Installation Guide

• Use short boards where possible.
• Use splitter/divider boards between each continuous run
of boards.
• Surface fasten using heavy gauge (#9 or #10) quality
composite deck screws.
Gapping:
End-To-End Spacing by Temperature
Brand
35˚ &
Under
36˚ - 69˚ 70˚ - 89˚ 90˚ - 109˚ 110˚ & Up
Paramount 1/16" 1/32" 1/32" 0 0
Horizon 1/4" 3/16" 1/8" 1/16" 1/32"
Sanctuary 1/4" 3/16" 1/8" 1/16" 1/32"
ProTect
Advantage
1/4" 3/16" 1/8" 1/16" 1/32"
GoodLife 1/4" 3/16" 1/8" 1/16" 1/32"
Classic 1/4" 3/16" 1/8" 1/16" 1/32"
Docking 1/4" 3/16" 1/8" 1/16" 1/32"
Note: For locations with extreme temperture swings,
double-joisting and surface fastening may be required to
minimize shifting of material.
Adhering to these spacing parameters will:
• Promote proper drainage and ventilation
• Aid in the removal of organic debris
• Meet board spacing requirements for Fiberon warranty
coverage
Surface Fasteners
The use of stainless steel
composite deck screws
is strongly recommended.
Composite surface fasteners
may be used - check with
manufacturer for coating
warranty. Pre-drilling is
recommended. Plain,
galvanized surface fasteners
are not recommended.
Screw heads must be flush with board surface. Use caution
to avoid over-tightening fasteners. Excess tightening may
cause immediate or eventual cracking of the fastener
locations.
Do not surface fasten within 1
1
/
2
" (4 cm) of the end of a
board or 1" (3 cm) from the side of the board.
Pre-drilling
• It is necessary to pre-drill end of board screw holes to
prevent immediate or eventual end splitting (Figure 6).
• Pre-drilling all holes will result in better looking finished
projects. DO NOT over-tighten fasteners. Over-tightening
will induce cracking at board ends.
• Surface fasteners should always be driven in at a 90˚
angle to the decking surface. Toe-nailing screws is not
recommended (Figure 7). Instead, the placement of
blocking/sister joists, when needed, is recommended to
allow perpendicular installation of surface fasteners at
board ends (Figure 8).
• Pre-drilling is required in cold temperatures.
Requirements
• Clean, straight lines of fasteners look better than wobbly
lines. Use white chalk, straight boards or string lines as
templates for straight lines.
• All brands of Fiberon decking may be surface fastened.
Annular thread, ring shank and spiral shank nails, of
sufficient length, have excellent holding power and
produce good results.
• Screws have superior holding power. Use only screws
designed for composite decking. DO NOT USE traditional
bugle-head screws.
• For a cleaner look, stainless steel composite screws
are recommended. These screws are engineered
specifically to work with composite decking and prevent
mushrooming, resulting in better looking finished projects.
Fastening Boards
Fiberon decking requires two fasteners at every joist location
(Figure 9). While surface fastening is allowed on all Fiberon
decking products, the use of FIberon branded Phantom Hidden
Fasteners are highly recommended with Fiberon grooved (GV)
decking to create a smooth, unblemished, decking surface.
Fiberon GV boards cannot be used as stair treads.
Joist
Deck
Deck
Proper InstallationDo Not Toe-Nail
1-1/2"
(4 cm)
90-Degrees
Deck Board
Joist/
Blocking
Joist/
Blocking
Joist
Deck Board
Deck Board Deck Board
For the most up-to-date instructions, visit fiberondecking.com.
Fiberon
®
Decking Installation Instructions
8
9
7
Fastener Setback
Added Joist/
Blocking
1-1/2" (4 cm) Setback
Deck
Board #2
Deck
Board #1
6
4