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Decking support

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1.2. How can I calculate how much decking I will need?

Firstly, calculate how many square metres your project will require, then add at least 10% onto the figure calculated. This allows for wastage or on-site damage to the timber. It is worth noting that the inconvenience and extra costs incurred of not ordering enough timber can be quite significant.

1.3. At what stage of the project should the deck be fitted?

The deck is normally the last part to be completed in a new build, unless it is needed for access whilst the project is under construction.

1.4. Which other products are recommended to complete the Russwood decking system?

Russwood offer a range of innovative fixing systems for decking. These include secret fix clips, adjustable substructure supports, compensation strip for enhanced ventilation and precision milled stainless steel screws. In all instances we can advise on the appropriate number of fixings you will need in order to secure your deck.

Preparation

2.1. Once the decking has been delivered, how should it be stored?

Ideally it should be used as soon as it arrives on site. However, if the decking must be stored, it should be on bearers, with the top of the pack covered, so air can still get to it, and out of direct sunlight. Please ensure that the straps and stickers (smaller pieces of timber going cross ways at certain layers) are still in place until you’re ready to use the decking – this ensures adequate airflow throughout the decking boards.

2.2. What should the moisture content of the decking be immediately prior to installation?

Our decking is provided to you at the optimum moisture content of 16 – 18% (+/- 2%).

Installation

3.1. How far apart should the joists be positioned?

The recommended fixing distances for decking vary according to the projected footfall of your deck. For commercial and domestic projects, we would recommend fixing at 400mm centres maximum.

3.2. Is pre-drilling required?

Our Timber Decking doesn’t need to be pre-drilled.

3.3. What should be used to affix the decking to the joists?

We recommend stainless steel decking screws, as the stainless steel provides inherent corrosion protection. The sharp flanks of the L-GoFix® screw thread allow optimum anchoring without causing the timber to split and the precision milled splines on the shaft enable them to be quickly and easily driven into the wood surface. However, it should be noted that our screws are recommended only for use with a power drill.

3.3.1. What is likely to happen if stainless steel screws are not used?
Unsightly corrosive stains will occur when non-stainless steel fittings are used on naturally durable timbers. Stainless steel fixings must be used as it is not always possible to remove such stains.

3.4. What are the differences between face and secret fixing, and when should each be used?

Secret fixing has evolved as a design solution and is now more than just an aesthetic preference. The GleitFix® not only provides a clean, contemporary appearance but also provides an optimally ventilated deck with no water traps, assuming it has been correctly detailed. This ultimately increases the lifespan of your deck.

3.5. Do I need to leave a gap between the boards in my deck?

Yes, a gap between the boards allows for drainage of surface water and airflow around and beneath the boards. This ensures that a build-up of moisture, which could compromise the durability of your deck and cause unsightly staining of the timber, does not occur.

3.6. Is there a recommended maximum gap between boards?

We recommend a gap of 6mm between the boards for best practice installation.

3.7. Should there be a gap between the substructure and the decking boards?

Yes, a gap between the substructure and decking increases ventilation. A well ventilated structure will increase the durability of a deck by allowing the timber to dry out quickly and completely between wetting cycles. To create this ventilation gap we recommend using KompeFix® (for a face-fixed deck) or GleitFix® (for a secret fixed deck).

3.8. Is there a right way and a wrong way up for my decking boards?

For advice on our Larch decking, please contact our technical team.

Finishing

4.1. Does the decking require a protective coating?

Our Thermopine decking is naturally durable and in most instances does not require coating.

4.2. Will my deck stay the same colour?

If left untreated, your timber deck will weather to a muted silver/grey colour regardless of the species chosen.

4.3. Will the screws that fix my deck change colour?

If you use stainless steel screws, as recommended, we would not expect a colour change to occur.

Maintenance

5.1. On-site applied coloured oil; how often does the deck require to be re-coated?

There are a few factors that determine the re-coating requirement; the main two being the footfall of your deck and the exposure it receives from the elements. As a general rule you can expect to re-coat your deck twice a year. For this reason, SiOO:X may be seen as the preferable option.

5.2. Will I need to maintain an untreated, uncoated deck?

We would recommend regular brushing with a stiff broom in order to remove dirt and other debris, and this will help to reduce grease and mildew. If the deck is grooved, ensure that the grooves are kept clean as this will help to get rid of standing water. We would advise caution with the use of high pressure jet washers, as they can damage the wood surface if used too aggressively.

Pricing and delivery

6.1. Do your prices include VAT?

Prices displayed on our on-line shop are all inclusive of VAT. Prices given in quotations are indicative, and exclude VAT.

6.2. From the day I order, how long will it take to deliver my decking?

Lead times for delivery can vary from a matter of days for stock items, to a number of weeks for custom profiles and pressure-treated orders. Please enquire about current stock levels and/or lead times when ordering.

6.3. Which haulage company do you use for delivery?

We organise our own delivery, using a hi-ab off-loading service. On occasion we use an approved external haulier/courier who will always require off-loading assistance at the point of delivery. We advise on this whilst organising delivery in each instance.

6.4. Where do you deliver to?

We deliver all over the UK. However, it should be noted that, although we do all we can to minimise decking delivery costs, it is regrettably the case that for small orders the cost of delivery to the South of England can be disproportionately high.

6.5. Do I have to be there to receive the delivery?

It depends on location, but it is always best to have someone on-site to sign for the goods.

6.6. How is it delivered?

Generally your order will be polythene wrapped, strapped and offloaded by hi-ab within Scotland. If your delivery is in England, an off-load facility will need to be organised as the delivery will be by external courier. This will be confirmed by our haulage department.

6.7. How much do you charge for delivery?

Delivery costs vary and are dependent on location.

General questions

7.1. Can you give me advice on my decking project?

We are always happy to offer advice to our customers on our decking products, whether it is on the installation, aesthetics or best practice procedures. If you are currently at the design stage of your deck, please refer to our decking comparison guide and gallery in order to help choose the deck which will best suit your individual needs, and feel free to contact us if you have any further queries on our products.

7.2. Can you provide certification for my product?

All of our decking is FSC® and PEFC certified and we can provide certification upon request.