How to install composite decking

Creating a tight fit between composite deck posts and a rail is difficult — even pros struggle with it.

Railing connectors make it easy.

This Deckorators connector, is screwed onto the end of the rail before being attached to the composite deck posts.

If your deck is more than 600mm off the ground, you may want to wrap the posts in PVC to match the rest of the deck.

You’ll need two 1x6s and two 1x8s (or equivalent) for each post.

Pro tip: Our pros avoid material thinner than 8mm because PVC expands and contracts more than wood, and it’s hard to keep the seams together using thinner material.

Pin the boards in place with a trim gun before screwing them together.

Do you know why horse fences are usually white? It’s because dark ones are harder for horses to see. The same principle applies to deck railings and people.

If you want an unobstructed view, dark spindles are the way to go. And round is better than square.

A 20mm-diameter round spindle stays 20mm no matter which direction it’s viewed from, but a 20mm-square spindle grows to more than 2.5mm when you view it at an angle.

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Source: Family Handyman