Alternative Plastic Products

 

 

 

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