How to install heat-treated wood decking
Before starting the installation make sure that the tools you are using are well taken care of and sharp. A blunt saw will tear the wood and may cause it to crack. Sawing heat-treated wood produces small dust particles, therefore we advise you to wear a protective mask.
When installing heat-treated wood decking, the following should be considered:
• the distance between joists under the decking should be 400-450 mm. This distance is optimal for fixating screws. At a greater distance the decking boards may “fall through” and bend due to the internal tensions of the Siberian larch.
• pre-drilling holes have to be made in the decking boards, preferably no farther than 10mm from the edge of the board. The diameter of the hole has to be equal to the diameter of the screw.
• only rustproof screws (Cutters) may be used. The advisable screw size is 6x55mm.
The advantages of Cutters screws:
a) the head of the screw is equipped with cutting grades that facilitate the
insertion of the screw and therefore leave a completely even surface
b) two longitudinal milled grooves direct the screw in the correct direction and
facilitate turning in the screw. This helps to prevent cracks and splinters and
enables inserting the screws near the edges of the decking boards.
We consider the serrated side of its decking to be the facade surface. When the wood is surfaced the core of the wood is placed on the serrated side, otherwise the wood can bend crosswise due to the weather conditions (rain, sun, etc). If the serrated side is used as the facade surface, the edges of the decking boards bend downwards. NB! A 95 mm decking board can be installed in both ways, because the bending of a narrow board is minimal and therefore remains unnoticed.
If you wish to use the smooth side as the facade surface please inform us about it when placing your order. This will save you from complications arising from the reaction of the wood to different weather conditions.
In order to add resistance and a nice natural color to the decking we advise you to cover both sides with wood surfacing oil. After the installation cover the facade surface once more with oil. The wood surfacing oil will protect the decking from the UV rays and gives it a nice long lasting colour. Oiling both sides will improve the stability of the material and its resistance to the changing weather conditions. However, it is recommended to pressure wash the decking to remove all the accumulated dirt from it. After drying, cover with wood surfacing oil.