How to Build: Composite Decking and Decking Railings

Before You Begin

If you use a solid wooden frame which made of pressure-treated lumber. Here’s is how to install composite decking and deck railings.

• • Mounting the Railing Posts
  • Installing the Decking
  • Installing the Railings

 

 

Mounting the Railing Posts

For composite decks, mount the posts to the inside of the joists.

(Refer: https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/build-a-deck-composite-decking-and-railings)

Step1: Calculate the Number of Posts Needed You should have posts by the house, at outer corners and at the top of the stairs. Measure the distance between two corner posts and divide by the distance allowed between posts. Round up to the nearest whole number, then subtract 1.	Step2: Cut the Posts Cut the posts to length according to your plan and local codes. The bottom ends of the posts will be flush with the bottom edges of the rim and end joists.	Step 3: Reinforce With Bracing Along the end joists, use deck screws to attach extra bracing between the floor joists and end joists to mount the anchors. Cut the bracing from the same lumber you used for the joists.	Step 4: Install the Posts Along the End Joist Begin installing posts along an end joist. Screw a post in place, making sure it’s plumb and extends to the bottom of the joist.

Step 5: Mark the Center Point of the Joist Mark the joist at the center of the post.	Step 6: Drill the Bolt Holes At the marks, drill two bolt holes through the end joist and post.	Step 7: Insert the Carriage Bolt and Position the Anchor Insert the carriage bolt in the top hole, place the anchor and tighten the nut and washer.	Step 8: Attach the Anchor Attach the anchor to the bracing with screws.

Step 9: Insert the Second Carriage Bolt Secure a second bolt through the bottom hole. Each post should have two carriage bolts, but will only need one anchor.	Step10: Attach the Back Anchor Attach an anchor on the back of the bracing for added strength. Continue installing posts one by one.	Step11: Install Posts in the Corners For posts in the corners, add bracing around the post and secure it with anchors. Again, cut the bracing from the same material you used for the joists.	Step12: Brace the Rim Joist Along the rim joist, add similar bracing behind the posts with screws and corner brackets, then secure the posts with carriage bolts.

Installing the Decking

Once all the posts are secured you can install the decking. For a cleaner look, use hidden deck clips and grooved composite boards. If you deck will have parting boards running down the middle, install decking on either side of the bracing you installed to support them. You’ll trim the decking before installing the parting boards.

Step1: Fix the Starter Clips Starting near the house side of the deck, use screws to fix the starter clips flush with the rim joist.	Step2: Lay the First Board Push the first deck board into the starter clips to fix.	Step3: Insert the Clips At every joist, insert a plastic clip (or stainless-steel clip) fully into the board’s groove and secure with screws.	Step4: Continue Installing the Boards Install the boards one by one.

Step5: Lay the Last Board Cut size and set the board in place and attach with composite decking screws. Later you can cover the cut edge with a fascia board.	Step6: Trim the Boards To trim the deck boards to length, snap a chalk line along the end joist and cut along the line with a circular saw.	Step7: Install the Parting Boards At the center of the deck, trim the decking to fit the parting boards.	Step8: Secure the Parting Boards Secure the parting boards in place with composite decking screws.

Installing the Railings

With the decking complete, it’s time to assemble and install the railings.

 

 

Bongywood Wood Plastic Composite

Guangdong Bangying New Building Materials Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) materials, our products include composite decking, capped composite decking, WPC Wall Panel, WPC Railing & Fencing, WPC Pergola & Gazebo, WPC Chairs & Bench, WPC Flower Planter Pots, etc.

 

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