DIAMOND DECKING Installation Guide
Congratulations on purchasing the finest quality exterior decking. This guide will explain essential woodworking strategies employed by experienced Diamond Decking installers. Proper use and care of this product will help ensure a long and attractive service life.
HANDLING:
Transport Diamond
Decking in a secured bundle or crate.
Do not open bundles until ready to air dry or install the product. Protect exposed milled surfaces with scrap
wood or crating whenever handling with a mechanical lift. Use comer protectors when strapping bundles.
STORAGE:
Store Diamond Decking in
a cool dry place, out of direct sunlight, dust and rain. If stored over open ground, leave sufficient
circulation space under the bundle to counter the effects of condensation.
CONDITIONING:
Prior to use, air-dry
Diamond Decking to local moisture levels, this will result in a more attractive
and stable project. Consult with your
Diamond Decking Tm dealer for proper air-drying procedures.
Deck Board Span Table-Building
regulations vary. Consult local
building and safety codes.
¾ x3-1/2” 16” span 1”x5-1/2” 24” span
¾”x5-1/2” 24” span 1-1/2”x3-1/2” 24” span
1”x3-12” 16”-24” span 1-1/2”x5-1/2” 36” span
DESIGN:
All deck surfaces must be
designed with a slight grade sufficient to produce run off.
All projects should be
designed with sufficient space between the project and ground to permit
continuous circulation of fresh air; this is critical for long-term dimensional
stability.
Diamond Decking is not warranted for use in ground contact or submersed
applications.
INSTALLATION:
Both high-speed steel
and cobalt drill bits may be used effectively with Diamond Decking.
Carbide tipped saw
blades and router bits are recommended for cleaner cuts and extended life. When milling Diamond Decking use slower feed
rates and maintain sharp cutting surfaces.
Apply a clear end
sealant, such as Anchorseal to board ends as they are trimmed, cross cut, or
milled. Apply end seal neatly, as end
seal will prevent penetration of oil based finishes. Do not wait to seal fresh cut ends, as end grain damage may begin
immediately.
Do not straighten
crooked boards by screwing them into position.
Odds are that the force required will snap the fastener. First, position the board with a lever,
clamp or Bow Wrench, then securely fasten it in place. Subdecking (structural) elements must be
properly treated, straight and stable.
Unseasoned deck boards
may be installed directly adjoining one another, however, after seasoning,
proper installation requires a minimum gap of 1/16" between all deck
boards. This increases air circulation
and provides an exit for rain and melting snow.
ACCLIMATIZATION (seasoning):
After acclimating, the
average shrinkage values of deck boards
are contained in the following table
(Shrinkage rates shown
are per board and measured across the width of the board.)
Deck Board Shrinkage
Table (average value)
1/16” shrinkage for 4" Wide Boards
1/8” shrinkage for 6" Wide Boards
FASTENERS:
Stainless steel
fasteners are highly recommended due to their resistance to corrosion and
staining.
WARNING: Galvanized
fasteners may discolor Diamond Decking with time and exposure.
Regardless of which
fastener you choose, the diameter of its pilot hole must approximate the
diameter of the fastener in order to prevent splitting the wood, bending nails
or breaking screws.
SCREWS: The most effective fastening device for
installing Diamond Decking.
1) Standard screws: It is necessary to
pre-drill both the pilot hole and countersink.
2) Trim head screws: The smaller size of
the Trim head permits countersinking the screw without having to pre-drill the
countersink portion.
3) Self tapping or other type screws:
(See manufacturer for details)
Note: Due to variations
in screw design, proper diameters of pilot and countersink holes will vary.
PNEUMATIC FINISH NAILS
(Stainless Steel)
The T shape finish nails
associated with pneumatic nailers have been used successfully with
I" x 4" and
I" x 6" nominal size decking.
These smooth nails should be driven inward or "toe-nailed"
towards the board's center at a 15-degree angle. Installers using this "toe nail" method, have
discovered that construction adhesive helps prevent deck board
"creep" and squeak".
Note: To prevent splitting, always pre-drill pilot holes
when nailing near the end of a board.
ALTERNATIVE FASTENING SYSTEMS: (See your Diamond
Decking dealer for details)
EB TYTM
Deck Master
ADHESIVES: (See your Diamond
Decking dealer for details)
PL Premium
Gorilla Glue
FINISH OPTIONS: (See your Diamond Decking dealer for details)
Natural Aging
Keep the deck clean, and
allow the product to silver naturally.
(Optional: An immediate application of Seasonite new wood
treatment may facilitate the seasoning process)
Penetrating Oil
Immediately upon
installation, apply penetrating oil containing effective UV blockers. There are a variety of brands from which you
may select.
MAINTENANCE:
Natural Aging
Diamond Decking
installations in dry or coastal locations develop a brilliant sheen, as these
environments naturally inhibit discoloring fungal growth. Keeping inland projects free of debris, sap,
spores and mildew will also result in a rich silver patina.
Penetrating Oil
Refer to manufacturer
guidelines
Restoration:
Power wash or sand until the gray surface film is removed and the original color revealed. Apply your choice of penetrating oil.
Techniques
and products shown are meant to assist the designer, builder and specifier with
a basic understanding of Diamond Decking, it's installation and use
of optional ancillary products. Diamond
Hardwoods Inc. assumes no liability for, and makes no claim to, the suitability of any ancillary product other than reporting its history of usage. It
is the sole responsibility of the owner or installer to adequately test for product suitability. Contact your local Diamond Decking dealer
for details on products described in this guide.
(1999 Diamond Hardwoods,
Inc.)