What is the best way to install composite decking?

Question

I am installing VERANDA composite decking and bought the recommended composite screws. I am finding it extremely difficult to install these screws, even when drilling pilot holes (which I really don't want to do for every hole - this is a large deck). The product info says there is no pre-drilling required, but I'm not finding that to be true. Does anyone have any tips for me to make this a little easier and less time consuming? I'm using a Black and Decker drill/screwdriver.

Answer 1

You may need to be using a stronger cordless or electric drill. I have installed with 14 - 24 volt cordless drills without problems. You can also get a countersink drill to ease the s***w to get down and be flush. If the sun has the board heated up, it will also be much easier the sink the screws without predrilling.

Answer 2

The composite supplier should provide you with the installation process.

Here are the basics: The posts and the joist should be pressure treated wood and on top you lay the composite. Keep in mind the composite require special screws and hardware. unfortunately there is no way to avoid the drilling process with out pre-order it with it.

Feel free to contact me with any question through www.helpubuildinc.com good-luck.

Answer 3

There are many ways to install this type of decking today. But rather than pre-drilling I am going to list several ways that are gaining popularity. But you need to check with your building inspector as just because these ways have been proven to be a success, they must still be written into local building code and passed into law. That is something done about every 5 years.

First buy a good s***w/Decking  gun if your deck it that big. It will be worth the money. Even for the home novice I use this one myself

DeWalt  Heavy-Duty 18V Cordless Drywall/Deck Screwdriver Kit

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_d...

You can even rent one.

#1

Buy self drilling stainless steel screws. These have a drill bit forged on the tip of every s***w. You will need to go to a real lumber yard for these as home centers (Home Depot, Lowes) are behind in technology.

The next 2 ways are gaining popularity because there are no s***w holes on the top of the boards

#2

Buy or rent a a slot cutter and cut a slot in the side of the deck board. Now use a plastic wafer to push into the slot s of 2 adjacent boards and a special s***w goes through a hole in the wafer.

#3

Rent a pneumatic finished nail gun. Buy some stailless steel finishing nails for this gun. And buy caulking tubes of 3M Marine 5200 Sealant. (No other sealant is approved for this usage)

Put a bead of sealant down, put the deck board in place and shoot 2 finish nails into it to hold it in place until the sealant completly cures. (2 to 3 weeks)

What you get will be no screws on the top of your deck showing and a deck that of the all the methods is the strongest. The only down side is that once the sealant cured this deck can not be taken apart with out destroying it.

-tcw

Answer 4

Number one... black and decker drills won't drive anything through anything. So.. Number 1 you could try buying a real drill for a few hundred dollars. Number 2, the best way you could ever install a large deck is to invest in a Simpson Quik Drive PROCCSM25K auto-feed driving system. It shouldnt cost any more than $330 and it is WELL worth it for a deck.  It uses strips of screws and has a long extension so you can literally just walk along standing up straight and drive in s***w after s***w, stopping every (i think) 20 screws to reload a new strip.  They have Composi-Lok screws in several colors designed specifically for composite decking and it is very user friendly.

But again... your problem is that you are using a horrible/worthless drill to try and install composite decking.  Get a makita or dewalt and you will soon find out the error of your B&D ways.