Installation Guide

11
You must gap Style Selections™ decking, both end-to-end
and width-to-width. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the
slight thermal expansion and contraction of Style Selections
decking boards. Gapping also allows for the shrinkage of the
wood joist system.
° Always follow Style Selections-recommended gapping
guidelines.
° Maximum allowable perpendicular overhang for Style
Selections is 4 in (10.2 cm) for non-walking surfaces only.
° All decks require air circulation to keep them dry and looking
good. To improve air flow, leave openings under the decking
or increase gapping to 3/8 in (1 cm).
Above 40°F* (4.5°C)*
1/4 in (0.6 cm)
Below 40°F* (4.5°C)* 3/8 in (1 cm)
*Temperature at installation.
End-to-End/
End-to-Width
Abutting Gap
Above 40°F* (4.5°C)* 1/8 in (0.3 cm) 1/4 in (0.6 cm)
Below 40°F* (4.5°C)* 3/16 in (0.5 cm) 1/2 in (1.3 cm)
*Temperature at installation.
When you use the recommended hidden fasteners,
the placement of the hidden fastener establishes the
designated gap size.
When installing fascia, gapping rules must apply.
Width-to-Width
The minimum required width-to-width gapping is 1/4 in
(0.6 cm). When installing in temperatures below 40°F
(4.5°C), Style Selections recommends 3/8 in (1 cm) gapping.
For docks and heavily wooded areas, Style Selections
recommends a 3/8 in (1 cm) gap as well. No gapping
should ever exceed 1/2 in (1.3 cm).
End-to-End/End-to-Width
Gap Style Selections decking end-to-end, based
upon the temperature at installation. See chart at left.
For fastening tips, see page 9 .
Abutting Solid Objects
When decking is abutting a wall, you must also gap it
1/4 in – 1/2 in (0.6 – 1.3 cm) depending on the temperature
at installation. See chart at left.
1/4 in – 3/8 in
(0.6 cm – 1 cm)
1/8 in – 3/16 in
(0.3 cm – 0.5 cm)
1/4 in – 1/2 in
(0.6 cm – 1.3 cm)
DECKING
GAPPING
WIDTH-TO-WIDTH GAP
END-TO-END/END-TO-WIDTH
AND ABUTTING GAP