How to: Install WPC Composite Decking | Maintain Composite Decking| Bamboo Home

Composite Decking Maintenance WPC is a new type of composite made by mixing bamboo/wood powder with HDPE and other chemical additives which are extruded from a special high pressure, temperature machine. Because it contains natural fibre, our WPC not only has a high degree of anti-UV and weather resistance, it is also easy to work with. WPC has a high resistant to moisture and termites, no rotting, no cracking, and good colour stability.

Our WPC is environmentally friendly and is a good alternative to other materials which need oiling every year. The main material bamboo/wood powder is the scrap from decking and furniture production, and another material is recycling plastic. It will save large amounts of natural wood and reduce pollution by using plastic to protect the environment.

To ensure continued client satisfaction we always buy good quality, raw materials. Each piece is knot free and consistent in size, colour and length, therefore eliminating the search for the perfect piece.

Installation guide

There are 4x main points you need to follow.

1. Where 2 deck boards meet, there must be 2 keels instead of one (each end of the board must have one keel as a support and 1 x clip for each board. If you are using a wooden joist, you can screw an extra block on the side of the joist so you have enough room for 2 x clips (1 clip for each end of the board so that the 2 boards meeting do not share a cleat.

Composite Decking Maintenance 2. The distance between 2 keel boards or wooden joists should be 30cm.

3. The length of the board is better to be around 2.2-3.6m, too short or too long is not suggested.

4. The end of the deck board should be covered by an “L” shape corner cover.

Prior to the installation of any form of decking, it is recommended that you check the local building codes for any special requirements or restrictions and make sure the floor is dry, clean and levelled. Please ask a professional builder to install. WPC decking should not be used for columns, beams; joints support posts or other loading bearing segments.

Failure to follow instructions will invalidate the warranty.

Tools

An electric drill is a must for drilling holes to screw in both the WPC deck & the decking. WPC material does not allow direct screwing by hammer or other heavy tools; otherwise it might break. Standard wood working tools may be used to cut the boards or keels.

Our stainless screw is recommended, while other standard deck screw/nails can be used also.1 square meter needs 24pcs standard stainless nails at most. Because our decking has a tongue on each side for fixing, the quality of screws can be determined by builder.

Drainage

Its water absorption rate is about 0.2%. Expansion/contraction rate is about 0.5%, so a gapping of about 1mm between the two ends of the boards is suggested for future expansion /contraction.

Slightly slope the decking (5mm per meter) away from the house to allow for water run-off. When installing decking over a living space, proper flashing is essential.

How to fit

First step: Fix the keels/joist. Arrange the keels equally on the concrete flooring. We suggest a 30cm distance between each keel. There should be 5mm distance between the connecting ends of the keels.

Second step:Drill holes which should be smaller than the diameter of the screw on the keels with an electric drill, then fix the keels to the concrete floor with screws and raw plugs. Please do not leave the screw heads above the top surface; otherwise it will make the surface of WPC jagged. You can also stick the keels on the concrete floor with outdoor glue/sealant.

Third step:Once the keel is fitted, insert the groove decking. The groove between two decking should be fixed by plastic fitting (or stainless fitting). Push the decking at opposite side and then put the nails into the hole of each plastic fitting.

Cleaning

Possible question	Solutions suggested.
Dirt or debris	Clean the decking to remove dirt or debris by using soap, hot water and a stiff bristle brush.
Mould	Use conventional wood washes or cleaners that contain bleach and detergent (refer to mould technical bulletin.)
Chalk Markings	All coloured chalk lines are permanent except white. Scrubbing the area with hot soapy water with bleach may dislodge some of the chalk.
Ice and Snow	Calcium chloride or rock salt, available in many home centres, will melt ice on decking. Rinse off when first practical.
Rust Stains, Ground-In Dirt and Grime	Use a cleaning product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid base to lighten or remove the rust or dirt. Product may need to sit on stain 10-15 minutes.
Oil and Grease Stains	Scrub in a household-degreasing agent as soon as the stain occurs. Rinse with hot water.
Berries and Wine Stains	Mix bleach into hot water according to the bleach-packaging label. Scrub the stain lightly and rinse thoroughly. The stain may not disappear entirely.
Ink Stain	Inks may be permanent. However, scrubbing with hot soapy water may lighten the stain. Rinse thoroughly.

Note: Periodic cleaning of the composite decking is suggested, even if it appears clear, it is important to prevent the build-up of pollen/debris that can cause mould. If unsure about the product being used to clean/remove stains from your deck, it is recommended that you test a small area in an inconspicuous place to determine if the product will cause any unwanted discoloration. You can use a pressure washer to remove stains, ground in dirt, or mould.

Colour Variations

Although we have already added colorants and stabilizers during production, the decking will still have slight colour variations. This is a natural occurrence in the fibres and plastic used in the manufacturing process.

Limited Warranty

WPC decking comes with a 15-year limited warranty, which should be under proper usage that provides comprehensive coverage against splintering, splitting, rot or decay, and in termite damage. Our products have been tested by China’s governmental organization, which issued a formal TEST REPORT for our products quality. We can provide this TEST REPORT copy if necessary.

Attention!

Wood Plastic Composite has many good features in outdoor usage. However, the most evident shortage is its IMPACT RESISTANCE. To avoid damaging the decking, please see our suggestions:

Please try to keep this material away from heavy impact during usage.
Please take care of it during transportation, installation and storage.
Please contact one of the Bamboohome team if you need any further information.

How to: Install and Maintain Composite decking