DIY Composite Deck: What to Know Before You Build

August 17, 2021

Considering upgrading your backyard with a new composite deck — and wondering if you can DIY the build? (Spoiler: you likely can). Or, are you thinking of resurfacing your existing deck with low-maintenance decking? Before you begin, make sure you’ve asked yourself the right questions — and considered the variables that will influence your build — so you know if a DIY project is right for you.

Benefits of DIY-ing Your Composite Deck

✓ Saves you on labor costs

✓ Gives you complete control of your deck build

✓ Can be a challenging but fulfilling project

ALREADY KNOW YOU WILL DIY?
Jump into our Deck Building Resource Center for step-by-step tips and best practices, as well as guided install videos.

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Step 1: Determine if You’re Ready to Build Your Own Deck

The first step in your DIY composite deck journey is deciding if you’re ready for it. The deck building process will vary depending on whether you’re building a brand new structure, resurfacing an existing substructure, or extending your deck.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding to DIY Your Deck

• Are you comfortable adhering to local building codes and securing a permit?
• Will your deck have any complex design features, such as a deck board pattern, and are you confident in installing those features?
• Do you have access to / are you comfortable using the tools you’ll need to build your own deck?
• Will you have help, or will you complete all the work solo?

Step 2: Choose the Right DIY Decking Materials

As far as the highest-performance DIY decking materials go, you have two primary options:

Each of our decking lines boast superior performance vs traditional wood — with some differences across product lines.

Step 3: Design Your Composite Deck

When designing your DIY composite deck, there are several factors — and options for an easier build — that you’ll want to consider:

While deck board colors won’t affect your installation, they do affect the overall look and feel of your deck.

Find the Right Color for You

From deeply saturated hues to light and bright tans, we have just the right color for your space.

FIND YOUR COLOR

Step 4: Get Familiar With Best Practices for Installing Composite Decking

TimberTech composite decking installation shares many of the same best practices as traditional wood installation — with some minor differences. Make sure you’re familiar and comfortable with some of the processes you’ll be undertaking in a DIY deck build before you commit to the project.

Substructure Framing

Standard deck joist spacing is 16” on center, or 12” for a more rigid feel — same as many traditional wood options. Blocking should be spaced every 4’ to 6’ in between joists, and joists should always be level and in-plane with one another and across the tops.

Get a firsthand look at substructure framing by watching the video.

WATCH VIDEO

Deck Board Spacing

Deck board spacing refers to the gaps between the sides and the ends of the boards. Proper spacing varies between wood and composite decking because the two materials expand and contract in different directions. Accurate deck board spacing will be crucial when DIYing your deck.

deck board spacing

Fastener & Deck Board Pairings

Choose between top-down fasteners (like those used with traditional wood) or hidden clip fasteners. Keep in mind that certain fasteners only work with particular decking lines and board profiles.

For easy pairings, go with one of these popular combinations — and check out our instruction video for each to see the installation process and decide which is right for your DIY composite deck project.

DISCOVER THE EASIEST WAY TO BUILD A DECK
With TimberTech Advanced PVC capped polymer decking, top-down fasteners, and a panelized railing system. Learn more about the easiest way to build a deck.

Step 5: Consider Your Railing Options

No DIY composite deck project would be complete without railing. Just like your composite decking options, TimberTech railing materials are designed with premium aesthetics and exceptional durability — which means minimal maintenance work for you.

Does My Deck Have Code-Related Railing Requirements?

If your deck is below 30” off the ground, it likely will not require a railing. If it’s higher than 30” at any point in the design, then that section will require a railing for residential code compliance and safety. Always check with your local building codes for railing requirements.

Regardless of code requirements, you still may opt to choose a deck railing as a design element or for practical reasons like keeping guests from stepping off into your deck’s beautifully landscaped perimeter.

DIY Considerations for Your Railing

The TimberTech railing portfolio offers numerous railing profiles as well as customization options to create a deck perimeter that’s all your own.

But when it comes to DIY-ing deck railing, one of the most important considerations to think through is the difficulty level of railing installation. For a straightforward, easy railing installation, it’s best to go with a panelized railing system.

Choose the Easiest Railing Installation

Looking for a straightforward install that gives you a sleek, modern railing? Go with Impression Rail Express®. This panelized railing features pre-assembled railing sections so you can install the railing as one piece, rather than installing each individual baluster.

And yes — they work with stair angles, too.

LEARN MORE

Step 6: Think Through Deck Lighting

Once you have the bigger pieces like deck design and material figured out, you can start thinking about some of the details. Note that permanent deck lighting will likely need to be installed before you lay your deck surface. Always closely consult appropriate install guides, and make sure you are comfortable with, and knowledgeable of, electric wiring best practices.

Increase Ambiance & Safety With Deck Lights

Enjoy your deck after dark with deck lights. Deck lighting adds ambiance and improves safety through increased visibility.

Lighting options include temporary lights like string lights and permanent lighting for your deck surface and railing.

Permanent lighting may require a contractor to install.

EXPLORE

PREFER TO WORK WITH A PRO?
Partner with a TimberTech-registered contractor who can ensure your deck is designed and built just the way you want it — and to code.

FIND A CONTRACTOR

Step 7: Start Your DIY Composite Deck Project With Samples

With the guidance you need for your DIY composite deck project, you’re ready to begin planning for your build. Get your creative juices flowing by ordering up to four free composite decking samples of your favorite colors. Be sure to place them all in the area your deck will be built to see how they look in different lighting throughout the day.

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