How to Install Composite Decking | This Old House

Norm Abram and Liz install composite decking. The wood toned planks are evenly spaced and attached using clips and screws. They work their way all the way to the last plank to finish it.



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Composite Decking | This Old House

[jordanas]

This summer I stripped (5 layers of stain and paint from prior owners that had been shedding for yrs), sanded and stained my 14' x 20' deck, rungs and railing myself. It came out beautiful and helps husband see the deck in moonlight (light reflected stain) when he comes home at 1 am from work. Also built a catio along and round the deck. It came out well. Husband and cats are very happy.

Now during winter time to plan next summer's project. Basement rehash (including repointing 100 yr old stone foundation) or waterproof (aka cat proof) flooring on first floor or putting in drainage around the outside of house (neighbors have drainage issues into my basement).

[DesmoProfundis]

Pretty incomplete for an instructional video

[Electronzap]

That hidden clip that secures the board is really cool!

[AlmiranteManolo]

I really love this kind of projects... good job guys!

[ForkLiftCertified]

That deck sure looks good. I did a fine job

[gatulanos]

Great video simple and straight to the point

[chrislabar]

I am in awe that those screws didn’t bubble up around the head. I did a small area recently and when we face screwed the boards, we had to drill a countersink so it wouldn’t bubble. And yes, I was using the correct composite screws. How did y’all do that?!

[thomaslaessig]

i really like the video but wish they would have shown the installation of the perimeter board used to hide the "end grain". Depending on the support available underneath that can be tricky. Also, what technique did they use for finishing off the front edge of the perimeter board?

[lmaorightnow]

Great job as always Norm! You are looking good!

[johnkonstantine]

I'm a former union carpenter of 30 years. I had to show this simple video to some young inexperienced contractors who put a 1 1/2 rip right at the front by steps instead of against the house. And their picture frame didn't go all the way around, they chose to stop it 6 inches from the house too. LOL....it' amazing the lack of common sense/basic skills passing for builder companies here in North East NJ.

[normanlorrain]

Funny, I'm in the middle of doing the same project, with the same product. You might also mention they offer a facia board.

[midwest]

Good video; however, they didn't mention that you should either seal or use a good oil based paint to the wood foundation underneath to reduce the opportunity for wood rot down the road.

[barwithm]

Would face screws not prevent the board from expansion and shrinkage of the boards?

[gentenzinngawang]

Does anyone know what brand is that nail gun?

[keytothegate]

Are you saying that you need 12 in joist spacing vs the usual 16 or this will not offer good support ?

[robmarkham]

Always start installing the decking at the house to avoid having to cut a small strip. Don't trim the joist until you have installed all but the last deck board. Calculate how long the joist should be to accept a full board and then trim the joist ends to the correct length.

[agustinrosello]

I believe the edge of the deck is a different part of the set to hide de clip line from the view???

[VM-iewd]

Where did you buy those composite boards? Is this a DIY?

[tremsmom]

Can you share the name if the product and tools used please?

[handyishrandyish]

Anyone know what pattern would work for a 222in long deck with 24oc joist using 16ft treated