Can You Put Composite Decking Over Concrete?

Advantages of Installing Compound Decking Over Concrete

As a subject-matter expert, I can attest to the many benefits of building composite outdoor decks above concrete. This strategy not only makes your outdoor room look better but also employs other logical advantages. I will outline the main advantages that make composite outdoor decking a unique choice for covering concrete surface areas below.

Improved Appearances

The major improvement in appearance is one of the most interesting reasons to cover concrete with composite decking. While composite decking offers a trendy, fashionable style that may transform any external setting, concrete surface areas might show up plain and ugly. The great range of colours and building techniques available in composite outdoor decking allows you to fit your own style and the current house design.

Longevity and Long life

One knows compound decking for its extended lifespan and durability. Composite materials are bug-free, rot- and decay-free unlike wood. Mounted over concrete, the decking makes use of the consistent, robust base that concrete offers, therefore increasing its resilience. This combination guarantees that your outside room stays attractive and useful for many years.

Reduced Maintenance

One of the main benefits of composite decking is minimum maintenance needed. Composite decking requires simply occasional cleaning to maintain appearance, unlike traditional timber decking which requires regular staining, securing, and repair work. This makes it the best choice for busy house owners looking for a beautiful outside space free from constant maintenance.

Improved Security

When moist, concrete surfaces can become slick, endangering security and safety. Conversely, composite decking is usually made of slip-resistant materials, so it is a lot safer choice for places prone to moisture. Furthermore, composite decking does not splinter like wood, therefore lowering the risk of sharp side injuries.

Environmental Advantages

Many of the composite outdoor decking products are environmentally friendly since they are created from recycled materials. Mounting composite outdoor decking over concrete helps you to support sustainability and help to cut waste. Included incentive for environmentally conscious house owners is this eco-friendly aspect.

Cost-Effectiveness

Although composite decking's initial cost could be more than that of ordinary lumber, over time the financial benefits are rather large. Composite decking is an affordable fix gradually since upkeep, repairs, and replacements are less needed. Moreover, building composite decking over a current concrete surface area would help to save money on disposal and demolition costs.

Preparing the Concrete Surface Area for Compound Decking

Appropriate preparation of the concrete surface area is essential before you can cover it with composite decking to ensure a strong and durable basis. The concrete has to be firstly absolutely clean. Using a pressure washer or stiff-bristle broom, clear any kind of dirt, trash, or current finishes. This guarantees that the materials for the outside and sticky decks will most definitely bond tightly to the concrete surface area.

After the surface is clean, check the concrete for any kind of irregularity or fissures. While larger cracks can require much more significant repair, little splits can be loaded with a concrete patching cement. As any type of unevenness can cause issues with the installation and lifetime of the composite decking, maintaining as level a surface area is absolutely crucial.

Using a moisture barrier comes next, once any kind of cracks have been fixed. Porous and able to absorb moisture, concrete could lead to problems including mould or rot if improperly treated. A top quality moisture barrier will prevent wetness from seeping through the concrete and affecting the outdoor decking composite construction uses. Depending on your decision and the specific criteria of your project, this barrier can be a sheet membrane layer or a liquid-applied membrane.

One also has to take great consideration the drainage system. Make sure the concrete surface is gently sloping to let water flow pipes away from the outdoor decking. Bad drainage can cause water to collect, which over time might harm the concrete as well as the composite outdoor decking. Mount extra water drainage solutions like French drains pipes or weep holes to encourage suitable water flow if needed.

At last, it is advised to cover the concrete with a sleeper system. Laying flat on the concrete surface, sleepers are pressure-treated hardwood boards. They help to establish a gap between the composite outdoor decking and the concrete, therefore encouraging air circulation and lowering the danger of moisture-related issues. They also give a safe basis for connecting the decking. Guarantee that the sleepers, using suitable fasteners, are firmly attached to the concrete.

Devices and Materials Needed for Compound Decking Setup

Essential Devices ：

• Pierce and Pierce Little bits: A power drill with a range of drill little bits is required for producing pilot holes and securing bolts.
• Gauging Tape: Accurate measurements are crucial for cutting outdoor decking boards to the correct dimension.
• Circular Saw or Miter Saw: These tools are made use of for making specific cuts on the composite outdoor decking boards.
• Degree: Making sure that your decking is degree is important for both appearances and structural integrity.
• Chalk Line: This device helps in marking straight lines on the concrete surface for positioning functions.
• Rubber Mallet: Useful for delicately tapping the decking boards right into place without triggering damage.
• Safety Equipment: Shatterproof glass, gloves, and ear defense are crucial to secure yourself throughout the installment process.

Required Products ：

• Composite Decking Boards: Select top notch composite decking boards that are made for exterior use and can stand up to various weather.
• Outdoor Decking Screws or Hidden Bolts: These are specifically developed for composite products and will certainly guarantee a secure accessory to the concrete surface area.
• Joist System: A joist system, generally constructed from pressure-treated wood or steel, is needed to give a secure base for the outdoor decking boards. This system will be secured to the concrete surface area.
• Concrete Supports: These are utilized to safeguard the joist system to the concrete surface area, supplying stability and assistance.
• Shims: Shims might be needed to level the joist system if the concrete surface area is uneven.
• Blinking Tape: This tape is made use of to safeguard the joists from wetness and expand their lifespan.
• Sealant: A top quality sealer is recommended for sealing any kind of voids and safeguarding the decking from water seepage.

Step-by-Step Overview to Putting Up Compound Decking on Concrete

A sensible and dependable approach to rejuvenate your outside space is building composite decking over concrete. Following a thorough instruction will help you to achieve a flawless arrangement, therefore ensuring both visual appeal and durability.

Step 1: Evaluate and Tidy the Concrete Surface

Start by carefully looking over the concrete surface for any kind of damage, unequal patterns, or fractures. Level uneven surfaces and fill up gaps with concrete filler to handle these problems. Surface cleansing is quite important; use a stress washing machine to remove any kind of existing coatings, dust, and particles.

Step 2: Step and Strategy

A good installation depends on exact dimensions. To find out how much composite decking you need, step the dimensions of your concrete surface area. Plan the pattern such that the decking planks line up correctly and that enough room exists for contraction and extension.

Action 3: Set Up a Moisture Obstacle

Overcoming moisture from affecting the composite decking, cover the concrete with a moisture barrier. This can be a polyethylene sheet or a such product. Glue or tape will help you secure it such that it covers the full surface area.

Tip 4: Lay the Sleeper System

A sleeper system provides a safe platform for the outdoor decking boards by means of pressure-treated wood or composite product. Usually sixteen inches apart, lay the sleepers perpendicular to the direction of the decking boards. Using concrete screws or stonework anchors, protect the sleepers to the concrete.

Tip 5: Set Up the Compound Decking Boards

Start building the composite outdoor decking planks above the sleeper system. To keep the boards in their correct alignment, use composite deck screws or concealed bolts. Make sure there is a small hole between every board to let drain and growth take place.

Step 6: Trim and Complete

Cut any kind of surplus product to produce a neat side once all the outside decking planks are installed. For a finished effect, mount fascia boards all around the border. Verify that the decking is level and that every fastening is safe and secure.

Maintenance Tips for Compound Decking Over Concrete

Once you have effectively covered concrete with composite decking, it is imperative to follow suitable maintenance guidelines to ensure its lifetime and natural beauty. These very useful tips will help you to keep your composite outdoor decking in good condition:

Thought Notes Final Thoughts

Installing composite decking over concrete is really simple as long as you follow all the correct procedures and prepare beforehand.

Concrete is a terrific surface for building a deck when compared to sand or gravel; it really offers very many advantages.

Although the procedure is really straightforward, if you have any questions regarding topics like levelling then it's always advisable to see one of our experts before you start building your deck. This helps you to be certain that there won't be problems down the road.

Check out our extensive selection of composite decking materials then grab your drill and screws and begin laying that deck!