Veranda™ Decking Installation
Installation Instructions
Fasteners
Color Variation
Care and Cleaning
Installation Instructions
Veranda™ composite decking and railing offer performance advantages compared to standard wood decking without added complexity or extra steps. Refer to the following link for simple instructions on how to make your Veranda installation go smoothly – from the first time you use the products.
Veranda Decking Installation Instructions (pdf - 50 KB)
As with any building project, installing Veranda turns out best when you think through the entire process in advance, familiarizing yourself with the materials and their application. Please review the following tips before starting work on a Veranda deck. For additional installation support, call 877-463-8379.
The appearance of this product changes when viewed from different ends. To achieve the most consistent color, install all of the boards in the same direction using the end tags as a point of reference or install all of the boards with the arrows on the product stickers pointing in the same direction. Installing boards in opposing directions will create contrasting light and dark shades of the deck board color and is not covered under warranty.
Veranda Solid Decking
Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area. For best results, follow these simple installation instructions, paying close attention to gapping, spacing and fastener requirements. Joist Span - 16" on-center for residential perpendicular applications. Residential parquet patterns, diagonal or herringbone designs all require joist spacing 12" on-center. Contact Veranda product support at 877-463-8379 for commercial applications. Side Gapping - 1/4". End Spacing - allow a minimum of 1/16" gap for every 20 degrees F° of difference between installation temperature and the hottest temperature expected. Additional blocking may be needed for support (see Figure 1). Allow a 1/4" distance between all decking material and any permanent structure or post. After all of the decking has been attached, snap a chalk (use white or yellow chalk, blue and red chalk will take extra time to wear off the surface) line flush with or up to 1-1/2" out from the deck framing and trim with a circular saw.
Veranda Slotted Decking
To install Veranda Slotted Decking, follow the installation instructions included with the hidden fasteners, paying close attention to the following gapping and spacing requirements. Joist span - 16" on-center for residential perpendicular applications. Residential parquet patterns, diagonal or herringbone designs all require joist spacing of 12" on-center. Contact Veranda Product Support at 877-463-8379 for commercial applications. Side gapping - 1/4". End spacing - allow a minimum 1/16" gap for every 20 degrees F of difference between installation temperature and the hottest temperature expected. Additional blocking may be needed for support (see Figure 1). After all of the decking has been attached, snap a chalk line (use white or yellow chalk; blue and red chalk will take extra time to wear off the surface) flush with or up to 1-1/2" out from the deck framing and trim with a circular saw.
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| Figure 1. Pre-drill and countersink all deck screws, regardless of type, that are within 1-1/2” of the end of the deck board. |
Veranda decking, like all wood and composite decking products, requires proper ventilation and drainage in order to ensure its longevity. When using a minimum 2x6 joist standing on edge and the suggested 1/4" side gap, there should be a 2" clear space between the bottom edge of the joists and grade in order to allow for proper ventilation. Adequate drainage is also needed to prevent water from pooling under the deck.
Fasteners
For ease of installation, we recommend using 2-1/2" corrosion-resistant, composite wood deck screws. These screws help prevent the common "mushroom" effect that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners. It can also reduce the amount of pre-drilling and countersinking. If using ordinary coarse thread deck screws, the best results are achieved by pre-drilling a pilot hole and countersinking prior to driving screws. Screws should be driven flush with the Veranda surface. Do not over-tighten screws. Use 2 fasteners per deck board at each joist. For any decking where two boards meet end-to-end over a joist, add additional blocking (see Figure 1). Always pre-drill a pilot hole at board ends when using either composite or wood screws.
Color Variation
Like most composites, Veranda composite decking and railing will have slight color variations from piece to piece. This is due to naturally occurring variations in wood fibers and 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. Veranda will lighten slightly over time, and color variation is not covered by the warranty. This color tone shift is dependent upon exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors and is generally completed in 60-90 days. Gray products may turn a light brown before changing to lighter gray.
Care and Cleaning
In most cases soap and water will maintain the appearance of Veranda products. If grime, ground-in dirt, or rust marks become a problem, use Behr No. 63 Wood Cleaner Brightener Conditioner. Mold may form on any surface where moisture is prevalent, where there is heavy shading, or where pollen and debris are allowed to collect. To eliminate mold, use Behr No. 62 Multi Surface Cleaner and Mildew Stain Remover. Pressure washers should be used for wetting and rinsing only. Pressure washers should not be used to "blast off" soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the material. Test on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.