Composite Deck Installation

Build a deck frame structure to your size specifications or repair any damaged boards from an existing structure. Remove any stray nails and screws from the joists to prevent damaging the composite decking.

Measure the width of the deck, starting at the end closest to the house, to determine the size needed for the first composite deck plank. You may need to use two boards staggered on a floor joist for wider decks, depending on the length of the composite boards.

Cut the board with a miter saw to fit the space. Use a jigsaw to cut out spaces for features such as deck posts and downspouts as needed.

Screw the board into the joists using one screw per joist on the side of the board closest to the house. Use composite decking screws, which are sunk flush with the board surface.

Tap an invisible fastener into place on the open end side of the board using a tapping block; one fastener is required at each floor joist. Invisible fasteners lock into the sides of each joining board to hold them in place.

Drive a screw into the invisible fastener at a 45-degree angle to hold it in place. The screw will be concealed under the next board.

Measure and cut another board to fit against the previously installed composite board. Lay a two-by-four beside the composite board and tap the composite board into the invisible fastener with a sledgehammer.

Install another fastener at each floor joist on the open end of the new board and secure them with screws driven in at a 45-degree angle through the fastener and into the floor joist.

Continue installing composite boards according to this procedure until you reach the opposite end of the deck. A jigsaw may be required to cut a space to fit around deck posts as you reach the outer edge of the deck.

Cut off one side of the invisible fasteners with side cutter pliers before installing the second to last plank. This allows you to drop the board into place because the posts prevent you from tapping the end board in from the side the way you did with the other decking boards.

Cut the final decking board to accommodate the deck posts, install invisible fasteners into the previous board and tap the final board into place as you did with the rest of the deck. Secure the board with a composite decking screw driven into the outer edge of the board at each floor joist.

Snap a chalk line along the sides of the deck to achieve a straight line. Cut the excess length off the boards with a circular saw, using the chalk line as a guide.