Home Company Products Contact Ideas Tips Specs Feedback

IDEAS
 - Skate Parks
 - Playgrounds
 - Planters
 - Trash Covers
 - Speed Bumps
 - Parking Curbs
 - Boat Docks
 - Patios & Decks
 - Yard Fencing
 - Livestock Fencing
 - Seating

DECKS &  LEISURE


   

CONSTRUCTION TIPS FOR DECKING

Tip 1: screws visible

  1. Pre-drill holes (5/16-in diam.)
    into each plank.
  2. Optional - counter sink all holes (1/2-in.diam.)

Tip 2: screws invisible

  1. Pre-drill holes (5/16-in diam.)
    into each plank.
  2. Counter sink all holes (1/2-in.diam.) at a depth of 3/8 in.
  3. Apply screw caps (available as accessories) to hide screws
    (flat screw caps are 1/2 in. diam)

TIP 3: brackets

  1. Pre-drill holes (1/8-in diam.)
    into each plank at a depth of 3/4 in.
  2. Fit planks with galvanized metal angles. Working from under, secure planks to joists.

TIP 4: Tongue & Groove

  1. Pre-drill 7/32" diameter holes
  2. Countersink holes and use 2" length #8 stainless steel flat-head wood screws
  3. Leave a space of 1/32" between each plank

 

MORE TIPS

TOOLS

  • APPM-Lumber can be cut, drilled, mitered and sanded with conventional wood working tools. Carbide tipped saw blades are required. Carbide tipped router bits can be used for smoother edge

FASTENERS

  • Stainless steel screws are required. Install 2 per end of board and alternate in the middle
  • Pre-drilling is required on all decking boards. Pre-drill with a hole overboard to the next screw size (5/16" drill bit for #10 screws)
  • All fasteners should be placed no closer than ¾" from any edge
  • The uses of adhesives is not recommended

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • APPM-Lumber will expand and contract approx. ¼" per 8 board feet over a wide range in temperature. Design considerations should allow for this movement
  • When framing, the end of each APPM-Lumber decking board must be on a full joist
  • Before installing APPM-Lumber on your wood frame, make sure the frame is fully dried, leveled and squared
  • If you need to notch a APPM-Lumber deck board around a post you must only use " L" notch. The board can be no longer than 4 feet and you must have at least a ¼" gap at the post

SPANS

  • The maximum decking span is 12" on center for 1" thick boards and 16" on center for 5/4 boards at 90 degrees of the joist. For conventional designs with proper support systems, consult APPM-Lumber span chart for specific guidance
  • Abnormal boarding on the deck surface with large planter, hot tubs, etc.. may require shorter spans and/or additional sub-structure supports
  • If installing on a 30 or 45 degree angle, call your distributor for design considerations