| Tools and Safety... |
CrossTimbers deck boards can be cut, routed, drilled, or fastened with normal
woodworking tools. Carbide-tip saw blades with approximately 2 teeth per inch are
recommended for best results.
- Follow safe practices when using tools during the installation process.
- Review and comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and building codes
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| Substructure... |
| Do NOT use CrossTimbers deck boards as components of a substructure. The joists must
be level, straight, and square, since the CrossTimbers deck boards will conform to the
level and orientation of the joists. Do not attach CrossTimbers deck boards or joists
to any solid surface or watertight flooring system, such as sheathing, waterproofing
membranes, roof decks, concrete, or patios.
It is essential to maintain airflow under the deck’s substructure. A minimum airspace
of 12" between the substructure and the surface below is required to provide proper
ventilation. Skirting must NOT impede airflow. Joist spans greater than 8' must be
blocked. Spacing between blocking must not exceed 8'. |
| Color... |
| The natural fibers used to make CrossTimbers deck boards may create slight color
variations between boards. To ensure a proper color mix, lay out the deck design
before installation. Note: As with all composite decking products, the color will fade
within the first 8 – 12 weeks after installation. |
| Orientation... |
| The grain of CrossTimbers deck boards will reflect light differently depending on the
orientation of the boards. All deck boards have arrows imprinted on the side
indicating the orientation. To obtain a uniform look, install the deck such that all
orientation arrows are pointing in the same direction. |
| Fastening... |
| Do not nail. Minimum spacing between parallel boards is 3/16”.
(See “Gapping” section for additional requirements)
CrossTimbers deck boards MUST have two fasteners at each
joist. Butt Joints: at butt joints, 2 fasteners are required per
deck board. Attach a supporting joist or cleat (minimum
2” x 4”) to the stringer or floor joist to accommodate fasteners
at butt joints.
There are two installation methods:
1 - Face Fastening. Use a minimum #8 stainless steel, composite lumber or deck screw.
Pre-drill and countersink fasteners when Face Fastening CrossTimbers boards. Use
a minimum screw length of 2-1/4" for 5/4" x 6" and 7/8" x 6" boards; for
CrossTimbers 2" x 6" decking, use a minimum screw length of 3". Place two fasteners
at every joist 3/4" from the side and at
least 1" from the end of the board. (See
Butt Joints above). When using
CrossTimbers voided decking, fasten
deck boards through the voids. Do not
drill through the top layer of the deck boards.
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| 2 - Sabre™ Fastening Clips: As with Face Fastening,
Sabre Clip fasteners must be attached at each joist
regardless of joist spacing. When installing deck boards using Sabre Clips, face fastening is not needed.
Special Note: For overall aesthetics, incorporate transition or divider boards into deck
designs instead of butt joints. By removing the plastic insert in the Sabre Clips, it is possible
to fasten adjoining boards for such designs by
using the metal tops and its fastener. When
butt joints are unavoidable, each board
creating the joint needs to be fastened
individually (see Butt Joints below). |
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| Gapping... |
CrossTimbers deck boards expand and contract due to changes in temperature;
therefore, it is critical to follow the gapping charts below for proper performance.
| Temperature |
Butt Joints |
Adjacent to Structure |
| Below 60 degrees |
3/16" |
1/4" |
| Above 60 degrees |
1/8" |
3/8" |
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| Stair Tread... |
| Solid CrossTimbers deck boards must be used for stair treads and Face Fastened
on a joist span no greater than 12". Overhang for stair treads must not exceed 2".
Follow the Face Fastening method above for installation of Stair Treads. |
| Fascia... |
| Pre-drilling and countersinking is required when Face Fastening CrossTimbers fascia.
Fascia must be Face Fastened with a minimum 2 1/2", #10 stainless steel, composite
lumber or deck screw. For 6" fascia, use two screws every 12", at least 1" from the
edge of the fascia. For 12" fascia, use three screws every 12". The outside screws
should be at least 1" from the edge of the fascia, and the third screw should be placed
in the center of the upper and lower screws. Fascia must be gapped at least 1/8"
between adjoining boards. Miter cut or back cut butt joints to minimize appearance
of gapping. Do not miter cut the edges at corners.
The rim joist to which the fascia is attached must be as dry as
possible before installing the fascia, and kept in a dry condition
during installation. Apply sealant or coating of outdoor acrylic latex
to help green lumber dry. A weatherproof urethane caulk or sealant
can also be applied to the upper seam between the fascia and the
rim joist to prevent debris or rain water from seeping into the gap
and contributing to a waving/curling effect. |
