Premier Decking - Deck Board Installation Guide
A Premier composite deck can be built as easily as a wood deck, and with the same conventional cutting and fastening tools.
BASIC USES: Premier decking is designed for decks, porches, boardwalks, docks and similar applications. These planks can also be used for many
conventional wood applications where a non-load bearing member is required.
LIMITATIONS: Premier decking is non-structural and has a lower modulus of elasticity than wood, and thus is more flexible. Therefore, this product
should never be used as joists, beams, studs, columns or stringers and should only be used as a decorative surface finish.
CUTTING: Premier decking cuts and drills very cleanly because there are no knots. Carbide saw blades provide the best results, although regular
saws can be used with similar effectiveness. A carbide-tip blade works best.
DRILLING: We recommend use of screws specifically designed for wood composite decking. These screws may not require pre-drilling.
For standard deck screws pre-drilling is recommended.
NAILS OR SCREWS: Because Premier decking is extremely dense, we recommend installations be made using deck screws.
Specialty screws such as PAM Fastening's Composite Screw are available.
We do NOT
recommend using nails or nail guns. For best results pre-drill all holes and use standard #8 x 2-1/2" deck screws. (See Figure 1)
Pre-drilling may not be necessary if using special wood composite deck screws such as TrapEase™ screws from FastenMaster™ .
For more information visit www.fastenmaster.com or call 1-800-518-3569. On deck board ends pre-drill at least 1" from the end of the board.
TIP: Slightly angling holes toward the joist may give best results for fastening. Underdeck attachments may also be used (See Figure 2).
 
FASTENING: For proper screw installation screw heads should be no more than 1/16" below the surface of the deck board. Adjust the clutch
on the drill to obtain the desired depth of screw head. Be careful not to over torque to avoid driving the screw all the way through the board.
Premier decking also works well with many commercially available hidden fastener systems such as Shadoe Track® (800-459-5252) or
Deckmaster® (800-723-1246). (Figure 2) Caution must be used to avoid over-tightening fasteners within 1" of the board end. Excess tightening
may cause immediate or eventual cracking of the board end. Check manufacturer’s recommendations for specific installation for composite
decking materials.
PLANK SPACING: Longitudinal gapping is required for joining Premier decking from end to end. The size of the gap depends on the length of the
boards, the temperature, and the highest anticipated temperature in the local area. A minimum gap of 1/8" between boards is usually sufficient.
Approximately 1/16" is required for every 20° difference between the temperature during installation and the highest expected temperature in the
area. Begin construction of your deck on an average day temperature in your local area. Use double joists for butt joint.
JOIST SPACING: Install on joists spaced up to 16" on center for residential applications and up to 12" on center for most commercial applications.
DRAINAGE: Premier deck board should be spaced approximately 1/8" to 3/16" apart to allow for drainage, ventilation and the natural expansion and
contraction of the sub-structure. Slope the deck slightly (1/16" per foot) away from dwelling for positive drainage.
EDGE FINISHING: When all of the boards have been installed, snap a chalk line across the overhanging boards. Using a circular saw, trim any
excess boards. Use carbide-tip blades for best results. After being trimmed, the composite boards will have a smooth finish and need no sanding
or finishing work. Do not allow the boards to hang more than 2" over the rim joist.
TIP: For a nice clean finish use router with a 1/4" to 1/2" bit to bevel the ends
THERMAL EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION: The following table shows the change in profile length (in inches) due to thermal expansion and
contraction.
Disclaimer: It is important to note that all composite and plastic-based products will experience some degree of expansion and contraction with changes in
temperature. Longer boards will experience a greater amount of expansion and contraction than shorter boards. Please note that the above chart lists average
expansion/contraction rates. Actual expansion/contraction for individual boards may vary.
STAIR TREAD INSTALLATION: When using Premier decking as stair treads, follow local building codes especially as they pertain to
sub-structure of staircase. Follow building code for allowable rise run, bull-nose landings and overhang.
Stair stringers should not exceed 16" on center. After securing the rise, the deck board should have a 1/8" space from the rise.
Between stair treads, also leave 1/8" space.
COLOR VARIATION: Occasional color tone variations are normal due to natural color variations in the wood fiber and plastics. Premier decking
will lighten over time to a beautiful weathered tone. This color shift is dependent on exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors.
The weathering process begins upon installation and in most cases, will be complete within 60-90 days.
STORAGE: Planks should be supported every 24" when stored. All wood composite decking that is stored uncovered, is subject to staining on the
board surface. Rainfall accumulates between the boards and cannot evaporate. Material at the job site should be stored under cover to prevent
rainwater from collecting between the board surfaces. Once installed, this is not an issue as proper drainage and evaporation of water occurs.
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