Maximum joist spacing on a deck’s surface for standard TimberTech deck boards is 406 mm on center for residential applications. TimberTech Advanced Polymer MAX boards can span 610 mm on center. For stairs, landings, angled installation of deck boards and commercial applications, please refer to our decking installation guides for the joist spacing required. You should always follow local building codes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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CAN I INSTALL MY PORCH PILLARS OR HOT TUB ON TOP OF MY TIMBERTECH DECK?
Yes. Please remember the underlying joist system, not the TimberTech boards, should be the primary structural supporting mechanism. TimberTech is not to be used as a primary structural load-bearing member.
I HAVE A WOOD DECK AND WANT TO REPLACE SOME BOARDS. CAN I REPLACE THEM WITH TIMBERTECH BOARDS?
Yes, you can replace wood boards with composite, though there are a few factors to take into consideration. First, you will want to make sure your substructure is code-compliant and can hold the extra weight of a TimberTech composite board. Confirm that the thickness of the new TimberTech board is the same as the wooden board it replaces to ensure your deck remains smooth and flat. You can find the thickness of our products on their individual product pages.
Although replacing old wood deck boards with TimberTech boards can be done, it can result in an undesirable patchwork appearance. A better option, if your substructure is code-compliant, would be to replace your entire deck with all TimberTech deck boards.
DOES TIMBERTECH DECKING REQUIRE PRE-DRILLING TO INSTALL?
TimberTech Advanced Polymer products do not require pre-drilling.
For TimberTech Composite decking, there are a few instances when you will need to pre-drill. Cortex fasteners require a 5 mm pre-drill. If you are using TimberTech TOPLoc fasteners or an alternative composite deck screw, then pre-drilling is required when within 38 mm of the ends of the boards, as well as for installation in temperatures below 45 (7°C) degrees Fahrenheit. This is to help avoid splitting the board and screw shearing. For more information, be sure to check out our Decking Installation Guide.
CAN I USE A ROUTER TO CREATE A GROOVE IN SQUARE SHOULDER TIMBERTECH DECK BOARDS?
Routing should only be performed to create a 51 mm groove above each joist when transitioning from solid boards to grooved on a hidden fastener installation. Consult the respective Installation and Maintenance Guide for more information.
CAN I USE GLUE OR CAULK WITH TIMBERTECH DECKING?
Do not use caulk to fasten TimberTech boards or to seal between any of our boards. This will impede the drainage of the board and inhibit the natural expansion and contraction of the boards.
CAN I INSTALL TIMBERTECH DECKING NEAR SALTWATER?
Saltwater does not negatively impact TimberTech decking. All TimberTech deck boards are safe to install near saltwater. We recommend using 316 stainless steel fasteners when installing near saltwater.
CAN TIMBERTECH DECKING BE INSTALLED IN ANY TEMPERATURE?
Yes, our decking can be installed in any temperature. For best results with TimberTech Advanced Polymer decking, keep the boards as cool as possible during attachment.
CAN I USE TIMBERTECH AS A JOIST?
No, you cannot use TimberTech as a joist. TimberTech is not intended for use as columns, support posts, beams, joist stringers, or other primary load-bearing members. TimberTech must only be supported by a code-compliant substructure. For more information, check out our Installation Guide.
CAN I BUILD MY TIMBERTECH DECK DIRECTLY OVER AN EXISTING DECK?
While TimberTech products are great for replacing an old deck using an existing sub-structure, TimberTech boards CANNOT be installed on top of existing deck boards.
CAN TIMBERTECH DECKING BE INSTALLED IN COLD WEATHER?
Yes, TimberTech decking can be installed in cold weather, but the installation requirements may change a bit depending on the temperature. For example, for temperatures below 45 degrees (7°C) Fahrenheit, pre-drilling is required for all TimberTech Composite products when face fastening. For TimberTech Composite, the gapping requirements also change depending on the temperature. You can find those specific requirements in the decking Installation Guides. We always recommend contacting a professional builder or contractor before starting your deck project.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM JOIST SPACING FOR TIMBERTECH DECKING?
CAN I INSTALL TIMBERTECH PRODUCTS MYSELF OR DO I NEED TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR?
Yes, you can install TimberTech deck boards yourself. Installation guides are available for reference.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM HEIGHT FROM THE GROUND THAT TIMBERTECH DECKING MUST BE INSTALLED?
TimberTech Decking requires a properly fastened, structurally sound and secure frame. A minimum of a 38 mm sleeper system is required. Be sure to follow all recommended guidelines for installing TimberTech Decking.
WHAT IS THE SPACING FOR TIMBERTECH STAIR STRINGERS?
Depending on the line of decking you are installing, the stair and landing requirements differ. Refer to the TimberTech Decking install guides and local building codes for requirements.
CAN I USE ROCK SALT OR ICE MELT ON A TIMBERTECH DECK?
As with any walking surface, TimberTech decking products may become slippery in winter weather. Use caution when walking on your TimberTech deck in these conditions. Most products containing calcium chloride can be used without damage to the deck/porch surface. These products may leave a white residue which can be cleaned using the cleaning guidelines above.
Metal shovels or plastic shovels with a metal leading edge may damage the surface of TimberTech decking and are not recommended for clearing snow from the deck surface. For more information, visit our Care and Cleaning section.
If you need a pet-friendly option, most products containing magnesium chloride can be used without damaging the deck surface.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN TIMBERTECH DECK?
The preferred way to keep your TimberTech deck clean is to use TimberTech DeckCleaner™ – a formulated, field-tested, and approved product for cleaning TimberTech Advanced Polymer decking or Porch, TimberTech Composite decking, and TimberTech Composite Rail. You can also use soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner such as Chomp® gutter cleaner, Zep 505®, Simple Green®, or Krud Kutter®. For TimberTech Advanced Polymer decking, use a stiff, natural fiber brush to clean the boards; for TimberTech Composite decking, use a medium-to-stiff nylon brush.
It’s best to clean small, manageable areas to prevent the cleaner from drying on the deck or porch surface. All cleaning products should be rinsed off thoroughly. Always read the cleaning product manufacturer’s specific information before using any product on your TimberTech deck and follow their instructions. It’s also a good idea to test the cleaner on a scrap piece or inconspicuous area of the deck to make sure it doesn’t harm the surface.
Check out our Care & Cleaning Guide for more instructions on how to clean TimberTech decks.
CAN I POWERWASH TIMBERTECH DECK?
While powerwashing a TimberTech deck is not the preferred way to clean, you can powerwash it on a “rinse-only” setting when the pressure is set to 1500 psi or lower, and when using a fan tip nozzle. Always keep the nozzle at a reasonable distance from the surface to prevent damage. To be safe, first try the power washer on a scrap piece or inconspicuous area of TimberTech Deck to be sure that you will not damage the surface. In some situations, power washing alone may not provide optimal results. Refer to the TimberTech Installation & Maintenance Guides.
WHERE IS TIMBERTECH DECKING MANUFACTURED?
TimberTech decking is manufactured in Wilmington, OH, and Scranton, PA.
WILL TIMBERTECH DECKING GET MOULD ON IT?
We manufacture all products to be resistant to mould and other damage from moisture. In rare cases and depending on environmental conditions (temperature, moisture in the air, etc.), mould and mildew could appear on any outdoor surface. If mould occurs on the surface of TimberTech decking, it does not penetrate through the deck board. Surface mould and mildew on TimberTech decking can be removed using TimberTech DeckCleaner or a 1-to-4 mixture of bleach and water.
WHAT IS TIMBERTECH DECKING MADE OF?
TimberTech Composite boards are made of a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibers with a protective outer cap, while our TimberTech Advanced Polymer boards are made of capped polymer material. For more information about our decking products, see our TimberTech Advanced Polymer, and TimberTech Composite overview pages.
CAN I CANTILEVER TIMBERTECH BOARDS ON MY DECK?
Yes, TimberTech decking can be cantilevered. TimberTech Advanced Polymer decking can be cantilevered a maximum of 13 mm. TimberTech Composite full profile deck boards can be cantilevered a maximum of 25 mm. TimberTech Composite scalloped profile deck boards (Terrain, Prime and Prime+ collections) can only be cantilevered on the ends of the board a maximum of 25 mm.
CAN TIMBERTECH DECKING BE PAINTED OR STAINED?
We do not recommend painting or staining TimberTech decking. TimberTech cannot guarantee the performance of paint, stain, or other materials, applied to the product.
IS TIMBERTECH DECKING CODE COMPLIANT?
All TimberTech decking products are tested for code compliance. The details of the code compliance reports can be reviewed on our Technical Resources Page.
DOES TIMBERTECH DECKING REALLY RESIST FADING?
Yes, while any exterior products will fade over time to some degree, all of our lines of decking are engineered to be fade and stain-resistant. TimberTech Advanced Polymer decking and porch products are backed by our 50-Year Fade & Stain Warranty. TimberTech Composite decking products are backed by our 30-Year or 25-Year Fade & Stain Warranties; depending on the collection.
CAN TIMBERTECH DECKING MATERIAL BE USED FOR A WHEELCHAIR/WALKER RAMP?
Yes, TimberTech decking and railing can be utilized to surface a ramp. We recommend consulting with a local contractor and check local building codes for requirements and best practices. It’s also good to use a decking material that is slip-resistant. We also recommend looking into our ADA Handrail that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
DO I NEED TO PLACE SOMETHING ON FURNITURE LEGS TO PROTECT MY TIMBERTECH DECKING FROM SCRATCHES?
We recommend using protective plastic, rubber, or felt leg pads on furniture and other items to help protect the surface of your deck. Our products are scratch-resistance, but these easy extra steps can provide additional protection.
DOES TIMBERTECH HAVE A BENCH AND/OR PLANTER SYSTEM?
We recommend working with your local contractor to help design and build your benches and planters. TimberTech benches and planters can be built using any of our decking products over a structural sub-structure.
