How to Update Your Decking With Composite Boards Yourself

Composite decking is super easy to work with. This means that many people looking for a new composite deck consider taking the project on themselves. If you’re handy, then this is a great way to cut the cost of installing a composite deck. There’s lots to consider, though.

The DIY potential of composite decking depends on your experience and skills, and the complexity of your project. If you’re dealing with a sloping garden, a raised deck or want particularly complex patterns or shapes, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Lay composite decking on your existing subframe

The easiest way to build your own composite deck is when you’re replacing your decking on a preexisting subframe. If your subframe is in good shape, with no rot, and it’s well treated you should be able to reuse it. You would have to ensure that your subframe is in good condition and that the spacing between joists is inline with the decking manufacturers instructions.

If you want to reuse a timber decking frame with Composite Prime decking, you could opt to treat the timber with our HD Protect tape for additional protection. We’d also require your joists to be fit at 300mm centers, which could mean you need to add in some additional supports. We’ve blogged previously about how to ensure your subframe is up to scratch.

If you find your subframe in good condition, installing your new composite decking boards yourself is pretty simple.

Why should you replace your timber decking boards with composite?

The thing about composite boards is that they won’t rot, warp or splinter like timber decking. The chances are, to stay in tip-top condition, and avoid sagging, warping and cracking your timber deck takes some hefty maintenance each year. If you don’t clean, sand, oil or stain your boards annually, your deck will deteriorate quickly. Nobody wants a patchy, faded, peeling, cracked decking that you can’t step foot on without shoes.

Get your summer back

Switching your timber deck for a composite one means you get your summer back. No staining, oiling or sanding. It’s well worth going to the effort of making the switch, just in the time you get back in maintaining your deck. For your initial time investment, you get the maximum payout of relaxation time enjoying your deck rather than tending to it.

How difficult is it to install composite decking?

It’s as difficult as you make it. A simple, quadrilateral deck is a pretty simple project. You’ll get all the hidden clips needed to secure your decking boards, and you’ll need a drill or a driver to install them. You’ll need to think about finishing touches, like end caps and fascia boards.

To work out how much decking you’ll need to build your new composite deck, you’ll have to carefully measure the area you wish to cover. When calculating what you’ll need, you will also have to allow for wastage and offcuts.

To figure out how much of your decking and other materials you’ll need to order to complete your project, check out our 3D deck designer, Prime Design.