DECKING INSTALLATION

CFP Woods Decking is made of 100% natural, solid wood with unique characteristics. The product contains no chemicals, and is suitable for all weather conditions. Care must be taken to install and maintain it correctly to ensure you enjoy its beauty for many years to come.

STANDARD WOODWORKING TOOLS

CFP Woods thermally modified wood works well with standard woodworking tools, but it is important that special attention is given to saw and tool coarseness/fineness to better improve the end result. We recommend that all blades and routers have carbide tips. Saw speed will have an effect on the cut quality; generally, the higher the saw power, the better the cut quality. Use dust masks and protective eye wear for safety.

JOIST SPACING 

It is recommended that joists be installed no more than 16” on center, or local municipality code regulations. Use standard residential deck codes to determine on-center space for decks and stair treads. Deck boards shall extend across a minimum of three joists and terminating board ends shall lie on joist centers or maximum 4” off center of joist. Because CFP Woods thermally modified decking is end matched it’s not a requirement that all ends of the deck boards fall center of each joist. If your end match of two deck boards meet outside the 4” maximum of center of joist it is recommended you block underneath in that area. Alternatively, if you do wish for the ends of the deck boards to always terminate on a joist, joist can be installed every 11.8” (300mm).

FACE MOUNTING 

If face mounting deck boards they should be placed with a minimum 1/8” gap between them and in the case where deck boards merge with walls or other surfaces a 5/8″ spacing is recommended. Even though CFP Woods thermally modified wood will not shrink or swell to the same degree as normal wood, the correct spacing between boards is still very important because it allows proper airflow to reach beneath your deck. All installations should follow all local municipality code regulations.

FASTENING

When face mounting we recommend to pre-drill and countersink then fasten with stainless steel screws. Stainless steel fasteners must be used, or mineral stain can occur. Minimum screwing distance from edge: ¾” Minimum screwing distance from end: 1 ½”. Nailing is not recommended when installing as splitting can occur.

FASTENING TO SURFACES OTHER THAN WOOD

When fastening directly to surfaces other than wood (aluminum, steel, galvanized steel, etc.) it is recommended to use a wood skin on top of these metal surfaces to avoid movement due to the amount of contraction and expansion these metal materials can experience. (Do not fasten our thermally modified wood deck boards or siding directly to metal) and appropriate fasteners must be used.

HIDDEN FASTENERS

CFP Woods thermally modified decking comes already grooved on both edges to accommodate a hidden fastener system. Hidden fastener clips automatically provide the proper gap between deck boards. Based on a 16” joist spacing the square footage coverage per box of the hidden fastener system will install 70 square feet of deck surface based on a 5.5” width deck board. Hidden fasteners come with stainless steel screws included.

Note: CFP Woods Decking has been specifically grooved on the edge to use the Nova Clip System and no other system is to be used.  The Nova Clip system has been designed to be used specifically with Thermally Modified Timber.

VENTILATION

It is essential that air can circulate under the decking, allowing the relative humidity above and below the decking to fluctuate evenly and be equal above and below at any given time. Do not trap moisture beneath the deck. Allow a minimum of 2” of air space or greater beneath decking that is being installed. The closer the deck surface is to the ground surface the more critical it is that the ground surface be properly prepared, slopped and be dry with proper drainage and air movement. Note that this does not apply to deck to joist contact, and that deck boards can lie directly on the joist for maximum stability.

AVOID CUPPING

Never fasten CFP Woods thermally modified wood directly to any surface that would eliminate air flow from reaching the back of the board. Use of wood furring strips to create the necessary spacing is highly recommended.

COATING 

Coatings are not necessary to protect CFP Woods thermally modified wood from decay. However, just like any product if left untreated will naturally weather and alter the products original appearance. To help maintain the original appearance and natural beauty of our thermally modified wood high-quality wood protection products with UV inhibitors should be applied. If left untreated with no UV protection our thermally modified wood will gray to a silvery patina gray which is often a desired final appearance by our customers. CFP Woods makes no representation or warranty as to the performance or appearance of the applied coatings to any of its thermally modified wood products.

END SEALING  

Any ends of boards that are cut during the installation of our thermally modified wood decking should be sealed with a end grain protectant product such as IPE Seal made by Deck-wise or a comparable product. IPE Seal is a wax emulsion sealer designed to prevent end checking on freshly cut ends of wood.

Note: Due to differences in wood species, variety of climate conditions, and to individuals usage methods; results are not guaranteed. Use caution that excess wax is not applied to the face of the decking as this may discolor that area of the surface.

STAINS AND SCRATCHES  

If your deck surface becomes stained or scratched due to barbecue spills, wines, condiments, dog nails, high heels, etc. most of these will fade and become less noticeable over time. Deeper scratches and stains can be blended with a light sanding. Sanding will expose the original tone of the boards which will again gradually silver to match the surrounding area. For surfaces with an oil finish, reapply the oil to match the surrounding area.

COLOR DIFFERENCES 

Color differences between some boards may occur and is normal with natural wood products. Expect to receive random color variations from light to dark browns.

STORAGE 

Whenever possible our thermally modified wood decking should be stored inside, out of the weather and sun. When this is not possible, the decking needs to be elevated off the ground, stacked uniformly and covered with a waterproof tarp. Leave the ends of the tarp open so moisture is not trapped inside, making certain the stored wood is not subjected to the elements or sun as the UV rays will fade the material. Under no circumstances should the decking, even in original packaging, be subjected to rain or any moisture as it cannot dry properly when stacked and/or packaged.

HANDLING CLAIMS 

In case of a claim please contact the dealer where the material was purchased. All claims are reviewed between the dealer and manufacturer. No claims are guaranteed to be settled in whole or in part with any party or individual.

DISCLAIMER: CFP Woods is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of the use or installation of its thermally modified wood products or associated product accessories.