Hollow Deck Install Step

1. Secure start/end clips in line with each joist ensuring that you have allowed an expansion gap of at least 10mm between the first row of deck boards and wall. If two end boards meet on a joist use a start/end clip on each board. Hollow deck boards are not suitable for face fixing.

2. Push the first deck board into the start/end clip. Check that the board is straight and fully inserted into the clip. Please note an expansion gap of 10mm must be placed around any fixed objects within the decking e.g. staircase, post brackets and any permanent fixtures that may prevent the decking from expanding and contracting naturally.

3. Insert a standard clip into each deck board in line with screw fully but do not overtighten.

4. It is very important to install one move stop clipper board onto the joist nearest the centre of the board. This helps maintain a consistent expansion gap.

5. All clips should be on their own independent joists i.e. when two board ends meet each other there must be a sister joist. The end of each board must sit on its own joist with a gap of 5-10mm to allow leaves, dirt and debris etc fall through the deck boards as per the image above.

6. Where the short ends of the deck boards meet, ensure that you leave a gap of 5mm to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction.

7. Push the second row of boards into the previously installed row of boards making sure that the deck board grooves are in tight on the clips. continue to keep inserting clips and boards in this way.

8. For the last row of boards use a start/end clip in line with each joist.

9. If not framed by wall or building on each side, the second last row of boards can be slid into position after you have fixed the last row and the clips for the second last row have been fixed into position. If a wall or house prevents sliding the board in, fix the last board using the start/end clip. Next, insert fixing clips into the groove of the board and then slide them along with a screwdriver into position.

10. You can use a solid fascia plank for a great looking finish. It is very important to predrill all composite material prior to fixing with a hole slightly bigger than the screw. Fix in two stainless steel screws into the substructure at intervals of 300mm – the fascia board must be fixed to a solid timber plank in all areas (not directly to the butt ends of exposed joists). You must leave a minimum 40mm gap between the bottom of the fascia and the ground.

11. Alternatively, place end caps in front of any exposed hollow boards ends and push in as shown. A mallet could be used as well to push in the end caps. A dab of external silicon sealant should be used on the end cap or inside the holes of the board in order to secure the end caps better.