Master Guide: How to install your outdoor decking like a Pro
The success of a deck isn't just in the wood, but in what's underneath. As experts in tropical hardwoods, we want your installation to be self-sufficient and long-lasting. Here are the critical points that make the difference between an eternal masterpiece and a short-term problem.
1. The secret of the joists: The backbone
The joist is the foundation of your floor. An error in the structure and the wood will warp in less than two years. Follow these three golden rules:
Maintain a minimum slope of 1% or 2%. Water should never stagnate under the decking; trapped moisture is the worst enemy.
Leave no more than 35-40 cm between joist centers. If you increase this distance, IPÉ or Iroko boards will flex when stepped on.
Use tropical wood or aluminum joists. Never use untreated pine, as it will rot much sooner than the outdoor decking.
2. Screws: The detail that changes everything
Never use common iron screws. Tropical wood contains tannins that react with metal, creating indelible black stains on the surface of your deck.
✅ Our Professional Recommendation: Class C4.
For high-end installations and 30mm structural timbers, we require screws with Class C4 coating certification. This guarantees total corrosion resistance, even in coastal areas or with high humidity, exceeding conventional standards.
> Get the expert solution here: CAMO Class C4 Screws (Hidden Installation)
* Remember: Due to the extreme density of IPÉ or Iroko, it is vital to pre-drill. Without it, the screws can break when trying to penetrate the solid fiber.
