When designing a deck using EINWOOD®, be sure your design complies with the following conditions.
Maximum dimension of one unit of EINWOOD® deck material is L = 3,900mm. If your installation requires lengths of more than the maximum dimension, join two or more units together. (Recommended dimension L = 3,000mm or less.)
Check that the ground beneath the terrace is stable and well-drained. The distance between the upper surface of boards and the ground at all points - should not be less than 15cm (i.e. with 12cm empty space left at all points beneath the board).
Check that the ground beneath the terrace is stable and well-drained. Raise and chock the joists so any running water can drain freely and rapidly. Check there are no obstructions to water draining such as earth or other plants. Always ensure that the distance between the upper surface of the boards and the ground is not less at any point than 15 cm (i.e.12 cm of empty space beneath the boards).
The decking structure may be in treated wood, or metal. As is the case for all composite woods, EINWOOD® should never be used to provide structural support. When using joists and beams in treated wood, we recommend fitting a plastic or bituminous strip over the joists in order to protect the structure, and to prevent creaking.
- Take care never to obstruct the free circulation of air under fitted boards. For decking that is flush with a lawn, or for a deck with a border or wall around it, it is vital to leave a clear gap of at least 12cm and two sides open to the air, in order to allow a natural level of ventilation to operate. Note that failure to comply with these conditions will render your uarantee null and void.
- Always use joists with a minimum width of 50 mm, and a minimum height of 50 mm. The choice of the type and section of the joist will depend on its function, and the loads the terrace must bear.
- Fixing joists to a structure and fixing boards to joists: in order to prevent boards from lifting, EINCLIPS should be used to secure each board individually. Each board needs to be securely screwed down to the surface, or screwed at its extremity and at all points of contact with crossbeams or joists.
Never screw boards down, but always use EINCLIPS for fixing. EINCLIPS weatherproof clips enable rapid installation. Easily removable and discrete, they enable three-way expansion (lateral, longitudinal and widthways) of boards, while at the same time they allow the structure size to vary as the wood or metallic structures 'work' over time. The use of the clips prolongs the lifespan of your deck, and automatically maintains the minimum mm spacing required between boards.
These self-drilling screws are stainless steel 410, and are coated with a black outer surface layer. This anti-oxidation layer offers additional protection against corrosion, and also lubricates the screw to enable fixing without pre-drilling for most wood or aluminium battens or joists. They have a narrow head, and must have minimum dimensions of 4 x 40mm, with a flat screw-head, maximum diameter 5mm, to ensure the boards are not damaged when they are fitted, and to enable the tool to be inserted in the clip while holding the latter steady.
EINWOOD decks must be gapped, both end to end and width to width. apping is necessary to facilitate proper draining and for the thermal expansion and contraction of your EINWOOD decks. "Remember, all WPC will expand or contract"
Width-to-width gap: The minimum reqired width-to-width gapping is 5mm to ensure good drainage and ventilation
Minimum gap required of 10 mm (3,000mm length board) for decking abutting a building or structure wall.
The End-to-end gap will vary according to the temperature difference before and after construction, or the humidity of the location. To ensure that your deck will look great year after year, as a general rule, allow an end-to-end gap of more than 15mm when using 3m lengths of board.
If using EINWOOD® 30mm profiles as the decking material, set the joist pitch to 600mm or less.
*Please do not hesitate to consult us at the design stage of your project, as the ideal pitch dimensions may vary depending on the intended utilisation.
For load-bearing applications such as hot tubs, planters, etc. consult a local building engineer or inspector for span recommendations.
Deck | Distribution load | Joist span |
---|---|---|
T 22 x W145 mm (EW16) | 40kgf/m2 | Maximum 450mm |
T 30 x W145 mm (EW20G) | 40kgf/m2 | Maximum 600mm |
T = Thickness |
The joist spans are based on a deflection limit of L/300
The length of overhang decks must be within maximum of 50mm. The end decks must be fixed.
• A slope of 1% is recommended to enable water to run-off the boards freely. Ensuring this slope is maintained, and good ventilation, will prevent water stains from forming.
• Each board end must be supported by a joist, and must be secured with 2 clips at each joist. If an overhang cannot be avoided, it should not exceed 5cm.
• A minimum of 3 contact points and 6 clips are required per board, whatever the length of the latter. Any board less than 50 cms long should be supported by an additional joist, centred between the two other joists, and held by clips.
• Diagonal installations (boards placed at 45°): avoid damaging the flange running along the lower edge of the groove so the board cannot lift of its own accord. It is vital to provide maximum support at the end of the board by doubling up on both joists and clips.
• For mitre cuts, or layouts where boards are placed at right angles to one another.
Remember to allow adequate play between boards to allow for expansion.
Boards can be installed so that either the sanded side or grooved side is visible. The smooth surface is easier to clean, and just as anti-slip as the grooved side. Pre-screw the clips being sure to keep the drilling axis vertical. Simply hold the clip between your index finger and second finger as shown in (Photo2) so the clip doesn't move while screwing it in or use an off cut of decking profile to help support the drill in its vertical position (Photo3). Never screw all the way in
Once the board is in place, place the next board at an angle in order to slide it in under the clips (Fig4 and 5). If necessary, uae a rubber hammer to knock the board in to place. Once all boards are fitten, check the expansions spaces (Photo4, Photo5) and screw all the clips home (Fig6) taking care, meanwhile, not to pierce to clip itself (put the drill into lower gear, and proceed at minimum speed). The screwhed must on no accout be screwed right down into the clip, but should remain flush with its sides.
Joists used in deck frame construction should be 50 x 50 or larger.
Butt Joint: You must use double joists for every butt joint. EINWOOD cannot be cantilevered on the butt-joint.