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composite decking

pudgybear

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 22, 2012
Messages
228
Location
Brooklyn Michigan
when it comes to attaching composite decking do i have to predrill each hole, i have heard yea and nay,,,,,,, thought i would get the experts opinion! what size drill?
 
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LEVE

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Joined
Jun 23, 2008
Messages
1,727
Location
On the Willapa
I have a 50'X12' composite deck in the back and a 16'X10' composite deck in the front. I used deck screws made for composite decking. I didn't pre-drill any holes.

Of all the boards I laid down, there were only two cracks from the hole to the end of the board. This could have been from over-countersinking or a need to pre-drill. The screws countersunk without a problem in the composite decking. Just be careful not to over-drive them if you're using a regular drill. Always remember, that someday, you may need to remove those screws to remove/replace a board.
 

rlitman

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 18, 2010
Messages
24,793
Location
Long Island
There are different kinds of composite decking, and each kind reacts to screws differently.
Some are solid core, some have foam in the center and a hard shell. Which type are you asking about (what brand)?
 

James-W

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Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
12,432
Location
Southeastern Wisconsin
My personal view is this; if you pre-drill the boards it won't hurt anything and you will more than likely avoid splitting a board, possibly several boards.
 
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GTO

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2009
Messages
3,942
Location
NJ,FL
No pre drilling required anymore.
Use the hidden fasteners,you'll thank me in the end.
 

mikester

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2007
Messages
2,539
Location
small town NY
I did my deck with the first generation of composite decking made by Fiberon. I called the company and back then they told me to use SS ring shank siding nails. I did 2 on every joist but I pre drilled the holes. The deck faded to a very bleached out grey and the heads on the nails are small like a finishing nail. You can hardly see them.
 
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