Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Polymer board is a very stable and durable building material. At the initial stage of its production, wood is mixed with a special type of plastic. After the future polymer decking is cured, the material is endowed with improved properties and attractive external characteristics.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Decking terrace board: types and features of application

Experts identify three main groups of decking. The main difference between them lies in the material of manufacture. Although consumers should pay extra attention to the method of installation, surface texture and other equally important characteristics.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

A fairly popular decking made of plastic is called a wood-polymer composite (WPC). For the manufacture of appropriate material is mixing polymeric materials with wood flour. Such flooring is resistant to moisture, does not rot, and also easily transfers significant mechanical loads.

Among the negative aspects can be identified not the most attractive appearance of such products. It is logical that the plastic decking is inferior in this respect to analogues made from natural wood. In addition, plastic over time can be somewhat deformed.

WPC boards are divided into ground and unpolished. In terms of appearance, they are practically no different. Experts say that in the ground version the surface is absolutely non-slippery. Although in practice, already a month later, this difference will be leveled. In terms of slip, ground and unpolished boards will become almost identical against the background of external factors.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Helpful advice! It is not always worthwhile to blindly give preference to ground plastic boards. It is not excluded that as a result of this action unscrupulous manufacturers deliberately try to hide the shortcomings of their own products. Defects in the board may result from the use of raw materials of the highest quality.

Before you buy a deck KDP, you should make sure that as a result of grinding the top layer of polymeric materials was not affected. If this happens, then in the shortest possible time the product will be destroyed. This will occur due to the continuous contact of the wood particles with environmental factors.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

As for the price of decking from WPC, it largely depends on the authority and recognition of the manufacturer. On average, this parameter varies from 1 thousand to 1500 p. for the quarter. m. Low cost differs larch, the price of decking from this breed will be much lower.

So that natural wood does not lose its natural characteristics quite quickly, two most common ways of its processing are used. The first of these is impregnation. We are talking about vacuum impregnation of wood with the help of special chemicals.

To achieve a positive result in this case, a special technology was invented. After processing is completed, the resistance of the material to the reproduction of the fungus and other harmful microorganisms, as well as to decay, is significantly increased. As a result, the board will definitely serve its owners for about 15-20 years.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Before you buy a decking from treated wood, you must make sure of the positive effect of impregnation. To do this, experts recommend gently scrape off the top layer, which was just before encountered the procedure of vacuum impregnation. All layers of wood should have an identical shade. Such a product can be easily purchased. If it was found that the layers are characterized by different colors, then it can be assumed that only the surface of the board collided with the application of a special protective coating. An alternative method for the production of a terrace board involves its heat treatment.

The wood is heated at a temperature of 200 degrees. Then the workpiece becomes more dense and light. The process of repelling water in this case occurs without the additional use of aids. It is very important to know that any wood that faces heat treatment will not rot further.

On the other hand, when laying a terrace board after heat treatment, it is necessary to take into account the fact that it becomes more fragile. Chips, cracks and dents on the surface may well appear after hitting or dropping fairly heavy objects.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

To buy a terrace board, the price of which varies between 700-1700 p., You need to know exactly how to process it. To do this, it is possible to use the above tips.

For the manufacture of appropriate boards can be used various wood species. The most common ones are:

  • oak;
  • Pine;
  • cedar, etc.

No problem, you can buy a terrace board made of larch or from rare wood species, which are specially imported from Asia, Africa and South America.

Helpful advice! Consumers can choose products from the most durable varieties of trees. The boards in this case can serve about 80 years.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Among the durable rocks as an example, we can highlight the famous massaranduba mahogany. It is necessary to know that the price of a polymeric terrace board from this raw material will be quite high. The corresponding mahogany is characterized by a significant content of rubber resins. This leads to increased wear resistance of products. Even mold fungi are not able to affect this type of wood.

Effective counteraction to sea water is peculiar to a board made from Australian walnut. It is not by chance that this decking board from the manufacturer is actively used in the field of shipbuilding. This type of wood will not lose its positive qualities even if it is constantly under the open sky.

Most of the products from the array suit consumers who prefer natural materials. True, they need to carefully care for such a board. Only in this case, it will last a very long time. Today, it is possible to buy a decking board made of very rare wood species for at least 5000 p. The most expensive models do have a price of 13 thousand rubles. for the quarter. m

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

More affordable is the price of decking a larch, cedar or oak decking. It is in the range of 500-1000 p. for the quarter. m. These products can already afford the average consumers.

The width of these products may vary significantly. This important parameter can vary from 90 to 250 mm. There are standard sizes of a terrace board on which it is necessary to be guided when choosing. The length of the product can be 3-6 m. Because of this diversity, it is possible to choose boards even for specific operating conditions.

Very carefully it is necessary to approach the choice of the thickness of products. For the thickest boards, this parameter is usually 42-48 mm. The average size of a terrace board in terms of thickness is 25-30 mm. The most delicate products are also in demand. Their thickness is in the range of 18-22 mm.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Special attention is given tiled deking, which is made from the WPC. It is better to use it in order to cover an insignificant area. The installation of the WPC terrace board can be in demand if there is no possibility to use other types of products at a specific site.

Helpful advice! Due to the fact that the size of the decking can be very diverse, the choice must be based on their own needs, as well as on future operating conditions. You can give preference to small options with dimensions of 25×25 cm. More dimensional options have parameters of 50×50 cm.

If we talk about companies engaged in the release of a terrace board of the most valuable and rare wood species, then the leader of the relevant market segment is definitely a large corporation JUNGLWOOD. The enterprises of this company are located today in Indonesia and Portugal. Using only the most advanced technologies allows finished products to retain the unique characteristics of rare woods.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

The Italian company Ital Parchetti is also a fairly recognizable manufacturer. This company uses only the highest quality raw materials for the manufacture of products that are brought from Africa and South America. Future deck boards for a terrace are delivered in the form of logs, which are faced with primary processing at the place of production of finished products.

Without exception, all stages of production are under strict control. Wider is the production of composite terrace boards, which also enjoy a high level of demand. In this case, you can safely give preference to the famous American brand TREX. The product quality guarantee in this case is 25 years. A 10-year warranty on their own products provides well-known Korean company WOOZEN. Many other companies guarantee the preservation of the original quality of their products for 7 years after the release.

Regardless of the option of the board, before installing it, it is imperative to install a reliable bearing support. Especially important is the use of supports when installing a composite decking board that needs additional fastening. Lags can be:

  • wooden;
  • aluminum;
  • composite.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

The installation of wooden supports for the velvet and other types of decking is done at a distance of about 60-100 cm from each other. This parameter is directly dependent on the cross section of the selected beam. Logs are made only from dry wood. Their moisture values ​​should not exceed 25%. Before installation, they are necessarily processed by highly effective protective equipment.

A popular wood-polymer composite decking, which is supposed to be used in difficult climatic conditions, needs composite supports.

Helpful advice! Composite logs are best purchased for use in a private home. These supports are not able to withstand too severe mechanical stress. Before the main stage of laying between the concrete base and the ground need to arrange a dense layer of rubber. The step width for mounting data lag is on average 30-40 cm.

The most expensive option is definitely aluminum lags, characterized by an increased level of strength. For this reason, it is better to purchase these supports for areas that face maximum loads. When installing appropriate supports, the optimal pitch is 100 cm.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Before starting the installation, it is very important to understand the features of WPC, what it is and how to use its strengths. This type of boards needs additional framing with end elements. A special junction bar should be installed between the flooring and the wall of the building. There are also various profiles and edging strap.

The task of edging is to provide protection for open-cut products. Thanks to its use, the materials will be protected from the negative impact of environmental factors, as well as retain their attractive appearance for a longer period of time.

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Characteristic features, positive qualities. Ways of repair and advice from experienced builders.

When installing these products, it is imperative to use durable screws. They are the only auxiliary elements. As for boards from solid timber, their proper operation involves the use of various means of protection. They are necessary for the implementation of wood impregnation.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

It should be noted that due to periodic processing the cost of decking can increase significantly. The first time this procedure is carried out before installation. It is very important to process the board on both sides. The finished coating needs an appropriate procedure after 2 years. Protection of the surface from rotting and negative effects of direct sunlight is ensured through the use of oil-blue. At the berths and near pools, special oils are needed, which reduce slip rates.

The cost of all the above drugs is quite high. To cover approximately 40 sq. M. m cover, you need a full can of oil. Its cost is within 500 p. Taking into account the fact that the price of the decking itself is high, the total costs will be noticeable for all consumers. On the other hand, without additional protection, these coatings will not be able to last a period guaranteed by the manufacturers.

Having appreciated the photo of the decking in the exterior, many consumers will be interested in this type of flooring for the house and the adjacent plot. Despite the apparent complexity of the installation process, this task can be handled on your own. It is only important to listen to the advice of experienced professionals.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Installation of WPC siding and other types of coating can be carried out only on a flat surface. It can be a wooden structure, a concrete screed or various types of supports. Not recommended for installation on a gravel or sand cushion.

Helpful advice! The space between the flooring on the supports and the ground can be waterproofed, as well as provide good ventilation. The gaps formed as a result of corresponding actions can be quite used for carrying out various communications.

When self-assembly is recommended to stop the choice on unregulated supports. Thanks to their use, even a terrace board made of wood-polymer composite will not face problems due to the slope and height of the relief. Propylene prop relieves these problems. They can easily tolerate temperature extremes, high humidity and high loads.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Even on difficult terrain, you can equip open terraces and playgrounds. However, for this you need to use screw piles. This type of foundation will be characterized by increased strength, as well as better bearing capacity. It is preliminary recommended to study in detail the video of mounting a decking board and screw-type piles performed by professionals.

When installing, you can safely listen to the advice of manufacturers who know the technical features of their own products better than others. There are two main ways to install decking velvet larch and other coatings. Between the boards, you can leave a gap of 4-6 mm or make the installation seamless. In addition, linear expansion is also taken into account. This figure is 4-5 mm per linear meter. Placing boards close to the fence or wall is prohibited. The minimum indent from the respective surfaces should be 1.5-2 cm.

Installation of flooring should be carried out at an angle of 2-2.5%. This is done to ensure that the rainwater outflow is effective. Often, the terrace closely adjacent to the building. In this case, the pendant should be directed in the opposite direction from the walls. Lags are located under the flooring, and it is better to leave gaps between them without filling. This solution will provide high-quality ventilation of the structure.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

In addition to the price of composite decking, even the most minimal installation rules should be considered. Between the lags, the step should be 40-45. Although it is average. Typically, reputable manufacturers provide more accurate recommendations for installing their products. If an open type of attachment was chosen, then all elements should be visible. In fairness it should be noted that this option will reduce the attractiveness of the design, because the fastening elements will be visible above the surface.

When the type of installation is hidden, preference is given to hidden fasteners. Manufacturers usually provide their customers with boards. This means that the price of the plastic decking will not increase due to this.

Helpful advice! All joints and ends during installation should be on the logs. At the very beginning of the installation it is necessary to fix the starting profile. Before the end of the work it is necessary to close the ends using the finishing bar.

Beginners should understand that at all, without exception, the intersection of the lag with the boards should be installed connecting clips, screws and other types of fasteners. Certain types of supports have designs with special grooves designed for rubber terminals. They are used when installing structures in those places that are characterized by significant temperature differences.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

For beginners, it is very important to study in detail the instructions to the relevant materials. Each manufacturer attaches it to their own products. It is very convenient if illustrations are attached to the instruction, as well as a step-by-step description of each procedure.

After installation, polymer flooring is not particularly demanding in terms of maintenance. Every season it is necessary to make preventive actions. They should be directed against the fungus and various parasites. Proper care involves wet cleaning. Cleaning the surface is the easiest and most efficient way to do it under high pressure.

There are no significant restrictions, and especially no restrictions on the use of certain products for cleaning floors. Considerable effort is needed to get rid of more serious pollution. We are talking about stains of coffee or wine, which are very difficult to display. In this case, even the use of fairly rigid metal brushes is permitted. Additionally, you can use a fine type of sandpaper.

Polymer decking: types and basic rules of installation

Summing up, it is necessary to focus on the diversity of decking. Different materials are used to produce the appropriate flooring. Even composite models are in high demand. In general, we are talking about a safe, modern and reliable coating. This floor also has an attractive appearance that is not able to change for the worse with time. The floor of the terrace boards can easily fit into any interior room. The same applies to landscape design, because these boards are often used today in the open space when arranging private houses or villas.

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