Technology of installation of the terrace board

The foundation of an inviting outdoor area is often chosen first, and terrace boards are a common option for that foundation. In addition to adding visual appeal to your outdoor space, terrace boards offer a sturdy and useful surface for entertaining and resting. Nonetheless, proper technique and a thorough understanding of the procedure are necessary for installing terrace boards. We’ll examine the technology underlying the installation of terrace boards in this guide, giving you the tools you need to remodel your outdoor area.

It’s important to comprehend what terrace boards are and why they’re a popular option for outdoor flooring before beginning the installation process. Typically composed of wood, composite materials, or PVC, terrace boards provide a flexible option suitable for a range of outdoor settings. Due to their variety in hues, textures, and finishes, homeowners can tailor their outdoor area to suit their personal tastes and aesthetic vision.

The simplicity of installation is one of terrace boards’ main benefits. Terrace boards can frequently be installed with simple methods and inexpensive tools, in contrast to traditional decking materials that call for a lot of labor and specialized equipment. Still, meticulous planning and attention to detail are necessary to achieve a polished appearance during the installation process.

When installing terrace boards, preparation is essential to ensuring a sturdy and long-lasting foundation. This involves evaluating the state of the underlying surface, be it an existing deck structure, a compacted gravel base, or a concrete slab. To avoid future problems with the terrace board installation, any unevenness or imperfections in the substrate should be fixed.

After laying the foundation, terrace board installation can start. To do this, the boards are usually laid parallel to the longest side of the space, with a small space between each board to accommodate expansion and contraction due to variations in humidity and temperature. The boards are fastened to the supporting structure using secure fastening techniques, like screws or hidden clips, guaranteeing stability and structural integrity.

Preparation of Base	Leveling the ground, laying a foundation of gravel or sand, ensuring proper drainage.
Board Placement	Aligning terrace boards evenly, using spacers to maintain consistent gaps, securing with screws.

Photo review of finished flooring

Therefore, laying the terrace board by hand is not difficult. These images illustrate the various applications for this material.

Completing the outdoor terrace’s floor

Patio railings encircling a swimming pool

The initial plan was to create an open space for recreation by placing boards on a pedestal.

The completion of the surrounding area by adding lighting in the form of floor-mounted spotlights

A country home’s outdoor recreation space covered in a terrace board

WPC flooring found in eateries

Patio decking situated between two hotel structures

The hotel’s recreation area is covered in terraced decking and has tables set up using the same material.

Unique design for a country estate’s outdoor dining space

Decking made of larches for a spacious outdoor space

Preparation for installation and rules of work

It is advised to leave the wood-polymer composite where the repair will be done for two days before moving on with the direct installation. In order for the WPC to have the same temperature as its future surroundings, this action is required. It is highly discouraged to perform any installation work during the winter, when the temperature drops below zero degrees.

Create tiny indentations between the flooring and the base at a depth of two to three centimeters in order to allow the material to breathe properly and last for a long time.

The sides have no particular importance when installing composite decking, but you can decide whether to lay the smooth or grooved side first.

Layout of the surface and lagging for plank flooring

Installation tools:

• Beams 40*27 mm
• WPC
• Staples (initial and intermediate)
• Self-tapping screws
• End strips
• Plugs
• Corners
• Level
• Saw
• A tape measure, a pencil
• Screwdriver
• Drills
• Drill

Technology of installation of WPC board

It is advised that installation work be done at a temperature of at least +5C.

Laying down the lags

WPC underlayment beams are used to support the terrace board. They serve as leveling elements; they are not load-bearing structures. Instead of burying them in the concrete mortar, secure them to one another. Boards can be laid out according to width or height. There should be no more than 40 cm between lags.

Lag correction

Metal dowels are used to secure the boards to the concrete base. To accomplish this, a hole must be drilled through the same hole, into the concrete structure, and into the lag itself. The hole’s diameter should be two millimeters larger than the dowel’s diameter. The laga is secured to the concrete base with an internal dowel.

Beginning brackets

Installing unique metal starting brackets from one edge of the lagging is recommended. These brackets are fastened to the lagging with self-tapping screws (3,5×30 mm). To ensure that the decking board fits precisely in one plane with the board’s end, the staple must extend slightly past the batten’s end.

Arranging the board

The metal brackets are laid such that their upper edges fit into the groove. This is how the end side will be fastened.

Mounting clips

The boards are joined to one another using various fasteners. A plastic mounting clip is one of the options. They are secured to the lags using 3.5×30 mm self-tapping screws. One side of the fasteners is inserted into the decking board that has already been attached. The clip can move slightly in the vertical plane thanks to the way the fastening is made. Simultaneously, the self-tapping screw’s flat should extend 2-3 mm onto the clip’s fixing surface.

Proceeding with the installation procedure

The next panel is installed next to the one that is fastened to the lags.

It’s crucial to attach them so that the mounting clips firmly slide into the second floor element’s groove.

Self-tapping screw tightening

All self-tapping screws used to attach the mounting clips must be tightened to the stop after the terrace boards are laid. Work demands consideration.

This is the appearance of a dowel.

It is possible to assemble terrace boards without gaps if they are installed in heated spaces with minimal humidity variations. Dowels are specialized plastic fasteners used for this application. They are secured with self-tapping screws into the material’s groove. The midpoint of the gap between the lags is where the nagel should be fastened.

Self-tapping screws (3.5 x 30 mm) are used to secure the terrace boards to the lags via the groove. For the most part, this kind of work does not require effort. This may cause the flooring material to crack. Furthermore, tensile strength is decreased by tight screwing.

Self-tapping screw fastening

The final one has a starter bracket fastened to the lags.

Repairing the final flooring board

To give the decking’s exterior curves an attractive appearance, special plastic plugs are used.

Ornamental plugs

Installing the plugs from the end, they are hammered home with a mallet to secure them. It’s not hard work; the key is not to pound too hard.

Plug installation

An aluminum corner covered in an anti-slip compound can be used as a decorative touch.

Ornamental nook

Self-tapping screws, for which pre-drilled holes are needed, are used to secure the corner to the terrace covering.

Putting up the corner

As you can see, installing terrace boards doesn’t require sophisticated technology. Note that there are various methods for fastening the lags to the base. Not only can dowels be used directly in this situation, mounting brackets or clamping brackets can also be used. One of these techniques is seen in the picture below.

Utilizing a unique mounting angle to secure the lagging to the base

See the video to learn how to install wooden deck boards using unique fasteners.

Technology and types of fastening

The deck method involves mounting the boards in a disorganized fashion, but after three or four rows, repeat the end seam. The joint ought to extend at least the width of the board over the subsequent row. There will be little material used, and pieces longer than 50 centimeters can be employed.

Chessboard laying is a material-saving technique used on challenging sites. The transverse joint can be repeated through the middle row or with an offset of 1/3 of the board width through two rows, completing the symmetry of the joints through one or more rows.

The boards are laid perpendicular to one another when doing a multidirectional installation. It is advised to use this method on sites with a large length and a narrow width. Although artistic installation requires specialized skills, it is challenging to complete on your own. However, with its assistance, you can create a variety of ornaments and designs.

There are multiple methods to attach this flooring:

• In the closed method, special clamps are used, they are inserted into the grooves of the boards and fastened to the lags with self-tapping screws;
• in the open method, the fastening is carried out with screws with sockets, which are screwed into the board from the front side and so it is fastened to the lag.

Installation of WPC decking: basic steps

1. The first step is to install a structure of lags, their recommended length is 3 m, and the interval is 28-40 cm. It is necessary to make a small gap at the ends within 20 mm. Keep in mind that the boards themselves are not a support structure, they must be installed on a solid foundation. Their grooved side should be at the bottom, and the groove at the top, this part provides the central installation of screws and clips. It is necessary to leave a free space of at least 10 mm from walls and fences. And between the lags themselves, a gap of at least 20 mm. Rigid fixation is not required in this case.
2. Then we move on to the direct assembly of the terrace. To fix the screws need to pre-drill holes for them, the drill is used with a diameter smaller than the fastening element itself. Maximum dense, uniform fixation is ensured by using a mallet, the entire length is tapped with it. At the joints of elements, it is better to use support beams in two rows, so that each end has its own support. At the end of the row, where it is impossible to fix the product with a clip, screw in a self-tapping screw, nail from the side of the profile. 2-3 mm from the edge. At the end of the described process is made edging with the use of special corners, it can also be end strips installed around the perimeter. It is better to use self-tapping screws for fastening.

Common installation errors

In order to achieve the intended outcome, you must become acquainted with the most typical errors in order to reduce the possibility that they will be assumed. Usually, it is:

• attempts to save money by reducing the number of battens, increasing the spacing between them. This leads to instability of the coating, its bending, as a consequence – cracking, other deformation;
• non-observance of gaps between the decor and the ground, neglecting the slope. This threatens the accumulation of moisture in the inner space, rapid deterioration of the decorative material and support;
• too strong fixation of boards on the support, leading to rapid deterioration of the material;
• Laying the decking board close to the wall, eliminating the expansion gap, which leads to deflection of the elements due to the expansion of the material;
• decking boards close together, preventing rain and melt water from flowing downward. Its accumulation on the surface contributes to the rapid deterioration of the terrace;
• neglecting the period of adaptation of the material to environmental conditions. If you lay the board immediately after its delivery, you run the risk of deformation, because it will begin to adapt to external conditions, changing its size and properties;
• buying low-quality products from a little-known manufacturer, leading to rapid deterioration of the material, problems with installation, damage during the installation process;
• exclusion of the stage of treatment of the finished flooring with a protective composition that protects it from mold, rot, scratches, etc.д. It can be neglected only if the terrace board has a special treatment from the factory.

When selecting terrace boards, try to go for the type with shallow grooves, which effectively drain water and have an anti-slip effect. Smooth-surface collections are available at a lower cost, but as you use them, you’ll find that the economy wasn’t justified.

Operation and care

Maintaining such a covering is quite simple; to do so, use a brush and move it in the direction that the boards are being laid. You can use household sinks, but the water pressure shouldn’t be higher than 80 bar. Use of solvents, strong detergents, or stain removers is not advised.

Maintaining the gaps clean is essential to preventing the growth of moss, which can be prevented by routinely cleaning the surface. It is advised to periodically shift the items on the flooring to ensure even wear.

Grease stains should be eliminated right away; to do this, use degreasing agents found in your home. If a stain does show through, it can be sanded down until eventually the area that is discolored matches the color of the primary coating. The boards should be thoroughly wet before using a metal brush to remove scratches, as this will cause the treated area’s color to gradually become uniform.

What is good composite material

Products’ appearance is influenced by the amount of wood flour in their composition, and polymers give them functionality. In many aspects, wood-polymer composite is better than PVC or natural wood. The fact that the lamellas maintain their original color and shape and that their appearance is thought to be resistant to outside influences like atmospheric phenomena is one of their most significant characteristics. Additionally, the material repels rodents and a variety of insects that favor wood. Durability is one of the products’ qualities, but there are many more that make them desirable.

The advantages can also be attributed to:

• Flexibility – WPC products can bend, taking different shapes depending on conditions. When heated, the physical connection between the constituent elements is broken, and when the material cools down, it resumes. This characteristic allows the boards to be used for the purposes of cladding stair treads, reliefs, well, of course, for the construction of flooring;
• strength – lamellas can easily withstand a load of 1000 kg per 1 m2, all this is due to the presence of modifying additives in the composition. Positive properties are not lost even with a decrease/increase in air temperature within minus 50 and plus 70 degrees Celsius;
• Resistance to damage of various kinds, stain formation.

After many years of use, it was possible to determine that the material is moisture-resistant and simple to install and maintain. Most importantly, though, is that you can easily implement any design idea by selecting the best option because the products are available in a variety of colors.

Regarding the drawbacks, they are present. More specifically, the cost of the decking is one. It is at a high level; WPC is four to six times more expensive than regular wooden boards.

When it comes to installing a terrace board, the key lies in precision and preparation. Begin by ensuring a sturdy and level base, typically made of concrete or gravel, to support the boards. Proper spacing between the boards is crucial for drainage and expansion during temperature changes. Utilizing stainless steel screws or hidden fastening systems ensures durability and a clean finish. Prioritize treating the boards with protective coatings to guard against weather damage and prolong their lifespan. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and resealing, will keep your terrace looking its best for years to come. With attention to detail and the right techniques, installing a terrace board can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space.

Facade finishing

Additionally, terrace boards can be used to finish facades. This material alone is referred to as a facade board. It is essentially the same as a floor board, down to the laying technology. In the facade wall’s plane, only the battens are positioned vertically.

Use of various fasteners is required to secure the facade board to the purlin. One of them is an L-shaped piece of metal with a spike.

Using self-tapping screws, the first bottom plank is attached to the battens directly on the outer plane. Subsequently, the fastener is inserted into the end of the strip so that its second bent plane lies on the batten rail’s side plane.

The fixing element is attached to the end of the facade strip using a nail.

The purlin is struck by the second nail.

With a clamp to the battens, the second board is placed atop the first.

The top strip is pressed into the fastener’s stud. A wooden block and a mallet are used for this. Closer to where the frame laths are located is where the strokes should be made.

After completion, the facade wall should resemble this.

This kind of finishing is typically a subset of ventilated facades. There is a gap left between the cladding material and the wall so that any moist air vapors from the interior of the building can escape upward and not land on the wooden cladding. Thermal insulation is frequently placed beneath the facade cladding.

WPC flooring assembly technology

The process of installing WPC flooring is not the same as assembling a terrace board by hand. Since the latter is put together using the construction-puzzle assembly method.

This is the appearance of a WPC parquet board.

This is the appearance of the parquet flooring’s reverse side.

This type of flooring is made up of parquet boards and a base. Both connecting and disconnecting from the base is simple for the latter. The fastening method involves inserting spikes into the grooves.

Board meeting

There are seating ears with holes on the panel’s two neighboring edges. There are round cross-sectional spikes on the other two adjacent edges.

The studs of one element must fit into the mounting grooves of the other in order to connect two parquet boards.

Consequently, it’s critical to precisely align the panels with respect to the fasteners.

Procedure for installation

An ordinary saw can be used to trim the parquet or make any necessary cuts in the board.

Panel trimming using a saw

WPC parquet creates a beautiful, non-slip floor with exceptional performance qualities. Attaching the flooring material to the substrate is not required.

Final outcome

Stages of terrace board installation

The method used to fasten the decking boards determines how the joists should be installed.

1. The first board is installed and fastened with screws.
2. The fastening element is hammered into the base, using a hammer the upper part is brought to a vertical position.
3. Nails are inserted into the fixing holes and driven into the board.
4. The next board is mounted on the base, the A-spacer is fixed.
5. The board should be pressed down with your feet to make it fit snugly.
6. The second board is hammered onto the fixing studs with a hammer through a spacer.
7. Then the work is carried out in the same way over the entire surface.

The decking should be installed with a small slope to keep moisture from collecting on the surface. Using specialized plastic devices is advised.

Applying a protective coating to the boards is advised once the installation is finished. The surface needs to be varnished and grouted if B and C grades are utilized. When installing Elite or Class A boards, they are coated with transparent varnish or protective wax.

Prior post:Fastening floor joists to the wall Nextpost: Fixing plywood on concrete and wooden floors has peculiarities.

Preparing the substrate

The process of installing terrace boards requires careful substrate preparation. The primary requirement is its potency. Additionally, the base needs to be flawlessly smooth and level. Examples of this include a slab, wooden planks, or a cement screed that has been hydroisolated.

Herbicides or a special material should be applied to soil that is susceptible to weed growth.

Because water can collect on the floor’s surface and beneath it, as well as because cold weather causes the ground to swell, the base is constructed with a slight slope of 1.5–2%. In order to facilitate water drainage, the planks are positioned parallel to the incline of the slope, allowing water to move from the surface in the direction of drainage.

Water drainage should be made if it isn’t already during the preparation phase. After that, the boards are set on plastic supports with a small elevation.

To guarantee proper air circulation, the area beneath the frame is left empty, and there are slots between the boards.

How to fix the terraced board: the preparatory stage

If you’re curious about how to fix a terraced board, let’s first become acquainted with the specifics of preparation. Any substrate, such as a crushed stone pillow or an old tiled floor, can be used to lay the material. It is not advised to simply lay the terraced board on the sand because of its extreme softness, which will cause the coating to continually warp and deform and make it impossible to tell when it is stable.

If there isn’t a prepared surface available, you must do the following tasks:

• in the place of laying dig a small trench, clean the ground from weeds, tamp well;
• 10 cm thick, pour a cushion of crushed stone of medium or fine fraction, well leveled;
• Pour a layer (5 cm) of sand, level to obtain a uniform surface;
• make the base. Small concrete slabs can be laid. If you decide to concrete the entire surface, take care of the presence of a slope for water drainage, complete drying of the solution.

You now know the proper way to fix the terraced board.

Technology of terrace board installation

Let’s get right to the removal of the terrace board installation. It is separated into two primary phases, as are all construction processes: the first is preparation, and the second is material laying and base fastening.

Preparation

One aspect of preparation is building a stable, level substrate. Although there are a few alternatives here, laying terrace boards typically involves a concrete foundation. It should be strong, level, and dry at the same time. If the flooring is built on the ground, you must consider the stability of the base beneath the lagging that has been laid. Paving slabs, blocks, and other concrete products can be used for this and placed beneath the terrace.

In relation to the tool preparation. The terrace board installation will need:

• screwdriver,
• saw or jigsaw;
• mallet and hammer;
• tape measure, iron ruler, pencil,
• construction level.

Project development

A crucial phase that establishes the flooring’s dependability and appearance

Things to be mindful of:

1. Distance between the lags: 40 cm for hollow boards, 50 cm for solid boards.
2. Gap between the parts of the floor covering: 1-3 mm for indoor use, 4 mm for outdoor use.
3. If the laying of the terrace board is made diagonally, the distance between the lags is reduced: at an angle of 45 ° within 25-30 cm, at an angle of 30 ° – 15-20 cm.

From the decking board, let’s move straight on to building the decking on the terrace. Think about installing WPC slats, which calls for specific knowledge and the use of fasteners that aren’t available everywhere.

Terrace board how to fix

Preparation

1. Important points
2. Laying the material
3. Errors of the installation process

A common modern material for terraces, garden paths, verandas, gazebos, etc. is terrace board. Finishing for terraces, garden paths, verandas, gazebos, etc., is done with this material. It has an anti-slip coating and is constructed of natural wood with the addition of polymeric materials to ensure safety even in wet weather. Due to its susceptibility to high humidity, temperature swings, mechanical impact, and other factors, wood cannot be used alone for production. The material’s remarkable durability indicators and strength are derived from synthetic components. As such, the terrace board has many beneficial attributes:

Manufacturers use a variety of wood species for the main component, but larch is the most common. Its hardness and resistance to adverse influences are its defining characteristics. Consequently, it is preferable to purchase a larch wood variety if you are considering purchasing a terrace board.

Regarding the installation issue, there are no challenges here. Its implementation doesn’t require years of experience, specialized training, or expensive equipment.

A great way to improve your home’s outdoor area and create a lovely, useful space for entertaining and resting is to install a terrace board. We have explored the nuances of the installation process in-depth in this article, covering everything from setup to final touches.

Initially, we discussed how crucial it is to prepare everything well before installing the terrace boards. To ensure your terrace lasts a long time and is stable, you must treat the substructure, ensure proper drainage, and level the ground.

We then talked about the different materials that can be used to make terrace boards, each with their own benefits and things to keep in mind. Knowing the features of each material—natural wood, composite, or PVC boards—is essential to helping you make an informed choice that fits your needs and budget.

As we moved on to the actual installation procedure, we emphasized how important it is to use the right spacing, fastening techniques, and alignment strategies. During this stage, paying close attention to detail not only guarantees an aesthetically pleasing result but also strengthens the terrace’s structural integrity.

We also discussed how crucial maintenance is to extending the life of your terrace board. The aesthetic appeal and usability of your outdoor area can be greatly increased with routine cleaning, recurring checks for wear and damage, and the application of protective coatings as needed.

To sum up, installing a terrace board involves meticulous planning, close attention to detail, and a dedication to upkeep. The outcome, a delightful and useful outdoor space, makes the effort worthwhile, though. Beautifully installed terrace boards certainly add to the overall appeal and value of your home, whether you’re having a quiet morning coffee or entertaining friends and family.