Fitting standard
Our fitting standard
Every composite board maker publishes an installation guide. The numbers vary from range to range, so we work from the guide for your boards, every time.
Checklist
What we check on every deck
| Item | What the guide covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Joist centres | The maximum spacing between joists, often tighter for diagonal boards | Too wide and boards bow or bounce |
| Board gaps | The gap between boards, usually set by the maker's clips | Lets water drain and boards move |
| End gaps | Room at board ends, depending on board length and temperature | Stops ends lifting in summer |
| Airflow | Clearance under the deck and gaps at the edges | Keeps the frame dry and boards stable |
| Fall | A slight slope, usually along the board length | Stops water sitting and staining |
| Fixings | The maker's clips, screws and start or end clips | Keeps the board warranty valid |
| Fascia support | Battens at the maker's spacing behind fascia boards | Stops edges warping |
| Frame timber | Treated joists and joist tape on top | Protects the part you can't see later |
Figures differ by range, so we don't quote one set of numbers for every board. We follow the guide for yours.
Handover
What you get at the end
- Photos of the frame before the boards went on
- The board range and colour written down
- Care notes for your boards
- Our workmanship guarantee in writing
Detail
Clips, not screws through the face
Hidden clips hold each board by its grooves and set the gap. They let boards expand and contract without splitting or lifting, and there are no screw heads on the surface.
