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FAQ - Installation
Are there any special tools required for installation?
With Elements® you can use common tools and fasteners.
Can I cantilever or overhang the material over the edge of my deck?
No. All boards must be fully supported by a structural support. Refer to the Installation Instructions for more helpful tips and suggestions.
What do I use to cut Elements products?
Saw blades with carbide tips are recommended. For best results, use saw blades with two (2) teeth per inch. To avoid clogging, frequently eliminate shavings. Discuss any desired material changes with the supplier and installer prior to cutting or fastening the decking material.
Can I router Elements products?
Yes. We recommend using a carbide tipped bit.
Do I need to drill a pilot hole before fastening?
Pre-drilling the ends/edges of the boards is required to avoid splitting or cracking. Pre-drilling is also required in cold weather. When installing in cold temperatures, a greater force is required to drive fasteners into the decking material. When pre-drilling, we recommend that the drill bit diameter be the same diameter as the fastener shank. Fasteners must be spaced at a minimum of 3/4" from the end of the board and 1" from the edge of the board. Skirting must be fastened with 3 fasteners every 8" on a solid surface. Decking must be fastened at every joist. Two fasteners are required at the end of the board. Make sure joists are level.
How do I properly fasten Elements products?
They can be fastened by screws or one of many hidden fastening systems available.
The fastening decision is the sole responsibility of the contractor, installer or homeowner. Elements does not recommend or endorse any specific fastening system; however, Elements Installation Instructions must be followed.
Consult your building professional to ensure selection of fasteners is compatible with your joist and substructure material.
What is the required spacing between boards?
To accommodate expansion, side-by-side spacing must be 1/8" between adjacent boards.
End-to-end spacing between boards must be 1/16" for every 20° F increment of temperature difference between the temperature at the time of installation and the maximum expected summertime temperature in your area.
Is Elements structural?
Elements products are nonstructural construction products and should not be used as joists, load bearing columns, stringers, beams, or in any other structural capacity.
Elements products should only be used where they are being supported structurally.
How should Elements products be stored?
The unused material should be kept covered and stored only on a rigid, smooth, flat surface and stacked using vertically aligned supports beginning at each end, spaced no more than 24 inches apart throughout the length of the board.
Why is proper deck ventilation important?
There must be proper deck ventilation and adequate air circulation underneath your deck to promote the efficient evaporation of any water or moisture underneath your deck. Proper ventilation will also help to prevent excessive amounts of debris, such as dirt and leaves, from collecting between and below your decking.
Can bent or curved boards be used?
Yes. Most boards can be bent back to their original shape during installation.
Access our Installation Instructions for details.
With Elements® you can use common tools and fasteners.
Can I cantilever or overhang the material over the edge of my deck?
No. All boards must be fully supported by a structural support. Refer to the Installation Instructions for more helpful tips and suggestions.
What do I use to cut Elements products?
Saw blades with carbide tips are recommended. For best results, use saw blades with two (2) teeth per inch. To avoid clogging, frequently eliminate shavings. Discuss any desired material changes with the supplier and installer prior to cutting or fastening the decking material.
Can I router Elements products?
Yes. We recommend using a carbide tipped bit.
Do I need to drill a pilot hole before fastening?
Pre-drilling the ends/edges of the boards is required to avoid splitting or cracking. Pre-drilling is also required in cold weather. When installing in cold temperatures, a greater force is required to drive fasteners into the decking material. When pre-drilling, we recommend that the drill bit diameter be the same diameter as the fastener shank. Fasteners must be spaced at a minimum of 3/4" from the end of the board and 1" from the edge of the board. Skirting must be fastened with 3 fasteners every 8" on a solid surface. Decking must be fastened at every joist. Two fasteners are required at the end of the board. Make sure joists are level.
How do I properly fasten Elements products?
They can be fastened by screws or one of many hidden fastening systems available.
The fastening decision is the sole responsibility of the contractor, installer or homeowner. Elements does not recommend or endorse any specific fastening system; however, Elements Installation Instructions must be followed.
Consult your building professional to ensure selection of fasteners is compatible with your joist and substructure material.
What is the required spacing between boards?
To accommodate expansion, side-by-side spacing must be 1/8" between adjacent boards.
End-to-end spacing between boards must be 1/16" for every 20° F increment of temperature difference between the temperature at the time of installation and the maximum expected summertime temperature in your area.
Is Elements structural?
Elements products are nonstructural construction products and should not be used as joists, load bearing columns, stringers, beams, or in any other structural capacity.
Elements products should only be used where they are being supported structurally.
How should Elements products be stored?
The unused material should be kept covered and stored only on a rigid, smooth, flat surface and stacked using vertically aligned supports beginning at each end, spaced no more than 24 inches apart throughout the length of the board.
Why is proper deck ventilation important?
There must be proper deck ventilation and adequate air circulation underneath your deck to promote the efficient evaporation of any water or moisture underneath your deck. Proper ventilation will also help to prevent excessive amounts of debris, such as dirt and leaves, from collecting between and below your decking.
Can bent or curved boards be used?
Yes. Most boards can be bent back to their original shape during installation.
Access our Installation Instructions for details.
