TimberTech AZEK Installation Manual
Decking Installation & Maintenance Guide
TimberTech AZEK® Decking
Installation Guidelines .................................................................................................. 2
Tools Required ............................................................................................................... 2
Installation Preparation ................................................................................................ 4
Working with TimberTech AZEK Deck Boards ............................................................... 4
®
Cortex
CONCEALoc
Hidden Fasteners ............................................................................................. 7
®
Hidden Fasteners .................................................................................... 9
Stair Code Compliance ................................................................................................ 13
Trimming an TimberTech AZEK Deck ......................................................................... 14
Care and Cleaning ....................................................................................................... 15
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Installing TimberTech AZEK® Decking
TimberTech AZEK® Decking & Rim Joist Covers should be installed using the same good building principals used to install
wood or composite decking and in accordance with the local building codes and the installation guidelines included below.
AZEK® Building Products Inc. accepts no liability or responsibility for the improper installation of this product. TimberTech AZEK
Decking & Rim Joist Covers may not be suitable for every application and it is the sole responsibility of the installer to be sure
that TimberTech AZEK Decking & Rim Joist Covers is fit for the intended use. Since all installations are unique, it is also the
installer’s responsibility to determine specific requirements for each Deck application. AZEK Building Products recommends
that all applications be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local building official before installation. To get more
information visit TimberTech.com.
Tools Required
TimberTech AZEK Decking & Rim Joist Covers can be installed with a minimum number of readily available tools. Many other
tools are available that can be used for installation. All tools should be used per applicable manufacturers’ instructions.
Some of the basic tool requirements:
• Cordless Driver • Carpenter Square
• Chalk Line • Spacing Tools
• Tape Measure • Miter Saw
• Jig Saw • Safety Glasses
Use the jigsaw to cut around obstructions such as posts. For best results a miter saw with a fine-toothed, carbide-tipped
finish trim blade (12”-60 tooth minimum) works well for cutting. For a power miter or compound power miter saw a fine
finish alternate top bevel blade is also recommended. When working with AZEK products be sure to wear proper clothing and
safety equipment. Safety glasses should be used during the entire installation process. Do not use any cordless saws.
STOP! Read this section before you start!
Always make sure to visit TimberTech.com to ensure you are viewing the most current
installation instructions, care and cleaning, technical information and more.
TimberTech AZEK Decking
AZEK does not recommend the use of rubber or vinyl
products (welcome mats, planters, etc.) on deck boards. A
reaction can occur that causes discoloration of the decking
under the rubber/vinyl product. This is a common caution
for polymer decking products.
Do NOT nail AZEK Deck boards.
Cutting or drilling metal should not be done on AZEK Deck
boards as metal shavings may be come hot and embed
themselves into the deck boards.
Always be sure to check and cut the factory cut ends of
boards to ensure they are square.
Walking Surface
AZEK deck boards need to be installed embossed side up.
Static Electricity
The buildup or generation of static electricity is a naturally
occurring phenomenon in many plastic based products such
as carpeting, upholstery, and clothing, and can occur on
alternative decking under certain environmental conditions.
Static electricity is not a defect and can occur naturally.
Cantilevering
For best results, don’t cantilever over 1/2”.
Routing
AZEK Deck/Rim Joist Covers should not be routed with the
exception of the start/stop boards (see page 6 step 8).
Color and Grain Patterns
AZEK Deck is designed to mimic the look of real wood, and
like real wood, there will be a slight difference in color and
grain pattern from board to board. This is intentional and
part of the manufacturing process, giving AZEK Deck the
most realistic and wood-like appearance possible. This
variation is purely aesthetic and does not or will not affect the
performance of the product.
Color and Temperature
Although AZEK Deck products are cooler to the touch than
many other deck board products in similar colors, all decking
products will get hot in the sun. Additionally, the darker the
decking color, the hotter it will feel.
Roof Tops
In areas with obstructed airflow such as roofs and on-grade
applications, a minimum of 1-1/2” sleeper system supported
by and connected to the substructure over which the deck is
built is required.
Page 2
Installing TimberTech AZEK® Decking
STOP! Read this section before you start! (continued)
Always make sure to visit TimberTech.com to ensure you are viewing the most current
installation instructions, care and cleaning, technical information and more.
DO NOT attach deck boards to a floating sub-structure which
is not mechanically fastened frequently and sufficiently to the
building and roof deck.
Note
AZEK Deck is NOT intended for use as columns, support
posts, beams, joist stringers, guard railing or other primary
load-bearing members. AZEK must be supported by a codecompliant substructure. While AZEK products are great for
deck re-planking (removing old deck surface boards and
installing AZEK on code-compliant substructure), AZEK
Deck Boards CANNOT be installed on top of an existing
deck.
Roof Top Decks
®
When considering AZEK
is imperative that the framing/sub-structure to which the
decking will be attached is securely attached to the building
or roof deck using suitable mechanical fasteners. Do not use
adhesives to attach framing to the building or roof surface, and
NEVER ATTACH DECK BOARDS TO A FLOATING FRAME/SUBSTRUCTURE. Frequently check tops of sub-structure framing
members to ensure that they are in plane, as AZEK® Decking
will conform to the contour of the framing members to which
it is attached. It may be necessary to shim or plane framing
members due to thickness variations in lumber, or variations
in the surface to which the framing/sub-structure is attached.
Securely attaching rigid blocking between framing members
Deck in a roof top application, it
Failure to install TimberTech AZEK Decking products
in accordance with applicable building codes and
this Installation Guide may lead to personal injury,
affect deck system performance and void the product
warranty.
at frequent intervals should also be incorporated to help limit
sub-structure movement. Proper drainage and air flow should
also be considered, with a minimum of 1 ½” sleeper height
necessary and deck boards must be attached to the properly
secured sub-structure with a minimum of a 1/8” gap between
deck boards. It is the installer’s responsibility to determine if
AZEK® Deck is suitable for a specific roof top application. The
AZEK Company recommends that all applications be reviewed
by a licensed architect, engineer, or local building official
before installation. If you have any questions or need further
assistance, please call AZEK Customer Service at 1-877-2752935 or visit our website at www.azek.com.
Extreme Heat Warning Metamerism
Be aware of excessive heat on the surface of AZEK products
from external sources, such as but not limited to, fire or
reflection of sunlight from energy-efficient window products.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass can potentially harm AZEK
products. Low-E glass is designed to prevent passive heat
gain within a structure and can cause unusual heat buildup on exterior surfaces. This extreme elevation of surface
temperatures, which exceeds that of normal exposure, can
possibly cause AZEK products to melt, sag, warp, discolor,
increase expansion/contraction, and accelerate weathering.
Current or potential AZEK customers that have concerns
about possible damage by Low-E glass should contact the
manufacturer of the product which contains Low-E glass for a
solution to reduce or eliminate the effects of reflected sunlight.
Metamerism is the phenomenon wherein two colored
samples will appear to be of the same shade under one
light source but will appear to be different shades under
a second source. When installing AZEK deck boards
at different angles, metamerism may make the boards
installed at one angle appear to be of a different shade than
the deck boards installed at the other angle, depending on
the lighting and the angle which the deck is viewed. This
is a natural phenomenon, not a defect, and can occur even
when the deck boards are cut from the same boards or
come from the same unit. Metamerism is an aesthetic
issue and not a performance or product warranty issue.
Page 3
Working with TimberTech AZEK® Deck Boards
Excessive Construction Debris
It is important during construction, the deck’s surface stay
clear from excessive build-up of dirt, sand, and dust from tile,
concrete, landscape blocks, or any other masonry products. If
these materials are not removed immediately, the deck surface
will become difficult to clean and can potentially damage the
deck’s surface finish.
If a build-up does occur please refer to the Care and Cleaning
section in AZEK’s installation guide or website, AZEK.com.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow airborne dust from concrete,
landscape blocks, or any masonry product to accumulate on
the AZEK Deck, Porch, Rim Joist Covers, & Riser surface as it
may damage the surface of the deck. Do not cut any product
Do not use AZEK Deck as a work surface.
When installing AZEK Deck on a new home, best practice is to
install after all other construction (siding, roofing, painting,
etc.) is completed, otherwise permanent damage may occur.
on or near AZEK Deck, Porch, & Rim Joist Covers.
Installation Preparation
Follow these guidelines for best deck installation:
• AZEK Deck Boards are one-sided products. Deck Boards are to be installed with the grain side up for the walking
surface.
• AZEK Rim Joists Covers are one-sided. Rim Joist Covers are to be installed grain side out.
• As joists are installed, run string line frequently to ensure that the tops of the joists are in plane, as AZEK Decking
will conform to the contour of the joists to which it is attached. It may be necessary to shim or plane joists due to size
variations in lumber. Be sure to sort and exclude any extremely crowned joists/lumber material.
• Prior to installation, check to make sure all joists are level, structurally sound, and there are no nails or screws
protruding.
• Proper joist spacing is required for proper installation. Joist spacing should never exceed 16” on center. For a more
rigid feel, 12” may be preferred.
• Install solid wood blocking between each joist, placed in rows at maximum every 4’ - 6’ within the structure using
exterior grade screws. Solid blocking will help reduce up or down movement and/or twisting of joists. Limiting joist
movement can help reduce excessive gapping and also ensure a more uniform finished surface of the AZEK Deck.
1 2 3
16”
16”BASIC INSTALLATION
SUBSTRUCTURE
16” on center maximum joists.
(12” on center for commercial
applications)
PICTURE FRAME INSTALLATION
SUBSTRUCTURE
16” on center maximum joists plus
additional support for picture frame
structure (12” on center for commercial
applications)
16”
Page 4
12”
DIAGONAL INSTALLATION
SUBSTRUCTURE
12” on center maximum joists.
More severe angles may require closer
joist spacing.
Working with TimberTech AZEK® Deck Boards
Expansion and Contraction
AZEK Deck/Rim Joist Covers will have expansion and contraction with changes in temperature, unlike wood whose size
will fluctuate with moisture changes. The expansion and contraction encountered may result in slight gaps, which might
be noticed at the ends of boards or in splice joints. Fastening the deck boards according to the Installation Guidelines will
help minimize expansion and contraction.
• Expansion/contraction is most significant where extreme temperature change may exist.
• Best practice is to cut and fasten the deck boards as soon after cutting as possible.
• For better results keep decking as cool as possible during attachment. Direct full sun exposure will increase board
temperature and length. If attaching during high heat, larger gapping can be expected. Be sure to keep butt joints
tight. Do not leave a gap at butt joints, splices or miters.
• Be sure to fasten ends of boards, splices, or abutments to building or structure securely into framing using 2
screws. Position the screws at or within 1/2” of each board end or joint and 3/4” from side of deck plank.
• For butt joints, be sure to trim cut factory ends to ensure squareness. Do not scarf cut butt joints.
1/2”
3/4”
• Provide a 1/8” to 1/4” side to side gap between deck boards.
• In areas with obstructed airflow such as roofs and on-grade applications, a minimum of 1-1/2” sleeper system
supported by and connected to the substructure over which the deck is built is required.
• Framing/sub-structure must be securely attached to ground footings or building structure. No floating substructures should be used in any application with AZEK Deck, including on grade, concrete, or in roof top
applications.
• For best results, stagger splices and miters across deck surface so that all splices and miters do not break on the
same joist or beam.
• To further minimize expansion and contraction, proper ventilation and air flow should be considered.
• Some area building codes may require double joisting when joining boards end to end. Double joist and/or secure
double blocking is always required at butt joints when using ConceaLoc or FusionLoc fasteners. Always check with
your local code authority for specific requirements before installation.
• During installation, frequently check that AZEK Deck boards are installed straight and with consistent gapping and
spacing by using a string line.
Fasteners
• Due to the durability of AZEK deck products, a high-quality fastener is recommended that meets the following
specifications:
• Stainless Steel
• Minimum Screw Size: #7
• Face screws to be a minimum length of 2 1/4”
• Be sure that screws are driven to a minimum depth of 1 1/4” into solid wood framing below the bottom of the AZEK
Deck Board. This will enhance holding power and uplift resistance.
• Avoid using flathead screws. Trim head screws typically provide a better result. As always, you should try the
fastener in a sample board before using on your deck.
• Be sure to install 2 screws per joist on each deck board. regardless of temperature during attachment of AZEK
deck boards, be sure to keep butt joints and miters tight and place fasteners within 1/2” of ends.
• For salt water coastal applications, we suggest using the above minimum fastener requirements in 316 stainless
steel.
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