ensured natural circulation air under the flooring.

Concrete base

It is also possible to lay deck boards on concrete. In this case, the base is prepared in advance, and the installation of the terrace board begins after the concrete has completely dried. If the slope is not provided in advance, then you need to think about how to lay the decking board on the concrete floor in this case. It is necessary to groove the concrete, changing the depth of the groove to ensure moisture removal.

Foundation on screw piles

If you plan to add a terrace to the house and the floor level needs to be raised, then best option- This is a foundation on screw piles. Piles are also good for a free-standing gazebo. It's economical and reliable design, able to withstand load-bearing loads and withstand climatic influences. Another advantage screw piles– they can be installed independently without the use of special equipment, and the flooring will be ventilated. The piles are leveled and concrete is poured inside to prevent moisture from entering and to provide greater strength. After the concrete has hardened, a steel frame is welded onto the piles with a slope of 1-2° in the direction of laying the decking board for natural moisture drainage. After installation, the frame is painted and you can begin installing the logs.

How to lay logs under a decking board

Logs for decking boards are made from aluminum profile or composite. Composite and aluminum logs are attached at intervals of 0.375 - 0.45 m. This log spacing makes it possible to save on material, while the structure will not be inferior in strength and durability. If aluminum joists are placed on metal carcass or concrete, then it is necessary to use rubber gaskets at the fastening points to avoid corrosion. The logs are attached to the base with screws or anchors.

How to attach a deck board

Installation of deck boards is carried out using fasteners recommended by the manufacturer. As a rule, these are metal or plastic terminals designed to be installed in grooves on the board. Decorative profiles and corners are used to finish the end parts.

All methods of laying decking boards start from a fixed structure (for example, a wall), along which a series of starting terminals are attached. The starting terminals are baited, but not tightened. After this, the first board is attached to them and leveled. Only after the board is leveled can the terminals be tightened and the installation of the next rows continued.

How the decking board is attached depends on what material the decking is made of. For natural wood, metal terminals are used; the technology for laying plastic decking boards involves the use of plastic terminals. How to lay WPC decking boards depends on the area of ​​the flooring: if the side of the installation site does not exceed the length of the board, then rows can be laid in parallel. If you need to cover large area, then for uniform laying you need to offset each subsequent row by half the length of the board. To minimize waste, it is better to calculate in advance how to install WPC decking boards, taking into account the geometry of the space.

Installation. Instructions

Whatever the installation methods, one condition remains the same - ensuring a gap between the boards. That is why it is important to use the recommended mounting clips; their design ensures the required gap distance.

After laying and installing the finishing fasteners, the edges of the boards protruding above the joists are trimmed with a saw (the protrusion should not exceed 5 cm) and decorative end elements are installed. Before installing railings and fences, you need to rinse the deck with water from a hose and let it dry. And also check that all elements are secured.

The TerraDream company offers you a whole range of services related to decking - installation of decking boards. Qualified craftsmen of our company will carry out everything necessary measurements and free calculation when ordering material and installation from us. Moreover, we provide a long-term guarantee for all work – 18 months, and a guarantee for the materials we use – up to 25 years. We deliver our products throughout Russia.

What services and materials do we offer?

In addition to decking itself, in our company we can order the following services:

• Construction of fences and terraces from wood-polymer composite (WPC).
• Finishing and fencing of balconies.
• Design of the area around the pools.
• Making porches and steps from WPC.
• Paths and artificial beds made of wood-polymer composite.
• Welding work and use of screw piles.

Our specialists will definitely help you choose the most suitable material for your object, and will also describe in detail how your object will look after the company’s craftsmen have worked with it. By the way, examples finished works you can also see on our website.

All materials that we use and sell have quality certificates and are absolutely safe. That’s why we are not afraid to give them a 25-year guarantee.

Price installation work:

Works and services	Unit change	Price, rub.
Removing old flooring	1 m2	350
Metal frame structure	1 m2	1100
Primer of the supporting frame	1 m.p.	40
construction of a frame made of logs	1 m2	350
Installation of terrace boards, direct laying	1 m2	750
Diagonal cuts	1 m.p.	250
Radial cuts	1 m.p.	300
Installation of the end strip	1 m.p.	250
Installation of F-profile, corner	1 m.p.	200
Making steps on a finished base (concrete)	1 m.p.	2300
Manufacturing of stairs (metal frame + board)	1 m.p.	2500
Installation of fencing direct installation	1 m.p.	2000
installation of fences diagonal installation	1 m.p.	2400

Installation of decking boards

- one of the most modern finishing materials, which has excellent performance characteristics. Installation of decking boards is relevant in conditions of constant exposure to moisture, precipitation, significant thermal fluctuations and other aggressive processes. There are two types - wood and WPC (wood-polymer composite).

Most often, laying decking boards is used in open spaces. You can often find this material in the exterior country houses, swimming pools, paths, surrounding areas. You can finish a loggia, porch, veranda, balcony terrace or. All this will look good when making the right choice design.

The price of installing a terrace board and installing additional elements remains affordable to every homeowner. The cost of work is also low, even in Moscow. The purchase will not be a blow to family budget. I am pleased with the successful ratio between quality and price per m2 of installation of WPC terrace boards. We can say that it is the best on the market.

Materials

The decking board itself consists of a wood-polymer composite or solid wood. The highest quality material is made from larch. Such wood can withstand extremely long-term exposure to aggressive factors, especially moisture. But you can mount a terrace board on a base made of various materials.

Concrete

Installing decking boards on a concrete base is quite common. The most important thing in this case is to ensure high-quality waterproofing. Laying the decking board on a concrete base starts from the walls, make an indent of approximately 7 mm. Next step by step.

1. Laying deck boards on a concrete floor begins with the installation of logs. These are longitudinal guides that will strengthen the structure and reduce the load on the boards.
2. The first board is installed on a “spike” and fixed to the wall with a special fastener. There should be several fasteners in 30 cm increments.
3. Cover the joint between the board and the wall with a plinth so that the fasteners are not visible. It's best to choose quality plastic skirting boards in colour.
4. Further fastening is carried out in the grooves, you will find them on the boards. Maintain a small gap of 1-2 mm.
5. Laying decking on a concrete base ends almost the same way it begins. The final board is cut to size and attached to the wall with the same gap, covered with a color-matched baseboard.

If necessary, the boards can be trimmed hand tools. We must admit that the installation is quite complicated, a lot of experience will be useful finishing works. Installing a decking board on a concrete staircase base is even more difficult. We will talk about this in detail below.

Tree

Laying WPC decking boards on wooden joists is quite reliable way, time-tested. This is true in almost all cases. Laying decking on wooden logs is applicable when the covering needs to be placed directly on the ground, on concrete or other surface. However, the choice of a specific type of wood must be approached responsibly.

Installation of decking boards on wooden logs is carried out in accordance with the same rules as listed above. If you plan to lay wooden decking boards on outdoors, where the material will be affected by moisture, it is better to give preference to larch rather than WPC. This way, you will be sure that the coating will last for several decades without repair.

Remember that the installation of a wooden decking board must be carried out in accordance with all the rules; the final characteristics of the flooring depend on this. Keep the lag pitch short. Otherwise, any impact will lead to repair.

Metal

Installing a deck board on a metal frame is the most appropriate solution if you are installing it outdoors or on steps. The metal itself must withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and operational load.

But installing steps made of fiberboard on a metal frame is no longer such a viable solution. The fact is that a wood-polymer composite often cannot withstand the same load. Here you need to go from what will be cheaper.

Laying deck boards on a metal frame is carried out using the same technology as already described above. The rules remain the same, the main load falls on the boards, and it needs to be reduced, the pitch remains the same, so do the fastenings and methods.

Laying decking on metal joists is an excellent option for those who want to get a coating that will last for many years. With proper care, you probably won't have to replace them for several decades. The repairs will only affect the boards themselves. Laying decking boards on metal joists is not such an expensive solution. Think about the feasibility of its use.

Localization

Installation of decking boards is possible in various places: balcony, staircase, space next to the pool, paths and much more. Let's consider situations when you need to make a decking covering on a balcony or staircase.

Balcony

Installation of terrace boards on a balcony or loggia can be different. It all depends on the configuration. Unfortunately, even achievements modern technologies cannot guarantee stable temperature and humidity on the balcony. It is necessary to use different materials and approaches when open or closed type. A universal option is a weatherproof decking.

Laying deck boards on the balcony is also quite simple. You will need following materials and tools.

1. Installation of terrace boards on open balcony begins with the formation of a rigid and level base. Cement, plywood, boards, self-leveling floor are used. Decide for yourself what will be cheaper and easier.
2. Laying deck boards on an open balcony is also carried out on support logs.
3. Aluminum or wooden profiles, fastening elements, and plinths will be useful.

Laying deck boards on the balcony is done using a drill, a mallet for tightly fixing the elements, screwdrivers, levels and tape measures.

steps

Installing WPC steps is somewhat more complicated than installing a decking board on any surface.

Let us list some subtleties, without which installation is almost impossible.

1. Installation of steps from terrace boards begins with design and accurate calculation of materials. It is necessary to give the boards the desired shape. A hand saw is suitable for this.
2. For the risers you need one solid element, and for the surface of the step - 2.
3. Do not use boards shorter than 20 cm, as there is a high risk of deformation.
4. The gap between the boards should reach 1 cm.
5. The logs are mounted parallel to the descent in increments of 25-30 cm.

Laying steps from WPC - really not an easy process, it is better not to take on such work if you are not confident in your abilities, knowledge and experience. To spoil the material means sacrificing appearance or money. It is often much easier to turn to specialists.

The TerraDream company provides decking installation services in all areas of its application. We are ready to assist you on a professional level. For order details, please contact us by phone or via email. Soon the craftsmen will go to the site and perform high-quality decking at an affordable price.

And areas in front of the pool. With the help of decking, you can create an aesthetic and even coating that resembles the texture of wood. Distinctive feature decking is resistant to temperature changes and atmospheric influences. It also has increased moisture resistance. Recently, this material is increasingly used as a floor covering for saunas/baths, bathrooms, indoor swimming pools and kitchens. Laying decking with your own hands is within the capabilities of any do-it-yourselfer.

There are 2 types of coatings called decking on sale:

• Garden parquet.
• Deck/terrace boards.

Garden parquet consists of slabs square shape– 30×30 or 50×50 cm. The slab consists of two layers: the base and the front strip.

Terrace boards are no different in appearance from ordinary boards made of natural wood. Its length varies from 1.5 to 6 m. The front side of the terrace decking can be smooth or rough (anti-slip effect).

As a basis for the manufacture of decking, wood of hard valuable species such as mahogany, azobe, kumaru, teak and kempas can be used. These species grow in tropical forests, due to which they have high moisture-resistant properties by nature. True, all these valuable species they are not cheap. Due to this factor, tropical wood is often replaced with less moisture-resistant, but cheaper cedar or larch.

The wood used for decking must be suitable for outdoor use. These properties can be improved by heat treatment. Manufacturers spray the wood with hot steam in a vacuum.

After this, moisture is removed from the wooden blanks, which improves the properties of the material. It does not swell from moisture, does not turn blue over time, does not dry out in the sun, does not deform or crack. The workpiece becomes less weighty, acquires a red tint and a more even texture.

In addition, wood-polymer composite or WPC is used to make decking. This is a mixture of thermoplastic with sawmill waste (wood flour). Polymer decking has low thermal conductivity, high moisture resistance and strength. The more wood in the composition, the more the finished lamellas will resemble natural wood, and vice versa, the less wood flour in the WPC, the more it resembles plastic. As a percentage in composite material may contain from 60 to 80% wood flour.

Sometimes also called KDP liquid tree. And this name has a place in life, because due to the presence of wood flour in the composition, the material is similar in appearance to wood, but it is much more plastic.

Decking has a number of advantages, some of them are listed below:

1. By choosing decking from natural materials, you can create cozy atmosphere in the gazebo, on the terrace or dance floor, near the pool, etc.
2. The use of high technologies has made it possible to produce high-quality wood material with excellent operational properties and long service life.
3. Decking goes well with natural stone and evergreen ornamental plants, such as cypress, thuja or boxwood.
4. The decking is warm even in the evening after sunset. Therefore, in the warm season you can walk on it barefoot at any time of the day.
5. Easy care. To ensure that the decking serves you for a long time, simply open it periodically with varnish or a special compound.

The surface for flooring should be pre-cleaned and dried. It is best to install the decking on a concrete base with a slight slope to ensure water drainage after rain/snow. The lags are laid parallel to the water flow. The distance between them is 35–50 cm.

After this, decking should be laid on the joists. Lay out the board in the desired order, make sure it is laid correctly, and then attach the slats to the joists. If you are laying deck boards outdoors, for example on a deck, then leave a gap between the slats.

When laying material in a summer house/balcony, the installation technology is slightly different - the slats should be laid close to each other. Fastening should be carried out using fasteners specially designed for this purpose.

Decking will serve you for a long time only if it is installed correctly. The most common installation mistakes will be discussed below:

1. Big center distance. In order to save money, some home craftsmen increase the distance between the lags. Such actions increase the load on the decking, as a result of which it becomes deformed over time. Optimal distance between the lags is 40 cm.
2. Small gap to compensate for expansion. Decking can be extended under the influence external factors. According to research, a board with a length of 5 m can stretch 2.5 cm in just 1 year. In view of this, if you do not leave a gap between the wall and the decking, then after just a year flooring will bend in an arc.
3. Using logs made of natural wood. Not only is natural wood short-lived, but due to the different coefficients of linear expansion of materials, the decking will eventually break out of the wooden joists.
4. Failure to comply with the same orientation of the lamellas. To prevent the floor from being striped, the WPC should be laid in one direction during the flooring process. To avoid confusion, draw arrows indicating the direction of laying on the ends of the boards, if these were not specified by the manufacturer.
5. Weak fasteners. If the self-tapping screw does not fully attract the clip, the fastener will be unreliable. Solving the problem is very simple - use self-tapping screws for fastening longer length. This way, you can avoid the fact that over time the decking will start knocking on the joists.

This is where the decking installation recommendations end. If you still have questions while reading this information, we invite you to ask our expert. Would you like to comment on the article or give it a rating? Then write your comments.

Video

The provided video materials describe the features of installing decking boards:

Scheme

In the diagrams you can see some details of the decking installation:

Photo

In the provided photo gallery, you can see original use decking boards - decking:

Great popularity for finishing terraced areas, gazebos, galleries, verandas and other street extensions near individual houses is gaining so-called “garden parquet”. It is made from polymer and wood using a certain technology. The board looks like a regular one wooden beam, but its properties are in many ways superior to it.

The polymer included in the composition gives it not only strength, but also makes it practical to use. It can be coated with various protective compounds: paint or varnish. It refers to high class building materials. It is suitable for use in open spaces.

Treated in a special way during production, the timber is impervious to sudden temperature changes and does not deteriorate from humidity or exposure to sunlight. In high traffic areas, this type of finishing is in great demand.

Advantages and disadvantages of decking

Experts recommend creating a safe and practical material areas for children's games, walkways of piers and piers; a good design solution would be to use restaurants or cafeterias in the courtyards. Boards are used in the exterior decoration of building facades, but not so often.

The advantages include: environmentally friendly; service life up to 30 years; non-slip surface; pleasant to the touch and aroma of wood; possibility of self-installation.

The most big drawback decking is an expensive price.

Types of decking boards

Based on the material from which the board is made, it is divided into two types:

Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

In the production of natural wood, pine, Siberian larch, ash, and teak are used. Positive characteristics include:

• beautiful appearance;
• wide color palette;
• high resistance to mechanical defects;
• During installation, it is possible to use not only special fasteners, but also ordinary self-tapping screws, nails and other hardware.

The disadvantages include:

• periodic treatment against exposure to water and antiseptics;
• high price of the material from 2.5 thousand rubles per m 2.

The dimensions of the bars do not have standards: thickness 2-3 cm, width 10-20 cm, length 150-400 cm.

WPC is a mixture of crushed wood shavings into flour, polymers and other artificial additives. They contain no more than 1/3 of the total volume of wood.

Beams are made from nutria, hollow and solid. Sometimes during production they are fastened together, and the result is a kind of sheet of panel parquet, only for gardening.

The board is divided according to wear resistance class: household or for home use and commercial. Unlike wooden boards, the choice of colors is not so varied; there are no more than 40 in the range.

The beam has the following dimensions: thickness up to 28 millimeters, width no more than 160 mm, and length no more than 6 meters.

This board has many advantages compared to its solid wood counterpart. In addition to the beautiful and varied appearance of the surface (matte or varnished, smooth or patterned), it does not require additional protection.

It is waterproof and bugs will not get in it: termite or bark beetle. The surface does not slip, both wet and dry; resistant to high weight loads; heat-resistant (from -20 to +40); withstands cleaning with abrasive substances; for a long time service (up to 15 years).

Along with obvious positive characteristics, there are also disadvantages. As a result of long-term use, chips and dents may appear on it, and under the influence of the sun, in the summer heat, the bars may lose their shape, turn yellow or fade.

In addition, there are a lot of low-quality products in stores and it’s easy to run into them. Buy only from famous manufacturers so as not to be disappointed later!

It is very difficult to install it yourself; special equipment is required. It is cheaper than natural, but also not cheap, from 1 thousand rubles per m 2.

Based on the type of surface, decking boards are divided into three types:

By profile type:

1. beveled (planken);
2. rectangular.

The first type is suitable for cladding buildings both outside and inside. Suitable for partial and full cladding.

Has round or beveled edges. It is easy to use in installation. It hides gaps perfectly and can be installed overlapping.

Production of decking boards

The construction of private houses and cottages is popular these days. Every owner wants his home to stand out from the rest of its neighbors.

Whatever they come up with to give their structure uniqueness and zest. Therefore, foreign and domestic manufacturing companies are coming up with more and more ideas for materials for repairs.

To produce “garden parquet,” domestic companies use wood from our trees, while foreign partners, in their case, produce from tropical trees.

Only strong tree species are used for production. The technology is that the material is treated with steam at high temperatures.

Sawdust is mixed with polymer and WPC panels are made. Therefore, composite boards are cheaper than their solid wood counterparts.

How to choose?

When purchasing, give your preference to large and trusted companies:

Professionals advise paying attention in the store external condition slats. They must be even along their entire length, avoid waves, bends, and distortions. Burrs and chips on the cut are not acceptable. Not quality timber makes it difficult to install.

Fasteners for decking boards

A presentable appearance depends on how and with what the planks are fastened together. You can simply nail them with regular nails, but the end result will disappoint you.

Hidden fasteners are the most effective and look aesthetically pleasing. The concept itself means that all fastenings will be inside, and not in front of your eyes. There are two known fastening technologies: open method and closed method.

The open method is simple, in which the timber is attached to the joists using wood screws. But there are a number of inconveniences:

Well, it just looks ugly visually. If the nail heads are not sunk into the wood, the sharp edges can cause injury.

The closed method is more preferable, in which the fasteners are hidden and are not conspicuous as with the first method. Depending on the ends of the board, types of fastenings are divided into:

Connections with spikes are divided into two options:

1. The “key” fastener is similar in appearance to the attribute that opens the lock. It is made from of stainless steel. It is suitable for fastening boards more than 2 cm thick. If it is thinner than the specified parameters, then this connection will split the plank.
2. Gvozdek (GvozDECK) fasteners are used for natural products. It is made of stainless steel and can be used for boards of any thickness.

This mount has the following advantages:

• the connection will not weaken or rust even after a long time;
• the decking board lays flat and tight;
• install quickly and easily;
• one product attracts two strips at once.

Groove fasteners are “Omega”, “crab”, and “bridge”. They are attached with self-tapping screws to the joists and are designed in such a way that the flooring is assembled without any damage to the beam itself.

There are clip corners for the first and last stripes. This element presses only one board and is closed at the end with a decorative strip. All fittings are also made of stainless steel, so they do not corrode over time.

The following “Snake” fastener connection for products with beveled edges allows you to achieve a smooth, even floor. Externally, it is a plate with holes for fixation.

Mainly used for hardwood decking, pool surfaces and facade finishing buildings.

During the creation of the structure, up to six boards are assembled onto the snake and the resulting “shield” is attached to the logs. It has one limiter that provides ventilation between the two slats.

Do-it-yourself installation of natural decking boards

Tools and materials

For installation work, regardless of the connection option and choice of material, you need to think about the basic tools:

Preparation for work

It is necessary to take into account the requirements before starting work. There must be a gap of at least 10 mm between the wall and the finished plane. When joining boards along the length, a gap is required depending on the length of the plank.

When working with natural wood, the unpacked planks should be allowed to rest in the air. From the very beginning, decide how you will construct the deck: closed or open.

In the case where the self-tapping screws are screwed directly into the joists through the timber, first make holes according to the markings and then screw it to the joists. If you use a hidden one, prepare fasteners with anti-corrosion coating. Next, the soil is leveled and compacted.

Frame assembly

After completing the preparatory operations, it is necessary to mount the base for fastening the planks. A layer 10-12 centimeters thick of crushed stone or gravel is poured. Next, a five-centimeter sand cushion is poured. A reinforcing mesh is laid on top of the sand. Concrete is poured or concrete slabs are laid.

The basis can be wooden logs, metal beams or a concrete screed with a thickness of at least 4 centimeters.

When choosing tree supports, it is better to give preference to those whose humidity is at least 25% and for the production of which softwood raw materials were used.

To keep the base stationary, we secure it with special supports that can be adjusted. Logs are placed on them perpendicular to the length of the decking.

The distance between the joists depends on how you lay the “garden parquet”:

They are placed parallel to each other. It must be secured with galvanized brackets. If you plan to use the flooring not under a canopy, then treat the frame with an antiseptic solution.

The concrete or cement base must be treated with bitumen. To protect against unauthorized growth of grasses through the laid decking, treat the base surface with a special solution.

Before fixing the timber, think about a system that will drain water. It is better if the base is slightly sloped, then moisture will not accumulate either at the top or at the bottom.

Installation of WPC in a closed way using naildeck classic fasteners

1. We attach the first beam to the support with self-tapping screws as in open version assemblies. Then along the long end we screw the clamps to the frame at an angle of 45-60 degrees. We tap the bar to the fasteners. It is important to note that there should be a gap of 1 cm between the structure and the edge of the board.
2. We attach the second one to the first fixed parquet element on which the clamps are installed. When working with Russian, use a rubber hammer to avoid damaging decorative surface. We collect the entire canvas in this way. We must attach the last board with self-tapping screws.
3. Finally, we close the edges of the flooring with plugs.

Features of installing decking made of natural wood

• "Key" method. The first fastening element is fixed to the frame and the first strip. Remember, no matter what type of fastener it is, the first and last beams are always attached to the joists in an open way with self-tapping screws. The second beam is attached to the tenon of the first fastening and knocked to the first board with a hammer. And so on until the last bar.
• GvozDECK method. Unlike the key method, the beam is fixed to the frame with two self-tapping screws. The protruding tenons are attached to the next board.

Closing events

After laying the last beam, it is necessary to decorate all open ends and edges with special strips, which are attached using holders or self-tapping screws.

The last step is to treat the wood with a hydrophobic solution that is wear-resistant. Frost-resistant oils, enamels or wax are suitable for this. If the room is heated, then regular parquet varnish will be suitable for coating.

After processing the plane, try not to load it for 5 days. After this, the flooring is ready for long-term use.

Errors at work

When installing decking yourself, there is a high probability of making mistakes. To prevent them from happening, let’s look at the most common ones.

Firstly, not maintaining the gaps between the planks, as well as between the wall and the mounted surface. As a result, a brand new laid “garden parquet” may soon become deformed. Strong twisting of hardware can also lead to external defects.

Secondly, improper drainage for water or lack thereof. The result is rotting of the boards from water accumulated in the joists.

From the wide variety of materials on the market, choose a proven brand. High quality board– the key to long service life and maintaining an attractive appearance.

Even a beginner can handle the installation of such parquet for the garden. Thanks to our article, you now understand the variety of decking, know and understand installation methods, and see the difference in the types of fastenings. I hope this information will help you achieve your dream renovation!