How To Lay Composite Decking?

Composite decking can give your garden a new lease of life. Providing a durable and sophisticated surface that’s super easy to care for, it’s a fantastic investment for any home. However, to get the most out of your decking, it’s essential for it to have a strong and sturdy foundation. 

You can hire a professional to install your composite decking or, if you’re feeling confident in your DIY skills, you can give it a go yourself. 

If you fancy trying your hand, our guide is here to help. So read on to find out how to lay composite decking for a surface that looks great and stands the test of time.

Where to start with installing composite decking?

While installing composite decking is absolutely worth the investment, it’s also worth noting that it requires a bit of care and planning. Before you go ahead and order your composite decking boards, you’ll need to carry out a few preparatory tasks.

1. Check if you need planning permission — the last thing you want is to install your composite decking only to get in trouble with your local authority. Not only could you face a fine and be forced to take your decking down, but you even run the risk of a prison sentence.
   
   Generally, you won’t need planning permission if your decking is 30cm from the ground or lower and it covers less than 50% of your garden. However, it’s always best to double-check before going ahead with any work.
2. Measure your space so you know the coverage area and the material you’ll need to order — this will include decking boards, joists, fittings, and any edge trims or fascia boards.
3. Preparing and levelling the ground is another vital step. This is straightforward if you have an existing patio area, but if you’re laying your decking on grass or soil, you’ll need to dig a 50mm recess and ensure the ground is as flat as possible.
   
   We also recommend adding a weed mat to keep pesky grass and other foliage from sneaking through.

For more advice on the preparation stage, take a look at our guide on how to plan a successful composite decking project.

How to lay composite decking framework

Once you have a clear, level area to work with, you can build your composite decking framework or ‘substructure’. This will raise your decking off the ground.

You’ll need to create a frame using joists, which will lie perpendicular to your decking boards. To do this, measure and cut your joists to size. Some will be joined together to form an outer frame, while the rest will create an inner frame. The inner joists need to be spaced 400mm apart. 

Make sure everything is secure and that you’ve aligned the inner joists flush with the outer frame. 

Wondering how to choose the best joists for your composite decking framework? Have a read through our guide.

How to lay composite decking boards

Once your frame is ready, you can lay the decking boards — either stick with rows for a classic look or get creative with a pattern.

• Start at one edge of your deck, and place the first board, securing it with starter clips. We recommend leaving 10mm to allow for any expansion.
• Slide the first board into the starter clip so that the clip fits within the groove at the side of your decking board.
• Secure the opposite side of the board using plastic T-clips and screws — you’ll want to fix a T-clip on every joist.
• To lay the next composite decking board, slide the board up to the T-clip, and then secure it with more T-clips at each joist.
• Continue to do this until you have all your composite decking boards secured in place.
• To give your decking a neat finish, use push-in end caps, which will cover the edges. 

Adding the finishing touches

If you want to go the extra mile, you can add fascia boards, bullnose boards, or edge trims. These help create a seamless look by covering the raw edges of the decking and framework. They also add some extra protection by keeping moisture, dirt, and debris out — and this can keep your composite decking in excellent condition for longer.

Get started on your composite decking project with Modern Garden

Now you know how to lay composite decking — from the framework to the final flourishes — you can choose the perfect decking boards for your outdoor space. We have an array of colours and designs to choose from so you can get the look that best suits your garden and preferences. Keep it sleek with black composite decking, go sophisticated with grey, or embrace a timeless, timber-inspired look with brown decking boards. 

Whichever you go for, you can enjoy high-quality, long-lasting decking with Modern Garden. Check out our blog for more inspiration, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.