How to Install Decking on Pedestals for a Strong Finish

Initial planning

Planning is essential and will determine the quality of the finish and prevent costly errors or the need to make adjustments. It will also simplify installation, ensuring a speedier process. The planning stage requires you to:

• Accurately measure the project area.
• Calculate the number of pedestals you require.
• Determine the decking area direction.

Site preparation

Preparing the site for installation enables you to work quickly and effectively to install all necessary components. To do so:

• Remove debris and other unwanted materials from the decking area.
• Ensure all equipment and tools are available and ready to use.
• Prepare the substrate by levelling as much as possible and laying any necessary materials.

Positioning

Establish your initial deck structure in the following way:

• Lay the joists perpendicular to the decking direction. Different systems will require different spacing. For instance, RYNO Vitrified Composite® decking systems utilise a 305 mm decking frame spacing, measuring from centre to centre. Check the board span on the relevant product sheet for further information.
• Place the pedestals at the end of each joist. Ensure you have all pedestals prepared.
• For additional noise suppression, if you are decking using Vitrified Composite, apply the self-adhesive backed EPDM strips on the top of the joists.
• Lift the joists onto the pedestals.
• Remember that if you can use a single pedestal at the point where two adjoining joists meet.

Levelling

Levelling depends on the type of pedestal you are using. Adjustable pedestals make this process considerably easier. With non-adjustable pedestals or cleats, you may need to add or remove material from beneath the pedestal to achieve a level surface. For adjustable pedestals:

• Adjust the height of each riser by twisting the mechanism until you achieve the desired height. This is typically the Finish Floor Level (FFL) on the architectural design minus the decking board depth.
• Utilise a spirit level to ensure a flat finish. Measure all joists in the decking substructure.

Securing the joists

Once all the joists are level and you have checked to ensure a flat surface, secure the joists to the pedestals. It will provide a stable frame on which to lay your deck boards.

• Fasten the joint to the pedestal head using the appropriate screw. This may differ depending on the design. For instance, RYNO TerraSmart® Aluminium systems with adjustable pedestals utilise a 13 mm self-drill screw.
• Tighten the lock nut on the pedestal to secure the pedestal height and prevent any alterations.
• Recheck the joists with the spirit level. This ensures you are ready to lay the decking boards and prevents you from having to adjust once some boards are down.
• Add any additional intermediate joists required to support the decking system. Spacing is determined by the joist span designated on the datasheet.

Deck board installation

With the framework positioned, levelled and secured, you can begin to install the deck boards. While this typically begins by starting at one edge of the deck and working your way across, the design may require you to adopt a different approach. Consequently, the initial step is determining where to place the first board.

• Install the starter clips at the end of the joists that will support your first row of boards. You will fix these using a specific screw. In the case of RYNO TerraSmart® Aluminium systems, this is a 3.9 x 19mm countersunk screw.
• Push the first row of decking boards into the starter clips, leaving a 10-12mm gap around the edge for drainage.
• Install the relevant connecting device, such as the RYNO AluClip, on the inside edge of the first decking row. These connecting devices usually ensure there is a 6-8 mm gap between boards.
• Install the second row of decking boards and continue until five rows are in place. This will enable you to gauge the accuracy of the finish before fastening.
• Once satisfied, utilise the appropriate decking screws to fix the decking boards in place. With the RYNO TerraSmart® Aluminium systems, this involves using 30 mm self-drill screws through the AluClip connectors. Continue this process until only the last two boards remain.

Completing the installation

How you complete the installation depends on whether or not your boards fit without requiring cutting.

• If the last boards fit perfectly, install the final board in the starter clip, position the second-to-last board and attach the connector, move the boards upwards so they form a raised pyramid shape and then pivot them downwards into place.
• If the boards do not fit perfectly and you ARE NOT using an E-termination, cut the board to the required width, identify where the last board leg will be and modify the position of the starter clip accordingly. Follow the rest of the process in the point above.
• If the boards do not fit perfectly and YOU ARE using an E-termination, cut the board to the required width, identify the correct location for the E-termination and fix it with screws. Slide the cut board into the E-termination profile receiving channel and follow the rest of the process detailed above.

TerraSmart® Vitrified Composite®

TerraSmart® Aluminium