How To Install Composite Decking Using Clips

If you lot're looking for a clean look on your deck surface with no visible screws, consider using deck clips.

Time

Multiple Days

Complication

Avant-garde

Cost

$xx-fifty

Introduction

If you're looking for a clean expect on your deck surface with no visible screws, consider using deck clips.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Composite Decking
  • Deck Clips

Project step-by-step (7)

Footstep 1

Before You Get Started

  • Check the decking specifications and local building codes for joist spacing. The most common is 16 inches on center. For a more than rigid feel, 12 inches on middle.
  • Install blocking between each joist every 4 to six feet to reduce movement upwardly and down and twisting of the joists, using outside screws.
    • Pro Tip: Screw a straight 2x4 on edge to the top of each joist before adding the blocking. This will ensure all the joists are level with each other.

Footstep 2

Starter Board

  • The first board you install, the starter lath is the about of import one.
  • Depending on the shape of the deck, the first board can start at the business firm or at the outer rim joist.
  • Use starter clips to fasten your commencement lath or surface screws and plug the holes.
    • Pro Tip: The terminal board may demand to be ripped; it may look amend confronting the house than on the outer rim.

Step 3

Installing Deck Clips

  • On the inside edge of the starter board, install deck clips at every joist into the groove along the whole length of the board.

Edgeclip2

Step 4

Installing Deck Board

  • Slide the next board up against the clips. Hold the lath tightly, putting pressure level confronting the clips. If available, use a board locking tool to aid you hold the board tight.
  • Fasten all the clips betwixt the two boards securely using a drill (non an impact driver).
  • Repeat the aforementioned procedure for each board.
    • Pro tip: Let the boards hang over on both sides of the deck.

Drilling1

Leverattach

Stride 5

Expansion and Wrinkle

  • Blended decking will expand and contract in farthermost climates.
  • Don't leave a gap when two board ends butt together.
  • Install double joists and use four clips, two per board, where you have a butt joint.
    • Pro tip: Stagger the butt joints every other row so no two seams are side by side to each other.

Buttjoint

Pace half-dozen

Notching Around Posts

  • To notch around the railing post, slide a deck board up next to the mail. Place a square against the edge of the post and draw lines on each side of the mail onto the lath.
  • To notch the depth, utilise a spacer or deck clip to create the gap betwixt boards.
  • Slide the end of the deck board up next to the post and place a square on the end of the deck board confronting the post. Depict a line onto the lath between your two other lines.
  • Cut out the notch using a jigsaw.
    • Pro tip: Brand the notch slightly bigger for a niggling jerk room.

Notchonpost

Notchdepth

Jigsawcut

Step 7

Trim Boards

  • Afterward all the boards are installed, snap a chalk line and trim the ends to the desired length.
    • Pro tip:Every bit you lot proceed to install deck boards, periodically have measurements to be certain the boards are parallel to the starter board.

FH18DJF_583_52_031_hsp dewalt cordless circular saw

Originally Published: Baronial 13, 2022