Composite Decking Installation Safety Guide

Several steps can be taken to ensure your Ecoscape composite decking installation is completed as safely as possible. When working with heavy tools or sharp fixings, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Pre-Installation

Before installing your composite decking, you should consult your local building regulations to ensure there are no restrictions that can affect your installation. This isn’t a safety tip as such, but one to tick off the list before you get started, as it can affect the whole project if approval is not sought and signed off.

Planning your decking layout is also a crucial step to take before installation. This will allow you to order the correct number of boards for starters but will make it easier to determine the optimal layout for your space when considering fixed elements such as door thresholds, gutter outfalls, and walls.

General Safety Tips

You should always wear personal protective equipment when working with Ecoscape products, particularly when cutting the boards. At this point, it is recommended to wear gloves, protective eyewear, a dust mask, and long sleeves and trousers.
Static build-up may occur in the composite decking boards in dry and windy environments. This is not inherently dangerous or able to cause injury, but you should be aware of the possibility of minor static shocks.
The boards cannot be laid straight onto a flat surface, they must be installed on a substructure. This allows for sufficient airflow beneath, which prevents excessive water absorption. 25mm at a minimum is required for adequate drainage and drying.
The boards can never be installed on top of existing boards. This can make the boards unsecured and therefore unsafe to walk over.

Ecoscape Product Safety Notes

No specialist tools are needed to install Ecoscape decking, so there’s no training and less risk here. Standard woodworking tools are sufficient.
For the best results, and the safest compatibility with the system, we recommend using the screws provided with the T-Clips for board installation.
Fixings should be fastened at 90 degrees to the decking system.
Although incredibly strong and durable, the Clarity and Forma boards are not designed to be used as primary load-bearing members for supports, beams or similar.