Pre-Installation WeatherBest® Composite Decking Installation

Pre-Installation
Some simple
cleaning tips...
A few things you should know about
WeatherBest® Decking...
Characteristics
• Warranted not to rot, WeatherBest® has superior weathering qualities compared to wood. It resists splitting,
checking and splintering. It has no knots to fall out.
• Like wood, as it weathers WeatherBest® Premium decking will lighten a bit over time, but generally keeps close to
its original shade.
• Minor surface scratches will weather over time to match the deck boards and will not affect the beauty of the deck.
• Mold and mildew may occur on any outdoor building material. Keep deck free of dirt and grime with periodic rinsing,
and if necessary, use a mild bleach solution or deck cleaner.
•There will be a slight color variation between boards. Before you fasten them down, lay the boards out to be sure
you get the color mix that’s right for you.
• WeatherBest Premium Grain decking is reversible and may be installed with either side facing up. WeatherBest
Deep Grain decking is a single side board and should be installed with the embossed, wood-grain side up.
General Construction Notes
• WeatherBest® decking, railing components, and fascia board must not be used as a component in a truss,
structural diaphragm or interior framing application for joist, rafters, studs, beams, columns and posts. Consult with
your state and local authorities in your area regarding building codes and regulations.
• WeatherBest® decking cuts, drills and installs similar to wood. Use standard tools and standard carbide-tipped saw
blades, too. (A carbide-tip blade with two teeth per inch works well.)
• Post centers must be 72” maximum for WeatherBest® Premium Grain railings. Where substructure posts have
a greater spacing, additional posts may be required to meet the spacing requirements for the railing. Additional
support posts may be installed easier before deck boards are installed.
• Use a minimum spacing (3/16”) between boards and (1/8”) at butt joints per installation instructions.
• We recommend the use of #8 x 2-1/2” stainless steel flat head screws (for exterior use). They are available in
most markets. Two screws must be installed in a deck board at every joist location. All instructions concerning
screw installation, pilot hole size, and screw spacing is based on using #8 x 2-1/2” or 3” stainless steel screws.
Use of other mechanical fasteners is beyond the scope of these instructions and the evaluation code report.
Please note that other mechanical fasteners may perform well with our products but they have not been
evaluated, hence no instructions have been provided.
• When applying screws, the wood fibers may “mushroom” out from the hole. Simply hammer this lightly to cover the
deck screw. Although it is not required on decking, pre-drilling 1/8” dia. holes with a countersink will eliminate the
mushrooming and provide a cleaner, more attractive installation, and is highly recommended. You should always
predrill the end of each board with a 1/8” bit no closer that 1” from the edge to prevent chipping or splitting.
Deal with any stains quickly.
Don’t allow them to penetrate
the deck or railing surface
or bake on under direct sun.
Unfortunately, grease will stain
any surface. Keep a barbecue
grill a safe distance from the
railing and on a splatter guard.
Periodically wash down your
deck and railing with a hose
even if it looks clean.This
prevents the buildup of pollen
and other airborne pollutants
that promote mold and mildew
growth.
Deep Grain Available Components and Actual Size
Deck Board
0.918” x 5.00”
Premium Available Components and Actual Size
A
Deck Board
0.910” x 5.400”
Stair Tread/Railing
3.340” x 1.420”
Phosphoric Acid Cleaners:
rust stains from metal
furniture, etc.
C
Solid Baluster
1.375” x 1.375”
Commercial Degreasers:
grease and oil stains.
Spot Removers/Thinners:
use sparingly on particularly
stubborn grease or oil stains.
(They should be washed off
quickly with water, as they
can affect the embossed grain
pattern.)
Commercial Pressure
Washers:
ground-in dirt and mold or
mildew stains (test with a low
PSI first).
D
WB40205IN 2/06
Screws
E
Post Sleeve
3.700” x 3.700”
(I.D.)
F
Matching Post Cap
4.700”x 4.700” (I.D.)
Weatherbest is a trademark of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. © 2006 Louisiana-Pacific
Corporation. All rights reserved. LP is a licensee of the Strandex Corporation. Strandex
is a registered trademark of Strandex Corporation.
Stair Tread (3 options)
Stair rail option A
Deck board option C
12” Joist spacing when beck boards are diagonal
WeatherBest decking boards are intended
to be installed on joists spaced up to 16
inches on center for residential applications.
Reduce spacing to 12 inches when applying
boards diagonally up to 45°.
Deck Board Spacing
A minimum gap of 3/16” between boards
is required for drainage of water or melting
snow and ice.
Butt joints must be spaced at least 1/8”
apart. However a larger gap may be
necessary, a good estimate is to allow 1/16”
for every 20 degree (F) difference between
the temperature during installation and the
highest temperature expected where the
deck is being installed. This will allow for
expansion during temperature changes.
Screws at ends of boards must be no
closer that 1” to the end. A lumber support
board (blocking or double joist) must to be
used to support the end of one board and
accommodate the required screw spacing.
Do not toe nail or screw on an angle.
Deck board option B
Deck boards or stair tread rails can be used for stair treads.
If deck boards are used refer to option B or C. When using
deck boards or stair rails, a 3/16” gap must be left between
the boards. Fascia boards must not be used as stair treads
or deck boards.
Joist Spacing
Butt Joint Spacing
www.weatherbest.com 1.888.820.0325
As with all construction projects, there are certain hazards involved with the operation of tools and
ladders. Using tools with respect and caution will considerably lessen the possibility of personal injury.
However, if normal safety precautions are overlooked or ignored, personal injury to the operator may
result. REMEMBER: Your personal safety is your responsibility.
If using WeatherBest Premium Grade deck
boards, either side may be installed in
the “up” position (wood grain or brushed
surface). When using WeatherBest Deep
Grain deck boards, only the side displaying
an embossed wood grain should be installed
in the “up” position. The reverse side is not
intended to be used in the “up” position.
Fascia Board
0.490” x 5.900”
• Pre-drilled holes are required for all railing installations.
Please Note:
Deck Boards
See General Construction Notes on Page 1.
B
Deck Washes:
normal dirt and grime, and
minor mold and mildew stains.
WeatherBest® Composite Decking Installation
Using WeatherBest Fascia to
Trim Edges/Stairs
Joist and deck board spacing
The fascia board is merely a decorative cover;
it must not be used as a deck board or stair
tread. When installing the fascia board, use
a #8 x 2-1/2” stainless steel screw. See the
fascia board schematic for the correct screw
spacing...leave a minimum 1/8” gap between
fascia boards and the house or other decking.
Edge Finishing
Butt joint spacing
When all of the boards have been installed, snap
a chalk line across the overhanging boards.
Using a circular saw, trim any excess boards. We
recommend using carbide-tip blades for the best
results. After being trimmed, the composite boards
will have a smooth finish and need no additional
sanding or finishing work. Do not allow the boards
to hang more than 2” over the rim joist.