Deckorators Mineral-Based Composite Decking Installation Guide

Material: Mineral-based composite
Brands: Deckorators Voyage, Summit, Vault, and Excursion
Joist Spacing:
- Standard Residential: 16″ (40.7 cm)
- Commercial: 12″ (30.5 cm)

Gapping Requirements:
- Side-to-Side: 1/8″ (3.2 mm) – 3/16″ (4.8 mm)
- End-to-End: 1/16″ (1.6 mm) – 1/8″ (3.2 mm)
- End-to-Side: 1/16″ (1.6 mm) – 1/8″ (3.2 mm)

Product Usage Instructions

Joist Spacing Requirements

Ensure joists are spaced according to the type of installation: Residential or Commercial.

Gapping Requirements

Follow the specified gapping requirements based on the orientation of the boards for proper installation.

Fastener Requirements

Use the recommended fasteners to secure the deck boards in place.

Stair Installation

When installing stairs, ensure gaps are maintained and follow the guidelines for proper tread depth.

Color Variation

Expect color variations in the decking due to natural polymer variations. Purchase all decking materials at once to minimize differences.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regularly clean the deck surface with soap and water to prevent mold and mildew growth. Avoid using a pressure washer directly on the surface.

Items you will need

Safety glasses
Pencil or pen
Tape measure
Utility knife
Jigsaw
Carpenter square (speed square)
Power screw gun or drill
Soft mallet
Portable power saw
Fine-tooth saw blades (40-tooth minimum, sharp carbide-tipped wood or finish/trim blades)

Large file or medium-grit sandpaper
Chalk line
Spacing tools
Fastener-specific tools recommended by the manufacturer
Each Deckorators Voyage, Summit, Vault, and Excursion board has a unique appearance and should be arranged according to the end user’s preference.
Before construction, check with your local regulatory agency’s code requirements.

For best results, follow all installation instructions, paying close attention to gapping, spacing, and fastener requirements.

Joist spacing requirements

Installation style

	Standard	Picture frame	Diagonal (45°)
Residential	16″ (40.7 cm)	16″ (40.7 cm)	12″ (30.5 cm)
Commercial	12″ (30.5 cm)	12″ (30.5 cm)	12″ (30.5 cm)

Note: All dimensions are on-center.
Note: Joist spacing, stair stringer spacing, and fastener requirements remain the same for all Mineral-Based Composite deck board widths 3½” (8.9 cm), 5½” (14 cm), 7¼” (18.4 cm), and 9¼” (23.5 cm).

Gapping requirements

Installation temperature

	Above 32º F (0º C)	Below 32º F (0º C)
Side-to-Side	1/8″ (3.2 mm)	3/16″ (4.8 mm)
End-to-End	1/16″ (1.6 mm)	1/8″ (3.2 mm)
End-to-Side	1/16″ (1.6 mm)	1/8″ (3.2 mm)
Abutting Solid Objects	1/8″ (3.2 mm)	1/4″ (6.4 mm)

Dimension

Cutting

10″ (25 cm) 40T – 80T circular blade (Carbide)
12″ (30.5 cm) 40T – 80T circular blade (Carbide)

For Mineral-Based Composite Decking:

Use a sharp utility knife or jigsaw to finish cuts where a circular saw cannot fully complete the cut. (Marking on the back side when needed.)
Use a jigsaw to cut openings for protrusions. (8-12T per inch on the blade.)

If necessary, use a large file or medium-grit sandpaper to clean cut edges.
Use a utility knife to cut any fibers or strands.

(In the rare event that a strand or fiber protrudes from the board, do not pull it.) If you are using a painted blade, you can remove the paint residue with medium-grit sandpaper.

Fastener requirements

Corrosion-resistant, galvanized, or stainless steel fasteners
Reverse-thread composite screw
Minimum of 2½” (6.4 cm) long screws
1¼” (3.2 cm) minimum penetration into the joist
Set the power driver such that the screws are slightly countersunk.

Do not overdrive.
If using a hidden fastener system, use the manufacturer’s recommended fastener and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Face screw installation

Use reverse-threaded composite deck screws.
Screws must be 3/8″ to 1″ (1 to 2.5 cm) from the side of the board, 3/8″ to 1″ (1 to 2.5 cm) from the end of the board.

Use color-matched screws for best results.
Use caution not to overdrive the screw.

Hidden fastener installation

Please refer to the compatible fastener information on Deckorators.com/FastenerInfo.
Fastener slots may be routed into the side of the deck boards, as needed.
Follow the hidden fastener manufacturer’s instructions.

Installation

Two fasteners per joist minimum.
Ends of each board must fall on a joist.
Double joist or use blocking where two board ends meet (fig.1).

1″ (2.5 cm) maximum cantilever.
Install the entire deck at the same temperature.
Install the deck boards starting from the outside edge of the platform and work toward the anchor wall so that ripped pieces abut the wall. Start installing from one end of the board and work toward the other end of the board.
OR: Start installing from the center of the board and work out toward the ends of the board. Do not install by fastening each end first and working toward the middle. To keep the interior boards from moving over time, we recommend pinning the boards at the center of their length using a #8, 2″ (5 cm) stainless steel screw. This holds the deck board in place at the center of each board and allows the decking to expand/contract at the ends.

Pre-drill in the groove of the deck board with a 1/8″ (3.2 mm) drill bit (fig. 2a). Drive the screw into the groove so it’s flush with the bottom of the groove (fig. 2b). This will allow you to properly fit a Stowaway hidden fastener into the groove.
Continue installing deck boards, adhering to the gapping requirements. Ensure consistent appearance by aligning each plank so that the cathedrals of the emboss pattern point in the same direction.

NOTE: Cutting all ends of boards before installation is recommended.

Stair installation

Stairs must be constructed according to national and local building codes. Generally, building codes require 3′ (91 cm) minimum wide treads and 11″ (28 cm) minimum tread depth.

9″ (23 cm) maximum center-to-center spacing of stringers is required.
Stair treads should be fastened over a minimum of 5 stringers to meet code requirements.

1/2″ (1.3 cm) maximum tread overhang over stringers.
1/8″ (3.2 mm) minimum gap between stair-tread boards. Local building codes may require the gap to be increased to 1/4″ – 3/8″ (6.4 mm – 1 cm ) to maintain the minimum tread depth.

Color variation

Like most composites, Deckorators Decking will have color variations from piece to piece. This is due to naturally occurring variations in polymers.
Purchasing all required decking material at one time is recommended, as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colors. Do not install if color variation is not acceptable.

Mold and mildew growth

Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any exterior building surface, regardless of the material. If the conditions are right, they will grow on wood, plastic, concrete, metal, and other surfaces.
Mold formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas. Spores from the natural environment are carried by the wind and commonly land on deck surfaces.
It is important to note that the appearance of mold/mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any of the material on which it grows.

Cleaning

Periodic washing with soap/mild detergent and water will help remove surface dirt. This will also help prevent the buildup of pollen, debris, and spores that can cause and accelerate mold/mildew growth.
Caution: A pressure washer must not be used to “blast” mold/mildew or soils from a deck surface. The abrasive nature of the water stream can potentially cause damage by driving the spores deeper into the material, which may create a more challenging problem to remedy. A pressure washer with a fan-tipped nozzle must only be used to lightly wet or rinse wood or composite deck surfaces.
There are many deck wash and exterior cleaning products available at retail. Only use cleaners intended for your application.
Instructions provided by the manufacturer must be followed. Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than others, depending on the environmental conditions your deck is subjected to.
Additionally, it Stair treads should be fastened over a minimum of 5 stringers to meet code requirements.
1/2″ (1.3 cm) maximum tread overhang over stringers.
1/8″ (3.2 mm) minimum gap between stair-tread boards. Local building codes may require the gap to be increased to 1/4″ – 3/8″ (6.4 mm – 1 cm ) to maintain the minimum tread depth.is always a good idea to test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area prior to applying it to the entire deck (www.deckorators.com).
Tips for snow removal: Care should be taken when removing snow from your deck to avoid damaging the deck surface. Use a plastic snow shovel, one without a metal edge. A stiff push broom can work very well and minimize lifting.
Light snow can be cleared using a leaf blower. Do not attempt to break up or scrape ice from the deck surface; use ice melt products when needed. No concerns have been reported using ice melt products labeled “Safe for Pets”.

Mold inhibitors

As with deck washes, there are several mold-inhibitor products available from paint stores, hardware stores, online outlets, and home centers to help prevent long-term mold/mildew growth.
For any product selected, be certain to read, understand, and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Depending upon the environmental factors affecting your deck, some preventive cleaning products may be more effective than others. It may be necessary to try more than one product.

For ongoing preventive maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Note: Deckorators is not suitable for structural use. It must not be used for primary load-bearing members such as posts, joists, beams, or stringers.
The same commonsense precautions should be taken when handling Decorators as with wood or other building materials. Dust masks and eye protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and chips.
Gloves will help protect hands.
Hands should be washed after construction work.
THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY CONSTRUCTION OR USE OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL ZONING AND/OR BUILDING CODES. THE CONSUMER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THE CONSUMER OR CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WEARING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC., MAKES NO WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
5 Meadowcraft Parkway, Selma, AL 36701 8003325724852910/25
Deckorators.com

End Tag

Note: Always follow best workmanship practices.
Including, but not limited to, square cutting both board ends before installation.

FAQ

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my deck?

No, a pressure washer should not be used directly on the deck surface as it can potentially cause damage and drive mold spores deeper into the material.

What should I do if I notice color variation in the decking?

If color variation is not acceptable, do not proceed with installation. It is recommended to purchase all required decking material at one time to minimize color differences.

Documents / Resources

Deckorators Mineral-Based Composite Decking [pdf] Installation Guide
Voyage, Summit, Vault, Excursion, Mineral-Based Composite Decking, Composite Decking

References

User Manual

Deckorators Mineral-Based Composite Decking

Specifications