| Important EverGrain® Product Information
- Make safety of the workspace the prime consideration.
- In order to determine the most desirable layout, view all deck boards prior to cutting or fastening.
- Discuss any desired material changes with the supplier prior to cutting or fastening the decking to the structure.
- Like wood, variation of EverGrain deck boards will occur. The weathering process for EverGrain decking products
will vary due to region, climate, rain, sunlight exposure, etc. Some variation in decking shade will appear due to
weathering that will occur at the supplier's yard prior to shipment and due to different product lots.
- EverGrain color of boards will usually weather to a lighter shade within the first 12 weeks of exposure to the
elements. Color selection may vary across profiles.
- Composite decking has a more flexible feel than wood primarily during the heat of summer. This is a natural condition
that will not affect the ability of the decking to perform as warranted. For a more rigid feel, reduce joist span spacing 4".
- EverGrain decking must be installed in accordance with the application instructions. Deviations from these instructions
may result in unsatisfactory performance and may invalidate the limited warranty.
- EverGrain decking boards must never be applied directly to any solid surface (concrete, membranes, etc.) or in conjunction
with systems where inadequate drainage or improper ventilation are found. There must be proper ventilation and adequate
air circulation underneath the deck to promote the evaporation of any water or moisture.
Handling of EverGrain® Decking
EverGrain® decking is heavier and more flexible than traditional
wood products. Use care and do not attempt to lift or carry more decking than
you can safely handle at one time. Proper clothing and safety glasses must be
worn at all times when working with decking.
Store material on a rigid, smooth, flat surface. The unused material should be
kept covered and supported every 24". If boards become bent, most can be bent
back to their original shape during application.
Determination of the effectiveness, suitability, and safety of any application
or use of EverGrain decking is solely the responsibility of the Owner and/or
Contractor. Building code regulations vary, and the Owner and/or Contractor
must consult local building and safety codes for specific requirements prior
to the application of EverGrain decking.
Cutting EverGrain® Decking
When working with EverGrain® decking, saw blades and router bits with
carbide tips are recommended. For best results, use blades with two teeth per inch.
To avoid clogging when drilling holes, frequently remove shavings by raising the
drill bit out of the hole.
Spacing EverGrain® Decking
EverGrain® decking and skirting will expand and contract with changes in temperature.
The amount of expansion and contraction will vary depending upon board size and
temperature. Smaller boards will expand less and larger board sizes will expand more.
When installing decking, side-to-side spacing must be a minimum of 1/8" between adjacent
boards.
 |
*End-to-end spacing between boards must be approximately 1/16" for
every 20-degree increment of temperature difference between the
temperature during installation and the maximum expected summertime
temperature in your area. Butt joints of boards must be staggered.
*EXAMPLE: 80oF at time of installation and a maximum expected summertime
temperature of 100°F equals an end-to-end spacing of 1/16". |
Fastening EverGrain® Decking
EverGrain® decking can be fastened by screws, nails, pneumatic fasteners or
one of many concealed fastening systems available. Consult your building professional
to ensure selection of fasteners is compatible with your joist and substructure material.
The fastening decision is solely the responsibility of the contractor, installer or homeowner.
Epoch does not recommend or endorse any specific fastening system. Like wood, pre-drilling the
end/edges of the boards is necessary to avoid splitting or cracking of the material.
Fasteners must be spaced at a minimum of ¾" from the end of the board and 1" from the edge of
the board. Skirting must be fastened with 3 fasteners every 8" on a solid surface for best results.
For enhanced appearance hidden fastening systems can be used.
A greater force is required to drive nails into decking especially when installing in cold temperatures.
When installing fasteners into decking always wear safety gloves and glasses.
Decking must be fastened at every joist. Make sure joists are level.
- NAILS Hold nails by hand until they are driven ½ the length of the fastener into the decking.
- PNEUMATIC NAILER Constant air pressure must be used to drive the nail head flush with the top of
the deck board. When using pneumatic nail guns follow the nail gun manufacturer's installation and safety
instructions.
- WOOD/COMPOSITE SCREWS Boards that are 1" thick must use a #8 - 2 ½" screw and 2" thick boards
must use a #8 - 3" screw for fastening. In colder temperatures pre-drilling fastener holes no larger than
¾ the diameter of the shaft of the wood screw, lag bolt or nail being used is recommended.
- STRING LINE The use of a string line to align fasteners/boards is recommended to enhance the
appearance of your finished deck (Do not use a chalk line).
- FINISHING TOUCH Deck material will swell over fastener heads. Gently hammer the material down
to cover the fastener head. To minimize this from occurring, pre-drill fastener holes.
Decking Span Chart
Maximum recommended center-to-center spans with a minimum of three joists
are shown below. EverGrain® deck boards must not be applied to a solid surface.
| Center-To-Center Span |
| EVERGRAIN Lumber
Size 1" x 6" 2" x 4" 2" x 6" |
Residential Decks &
Light Duty Decks 16" 20" 20" |
Commercial Decks,
Boardwalks &
Marinas 12" 16" 16" |
Playground
Equipment
(Residential/Day
Care only)
16" or less 16" or less 16" or less |
Note: When diagonal (not to exceed 45°) installation pattern is used, subtract 4" in the maximum span.
Composite decking has a more flexible feel than wood primarily during the heat of summer. This is a natural condition
that will not affect the ability of the decking to perform as warranted. For a more rigid feel, reduce joist span spacing 4".
Decking cannot be cantilevered (overhang edge of deck) because structural support is required. EverGrain decking is a non-structural
construction product. The decking products must not be used as a structural member;
including joists, load bearing columns, stringers, or beams.
For best results add an additional joist at the butt joints to increase stiffness.
|