Installation
Cladco Composite Decking Boards will naturally expand and contract with changing temperatures. To account for this, it is essential to follow our recommended guidelines when installing Boards, particularly where two Boards meet end-to-end at butt joints.
Spacing guidelines for butt joints:
- 7mm spacing at temperatures of 5°C and below
- 6mm spacing at temperatures between 5°C and 15°C
- 5mm spacing at temperatures of 15°C and above
Please note that double joists must be installed at butt joints to provide adequate support for each Board end. Additionally, Fixing Clips must be used at each Board end, and Boards should never share a fixing clip.
Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure proper installation and longevity of your Composite Decking. Failure to follow these guidelines will invalidate the product’s warranty.
Cladco Composite Wall Cladding Boards are available in a variety of eight colours. The low-maintenance composite material does not need to be sanded, treated or varnished. Simply select your chosen colour, install and enjoy. Please note, Cladco Composite Decking Boards cannot be painted. Find out more about Composite Wall Cladding here.
We recommend using Nordeck Woodgrain Effect Decking Boards around swimming pools for their water-resistant and warp-resistant properties.
Calculate how many Decking Boards, Trims and Fixings you may need for your garden with the easy to use Cladco Decking Calculator here.
We supply our Composite Decking Boards in eight colour variations and do not recommend painting our Boards.
Yes, Cladco Composite Decking Boards have two sides; one side with narrow grooves and the other with a woodgrain effect. For low-slip properties, install with the narrow grooves facing up. Please see our Installation Guide for more information.
Cladco Composite Decking Boards do not require any additional painting, staining or sanding. The low-maintenance properties of the Boards mean that they should only need the occasional clean. Composite Decking Cleaner can be purchased here.
Placing a firepit on your Composite Decking Boards is not recommended. Cladco Composite Decking Boards are made with part natural materials, which are not fire-resistant. Find out more about Cladco Composite Decking here.
Unfortunately, Cladco does not offer an installation service for any of our products. However, all products can be installed by any capable DIYer, with the easy to follow installation guides found here
Cladco Composite Decking can be installed using either Composite or Timber Joists. The Joists must be installed with a maximum of 400mm space between each Joist, installed either on a concrete base or Weed Mat.
See the Cladco Composite Joist Installation Guide for more details
Cladco Premium Nordeck Decking must be installed using Treated Timber Joists on either a concrete or Weed Mat base. If using a ground/soild base ensure you have installed Cladco Weed Mat to prevent weed growth through the decking. Nordeck Installations should ensure a maximum of 300mm space between each evenly spaced Joist.
See the Cladco Nordeck Installation Guide here for more details.
Yes, Cladco Composite Wall Cladding is a versatile Cladding material, designed to transform the exterior of your home. However, the Boards can easily be installed inside if desired. Find out more about the Cladco Composite Wall Cladding here.
We recommend 11 T Clip per 4m board and eight T Clips per 2.4m board. We advise using a PH2 drill bit with these screws. T clips will give a 7mm gap between boards. You can see our Decking installation guides here for further information.
Our Composite Decking Boards are not designed to be used with soil and should always have sufficient support and moisture control behind them. Decking Boards may be used as a plant fascia where moisture is not directly positioned on top of the boards. Read more about our other uses of Composite Decking Boards here.
We recommend using our Composite Wall Cladding Boards for wall cladding, due to the boards’ lightweight construction and tongue-and-groove design for ease of installation. Composite Decking is designed for floor level installations, however, it is possible to use Composite Fascia Boards as side cladding to extend and finish a decking area. Find out more here.
Building contractors usually charge per day, and costs will vary depending on the size of your project. For a cheaper alternative, it is possible to install Composite Decking yourself with some DIY experience. For more information about Composite Decking installation costs, read our blog here.
Composite Decking can be finished using matching Composite Corner Trims to hide exposed edges, matching or contrasting Composite Skirting Trims for vertical exposed areas, or Composite Fascia Boards for larger areas that require covering. Don’t forget to include matching End Caps when installing Hollow Composite Decking Boards. To find out more, visit our Trims & Fixings section.
Cladco Composite Cladding functions as a rain screen cladding option, which allows adequate airflow to enable proper ventilation of any rainwater that may penetrate the Cladding. Without sufficient airflow, standing water will not evaporate, which can lead to mould spots on your Cladding.
When our Composite Decking Boards expand and contract, they must be securely fastened to minimise movement. A single Joist may not provide sufficient surface area for the ends of two Boards to be properly anchored. Using double Joists at adjoining points ensures each Board end is attached to a joist, increasing the stability of your project. Adjoining Boards should never share the same Clip, and should be secured using two clips per Board end.
This method will improve the structural integrity of your Decking; especially in high-stress areas like the ends, where foot traffic, weathering and material contraction or expansion increase the strain on your Decking.
Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure proper installation and longevity of your Composite Decking. Failure to follow these guidelines will invalidate the product’s warranty.
We recommend using CT1 Adhesive to attach Composite Trims to your Decking. It is advisable not to install Composite Trims in hot temperatures. To ensure a secure finish, Trims should be clamped in place for up to 24 hours during installation.
Ventilation behind your Cladding Boards is crucial for the evaporation of excess water. Allowing space at the ends of the Boards, around the perimeter of your installation, provides an exit for air and improves moisture control.
