A few things you should know about WeatherBest Deckingtarheelwoodtreatingcompany.com/privateold/installation/weatherBest... · the deck boards and will not affect the beauty of the

Characteristics• Warranted not to rot, WeatherBest® products have

superior weathering qualities compared to wood. They resist splitting, checking and splintering. There are no knots to fall out.

• Like wood, WeatherBest® decking will lighten a bit over time as it weathers, but generally remains 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 your customer prefers.

• WeatherBest® Premium Grain and Tropical decking is reversible and may be installed with either side facing up.

Pre-Installation

A few things you should know about WeatherBest® Decking...

Please Note: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.

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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 joists, rafters, studs, beams, columns and posts. Consult with state and local authorities in your area regarding building codes and regulations.

• WeatherBest® decking cuts, drills and installs similarly to wood. Use standard tools and standard carbide-tipped saw blades, too. (A carbide-tip blade with two teeth per inch works well.)

• Refer to the instructions on Page 12 for woodgrain post requirements (6’ centers). Where substructure posts have greater spacing, additional posts may be required to meet the spacing requirements for the railing. Additional support posts may be installed more easily before deck boards are installed.

• Use a minimum spacing (3/16”) between boards and (1/8”) at butt joints per installation instructions.

• When face fastening WeatherBest Decking, we recommend 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 are based on using #8 x 2-1/2” or 3” stainless steel screws.

• For hidden fastener applications, we recommend the Phantom™ Hidden Deck Fastener. The Phantom™ Fastener was designed expressly for the lateral deck grooves in each WeatherBest® GV option board. Detailed instructions on the proper usage of Phantom™ Fasteners is included in this booklet.

• When installing WeatherBest® decking products, you have multiple choices in fastening systems. Several products have been tested. The results can be found in a Technical Bulletin on www.weatherbest.com. Before using specialty screws or hidden fastener systems, check with your local building code authorities. In some areas, there are specific requirements for screw pull-through capacity and wind uplift resistance capacity, especially in locations that are known for hurricanes and tornadoes. Only your local building authority can determine if your chosen fastener is adequate.

Follow the WeatherBest® installation instructions and those of the fastening system manufacturer when using specialty or hidden fasteners. WeatherBest® does not guarantee the durability or long-term performance of any mechanical or hidden fastener. Contact the fastener manufacturer for detailed instructions.

• When applying screws, the wood fibers may “mushroom” out from the hole. Simply hammer them 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 pre-drill the end of each board with a 1/8” bit no closer than 1” from the edge to prevent chipping or splitting.

• Pre-drilled holes are required for all railing installations.

Pre-Installation (Continued)

2

Deck BoardsIf using WeatherBest® Premium Grain deck boards, either side may be installed in the “up” position (woodgrain or brushed surface). WeatherBest® WeatherBest Tropical Decking is also a fully reversible board, so either side may be installed in the “up” position.

ScrewsSee General Construction Notes on Page 8 or see Technical Bulletin online at www.weatherbest.com

Joist SpacingWeatherBest® decking boards are intended to be installed on joists spaced up to 16“ on center for residential applications. Reduce spacing to 12“ when applying boards diagonally up to 45°.

Deck Board SpacingA minimum gap of 3/16” between boards is required for drainage of water or melting snow and ice.

Butt Joint SpacingButt joints must be spaced at least 1/8” apart. However, since a larger gap may be necessary, a good estimate is to allow 1/16” for every 20° 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 than 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 toenail or screw at an angle.

InstallationWeatherBest® Composite Decking

12” Joist spacing when deck boards are diagonal

Joist and deck board spacing

3/16" Min.Between DeckBoards seeinstructions

2" Max.Overhang

3/4" Max.Overhang

Screws at least1” from end ofDeck Board

16” O.C. JoistSpacing Max.,12” Max. whenDeck Boards on Angle

12" to ground minimum. Check yourlocal codes, they may rewquire more!

Support boardwhere twoends meet

Screws atleast 1” fromend of DeckBoard 1/8" Min. Between

ends of Deck Boardssee instructions

DONOTscrewat anangle

Butt joint spacing

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Using WeatherBest® Fascia to Trim Edges/StairsThe 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 #8 x 2-1/2” stainless steel screws. See the fascia board schematic on page 11 for the correct screw spacing; leave a minimum 1/8” gap between fascia boards and the house or other decking.

Stair Tread (3 options)

Stair rail option A

Deck Board Option B

Stair riser

3/16" Min. Betweendeck boards

Screws at least 1"from end of deckboard

9"

9"

9"

9"

Deck Board Option C

12"

12"

12"

Stair riser

2 x 4 x Treadwidth-woodblocking

3/16" Min. Betweendeck boards

Screws at least 1"from end of deckboard

18"Stair riser

3/16" Min. Betweenstair tread rails

Screws at least 1"from end of rail

18"

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.

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Fascia Board Installation

The fascia board can be attached to various rim joist sizes. The width of the fascia board is designed for a 2 x 12 wood joist size. For smaller sizes (e.g., 2 x 10, 2 x 8 and 2 x 6), the board must be trimmed to be flush with the wood joist.

Recommendations1. Two people are needed for installation due to weight of materials. 2. During installation, if possible, clamp the fascia board in place when pre-drilling and securing with screws (e.g., #8 x 2”, stainless steel).

Caution:Screw spacing along the length of the board must be 16” or LESS. This helps minimize the occurrence of buckling of the board. As with most fascia products, some bowing (or buckling) of the fascia board may occur. Spacing between the fascia boards and deck boards must be at least an 1/8” minimum.

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Prior to installation consult building code requirements for proper installation. Local building codes supersede any and all recommendations in the following guide. Before installing GV (Grooved) decking, thoroughly review the installation instructions.

Structural joists should be spaced no more than 16” on center for most residential applications and no more than 12” on center for commercial uses (fig. 1). For best results, double joist any end to end seam. If applying deck boards diagonally across joist, the joist spacing should be reduced by 4”. All GV (Grooved) decking is intended for deck surface only not for structural members.

To accommodate normal expansion/contraction and proper drainage, leave a 3/16” space between each parallel deck board and 1/8” between each end-to-end seam. A 1/4” space should be left between the deck board and any permanent structure or post (fig. 2).

GV (Grooved) boards are not recommended for stair tread applications.

Initial installation of deck boards1. Position the first deck board on the support joists. Leave a

1/4” gap from any permanent structure (fig. 2).

2. Pre-drill the first deck board with a 1/8” drill along the outside edge of the board at every support joist. To prevent cracking of the board the holes at the end of the board should be a minimum of 1-1/2” from the end. The holes along the grooved edge of the board should be a minimum of 1” from the edge.

3. Secure the first deck board by fastening a #10 x 2-1/4” long stainless steel deck screw in each pre-drilled hole. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE SCREWS.

4. Insert a Phantom™ fastener into the side channel of the board at every support joist (pronged end first). Pronged end should engage the deck board by a minimum of 5/16” (fig. 3a). Center the screw hole on the joist.

5. Install a screw (provided with the fasteners) through the hole in the Phantom™ fastener into the center of each support joist. Angle the fastener toward the first deck board (fig. 3a). DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE SCREWS.

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InstallationWeatherBest® Composite Decking(Phantom™ Hidden Fasteners) Structural Joist (added to support end-to-end seam)

16” O.C.*

* Typical residential joist spacing. 12” O.C. for commercial applications Always check local codes before construction.

Structural Joist

Structural Joist

Stru

ctu

ral J

ois

t

Stru

ctu

ral J

ois

t

Stru

ctu

ral J

ois

t

Wal

l or

oth

er p

erm

anen

t st

ruct

ure

.

Figure 1: Preparation

Stru

ctu

ral J

ois

t

Wal

l or

oth

er p

erm

anen

t st

ruct

ure

.

Figure 2: First Board

Phantom™ Fastener

1/4”

1”

1-1/2”

Fastener

1/8”

DeckBoard

l Be sure fasteners are fully seated into each board to ensure even spacing.

l Locate next slotted board against the fastener tabs.

l Slightly lift the outer edge of the board and slide over fastener tabs.

l Slide fastener into side channel of decking board at every support joist.

l Install screw provided through fastener hole into each support joist.

Figure 3: Installation Insert pronged tab into fixed board.

5/16” engagement

a

b

c

3/16” gap

Stru

ctu

ral J

ois

t

Wal

l or

oth

er p

erm

anen

t st

ruct

ure

.

Figure 5: Last Board

scra

p b

oar

d

3/16”

1”

1-1/2”

1/8”DeckBoard

Stru

ctu

ral J

ois

t

Wal

l or

oth

er p

erm

anen

t st

ruct

ure

.

Figure 4: Maintain Gapping

DeckBoard

3/16”

1/8”

6. Position the next deck board against the fastener tabs and slide the board onto the tabs. If necessary, slightly lift the outer edge of the board to ease the assembly of the board onto the fastener tabs (fig. 3b). When installed properly the fastener will ensure a 3/16” gap (fig. 3c).

7. Repeat steps 4 - 6 for each deck board.

8. Position the final deck board onto the last set of Phantom™ fasteners. Ensuring a consistent gap between boards (fig. 4), predrill the final deck board with a 1/8” drill along the outside edge of the board at every support joist. The holes at the end of the board should be a minimum of 1-1/2” from the end. The holes along the grooved edge of the board should be a minimum of 1” from the edge (fig. 5).

9. Secure the final deck board by fastening a #10 x 2-1/4” long stainless steel deck screw in each pre-drilled hole. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE SCREWS

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Cut Here

Remove center cut out

Remove side pieces

Figure 6: Removing Board

1/8”

New Board

3/16”

Engagefastener tabs intoside deckchannel

Figure 7: Replacing Board

Figure 6a

Cut Here

Trim tabs fromfasteners with

exposed screwsonly.

Deck Board Replacement

1. Make two parallel cuts down the center of the board to be replaced. Remove the center section from the board (fig.6).

2. Remove the remaining two pieces from the tabs of the corresponding hidden fasteners.

3. With a reciprocating saw, remove the tabs on the fasteners which have the screw showing (fig. 6a).

4. Position the new deck board onto the remaining tabs (fig. 7).

5. Ensuring a consistent 3/16” gap between boards, predrill a 1/8” hole along the unfastened edge at every support joist.

6. Secure the board by fastening a #10 x 2-1/4” long stainless steel deck screw in each pre-drilled hole.

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Colors have been used in the following instructions to help identify the parts in the drawings and the material used to make them.

Top BoardDeck Board

Post SleevePost Sleeve over

Lumber

Horiz. RailsStair Tread/Rail Stock

SupportsStair Tread/Rail Stock

BalusterSolid Baluster

Stock

Outside Design A

The railings can be built and installed for outside mounting on the railing posts (A) or inset between the railing posts (B). If you don’t want the posts extending above the rail, you can modify the Inset Design (B). In this installation, the posts are cut shorter so that the railing top boards cover the posts.

In both cases, the railing height does not exceed the 42” maximum.The illustrations below are views from on the deck. Remember, you must pre-drill all screw holes.

With Post Caps Without Post Caps

1/8" Min. clearanceat Post

PostTopBoard

TopBoardTop boards

flush at post corner

1/8" Min.clearance

around Post

Post

Top boardsextended

Rails extended

Handling outside corners

Handling outside corners

Inset Design B

InstallationWeatherBest® Premium Grain Railing

Also available: Diamond White™ co-extruded composite railing that will not rot or peel. For installation instructions, please visit www.weatherbest.com.

9

Railing Post &Sleeve Installation

4 x 4 wood posts should be located at a maximum of 72” on center. They must be completely boxed in for support on all four sides. The post must be long enough to reach from the bottom of the joist through the deck planking and extend 45” above the top of planking. This will result in posts extending above the railing and being “capped.” The inset railing (Design B) can be mounted to offer a no-cap installation; this will reduce the post height above the planking to 41”. After posts are mounted, cut post sleeve to length and slide over posts.

5"

Center of Post to Center of Post less 1/8” (71-7/8” for 6’ Centers)

Find Center, Mark it and every 5” (6 times) toward each end

45"(41" Design B“no Caps”)

Rim Joist

Railing Post

Deck Board

2 Carriage Bolts, Nuts &Washers in both Directions

Rim Joist Joist

Joist

SLEE

VE

Figure 1Assemble Railing

Measure distance between posts center to center. Cut two pieces of rail to this length, less 1/8” (Fig. 1). Position the two horizontal rails side by side. Locate Baluster centers and mark on both rails. The 6’ rail will have 13 Balusters, starting from the center with the last Baluster being about 6” from the ends. Cut Balusters to 39” long (it will take 13 Balusters for a 6’ span). Balusters should be positioned every 5” on center. Lay down the rails; position Balusters on marks (next page, Fig. 2). Each Baluster will be attached at both ends to the rails with two screws. End screws must be at least 1” from end of Baluster. Use a square to line up and hold each Baluster as you pre-drill the screw hole and install the screws.

Step

1

Step

2

For Step 2 go below for Outside Mount (A) or to page 15 for Inset Mount (B)

Deck Boards not shown to expose detail

Assemble & MountOutside Rail (Design A)

10

Attach Assembled RailingCut two pieces of rail 2” long. These Crush Blocks are installed to support the bottom of the railing at equal intervals between posts. Use one screw to secure each block to the Deck Board. Position railing on Crush Blocks with horizontal rails on outside face of posts (Fig. 3). Center horizontal rails so that ends align with center of post. Align rail, level and clamp in place. At each rail end, drill and secure with two (3”) screws 3/4” in from edges. Cut two pieces of rail at 3-3/8” long. One goes on each post, level with the top rail to support the end of the top board.

Step

3

Step

4 Install Top BoardCut top board to length of top rail. Notch the top board (Fig. 4) on both ends. Position top board on railing. It should extend just over the top rail edge and have a 1/8” gap to post on both sides (Fig. 5). Clamp in place; secure to top rail by pre-drilling hole and installing screws 3/4” in from each end and then every 12” to the center of the top rail. Install post caps.

Figure 5

POST

out

side

Crush Blocks, screwed todeck board under horizontalbottom rail. Install 2 blocksevenly spaced betweenposts.

Outside of Deck

Top view of Post

Top Board Support (3-3/8”)flush with top of Top Rail and outside corner of Postattach with 2 (3”) Screwsboth posts

POST

out

side

2 (3") Screws ateach end 3/4” infrom end

Post

Railing Rail

Rail outside edge

Post

1/8" Minimum clearance around Post

2-7/16"

1-9/16"

Notch both ends

Length of Top Board

Top view of Postand Top Board

POST

out

side

Outside of Deck

POST

out

side

1/8" Min. clearancearound Post

Post

Screws (2-1/2")at each end 3/4”in from end and every 12” into toprail

Top view of Postand Top Board

2 Screws at each end 1" Min. from end

Center on mark

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Installation (Continued)

11

Cut two pieces of rail to 39”, mark them for holes as shown in figure 6. Cut two pieces of rail 2” long; these Crush Blocks will be installed to support the bottom of the railing. You will temporarily use them to vertically locate the support rails on the post. Position Crush Block and rail support against side of post as shown (Fig. 7). Locate and drill eight holes through rail and into post. Secure with (3”) screws. Install second rail to other post.

The following instructions illustrate mounting the railing with support posts extending above the rail top board and capped. The posts can be cut shorter (41” above deck boards) so that railing is flush with top of posts. The top board flows over rails onto posts, eliminating caps. For this second version, the rail (same construction as below) is vertically mounted flush with the top of the post. The top board is then placed from post to post.

No Caps Installation

39"

10"

4"

10"

4"

3/4"

1-1/2"

Railing Rai l

This edge (3/4” row of holes) always faces the railing

Top view of Post and support

This edge (1-1/2" row of holes) always aligns with the outside of the post

Post

Drill holes, attach with(3”) screws at markedlocations

ith

POST

insid

e

Use Crush Block (2”piece) to locate verticalposition of support.Remove after SupportattachedInside of Deck

Support (edge with1-1/2” row of holes)flush with inside of Post

Figure 7

Step

2

Assemble & Mount Inset Rail (Design B)

Cut and InstallSupport Rail

Figure 6

12

2 Screws at each end 1" Min. from end

Center on mark

Figure 9

5"

Inside of Post to Inside of Post less 1/4" (67" for Posts on 6' Centers)

Find Center, Mark it and ever 5" (6 times) toward each end.

Figure 8

Assemble RailingMeasure distance between inside of posts. Cut two pieces of side rail to this length less 1/4” (Fig. 8). Cut Balusters to 37-1/2” long (it will take 13 Balusters for a 6’ span). Balusters should be positioned every 5” on center. Position the two horizontal rails side by side. Locate Baluster centers and mark on both rails. The 6’ rail would have 13 Balusters starting from the center. Lay down the rails; position Balusters on marks (Fig. 9). Each Baluster will be attached to the rails with two screws at each end. End screws must be at least 1” from end of Baluster. Use a square to line up and hold each Baluster as you pre-drill the screw hole and install the screws.

Step

3

Installation (Continued)

13

Step

5 Install Top BoardCut top board to length of top rail (Fig. 11). Position top board on railing (Fig. 12). Clamp in place, secure to top rail by pre-drilling hole and installing screws 3/4” in from each end and then every 12” to the center of the top board. Install post caps.

Length of Top Rail

Post

1/8" Minimum clearance around Post

Top view of Post and Top Board

POST

out

side

Outside of Deck

POST

out

side

Post

Railing Rail

1/8" Min. clearance at Post

2 (3") Screws ateach end 3/4” infrom end

Crush Blocks, screwed todeck board under horizontalbottom rail. Install 2 blocksevenly spaced betweenposts. Rail outside edge

Top view of PostPO

ST o

utsid

e

Outside of Deck

POST

out

side

1/8" Min. clearanceat PostScrews (2-1/2”)

at each end 3/4”in from end and every 12” into top rail

Top view of Postand Top Board

Post

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

NOTE:If you’re doing the no post caps installation, the top board extends from post center to post center. Maintain 1/8” gap between top boards where they meet on center of post.

Attach Assembled RailingThe Crush Blocks (cut in Step 2) are installed to support the bottom of the railing at equal intervals between posts. Use one screw to secure each block to the Deck Board. Position railing on Crush Blocks and center horizontal rails so that ends have a minimum 1/8” gap to post (Fig. 10). Align rail, level and clamp in place. At each rail end drill and secure with two (3”) screws into support rail 3/4” in from edges.

Step

4

14