I’m looking putting composite decking directly on steel purlins . Has anyone here ever done this or have experience with it? I’m not seeing screws at Home Depot for steel. I also don’t mind putting screws through the decking and not using the hidden fasteners if that is an option. It’s for a deer camp and longevity and low maintenance are my goals.
Composite decking on steel frame
- Thread starter Loud Lyle
- Start date
These are made for what you are doing. You’ll want to pre-drill the composite decking first or you’ll be in for a battle of the decking lifting on you once you’re into the purlins.
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DeckWise™ Metal Joist Self-Tapping Trimhead Screws - Advantage Lumber
For use with stainless steel, aluminum and steel deck framing systems. More and more these days contractors, architects and DIY deck builders are utilizing metal joist sub-substructures to ensure longer-lasting, lower maintenance decks. The DeckWise® Self-Tapping Metal Joist Deck Screw is...
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I have made some metal frames and used tapping screws with no problems. These were predrilled and countersunk with larger head screws. There is about 100 degrees of temp swing during the year…so expansion must be thought about. The boards will heave if you don’t.
finn
Well-known member
Watch the spacing of the purlins. I recall that composite decking likes 12” support spacing rather than 16”.
Having said that, I built my deck at 16” centers In the early 90s and at about thirty years old, it’s just now showing a little bit of sag if you look closely.
Having said that, I built my deck at 16” centers In the early 90s and at about thirty years old, it’s just now showing a little bit of sag if you look closely.
I’m planning on using Veranda brand and they recommend 16” centers for what it’s worth.