Build A Deck |
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HOW TO MAKE A DECK
The following information provided by Cali Bamboo is intended to serve as a reference guide only. Please carefully read Cali Bamboo’s installation, maintenance, and warranty documentation prior to installation.
Please note: Cali Bamboo offers free in house technical support as a courtesy to our customers. Consult with one of our bamboo deck experts before, during or after you start your project. Contact help@calibamboo.com or (888.788.2254) to find answers to your specific installation questions that may be unique to your application.
BE SAFE
Always protect yourself when operating power tools.
RECEIVING YOUR MATERIALS
Once you have received your BamDeck®, make sure you store it covered on a flat level surface until you are ready for installation. |
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TOOLS NEEDED TO BUILD A DECK
To install your BamDeck®composite decking, you’ll need a circular or chop saw, a power drill, a 1/8” drill bit, some 2-1/2” wood screws, a Philips bit, deck board installation hardware, a tape measure, pencil, some 1/4” spacers and some spare 2 by 4’s cut approximately 12 inches long.
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GETTING STARTED
Before installing the deck boards, make sure that the wood framework is stable and structurally sound with a maximum distance of 16” between joists on center. For load-bearing decks (like ones with Jacuzzis) be sure the distance between joists is 8-inches to 12-inches on center. If your deck is designed next to an existing structure such as a house, we recommend starting your first row against the structure and working your way outward.
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INSTALLING THE FIRST BOARD
While maintaining a 1/4” expansion gap, fasten one edge of the first board at each framing support joist by pre-drilling a hole and using a quality 2-1/2” (62mm) deck screw. Drill the first screw to the center joist, then the far ends, and lastly the joists in between. It is important that this board is straight and well secured.
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INSTALLING THE FIRST FASTENER
While standing on the first deck board, install provided screw at a slight angle through the fastener and into the joist, while keeping pressure on the fastener. Repeat this process and install a fastener, at each support joist.
Make sure each fastener body is straight and vertical and securely screwed to the center of the support joist. If needed, adjust the torque setting on the screw driver to prevent spin out of the screw head.
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INSTALLING ADDITIONAL BOARDS
Place the next deck board into position against fasteners. Slightly raise the outer edge of board being installed and slide the board securely onto the fastener. Check gapping between boards for consistency. If necessary, gently apply force to ensure that the board is fully seated. Continue installing planks until you reach the end of the first row. If necessary, trim the last deck plank to maintain a 1/4” expansion gap.
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BUTTING A SEAM
First, install a small framing board 10 - 12” long to the joist on which the seam is going to land. Install an additional fastener into the center of the newly added framing board. Your seam should lie between the joist and framing board, trim the plank if necessary. Install both planks into respective fasteners, while maintaining a 1/4” expansion gap between planks. Be sure to install an additional faster to the framing block on both sides of each butted plank.
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INSTALLING THE LAST BOARD
Seat the last board onto the fasteners as usual, but secure the last board by pre-drilling and screwing quality 2-1/2” deck screws to the center of each framing support joist.
Your BamDeck is now complete, and because it’s composite, you’ll be maintenance free for years to come. Visit www.CaliBamboo.com for more information about BamDeck and other green building products.
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