What is the best composite decking subframe for the deck?

As an outdoor living space, outdoor decking has an important role in your daily life. Therefore, the first thing you need to do when building your outdoor composite decking is to create a solid foundation for your outdoor deck. A solid deck subframe can make your composite decking last longer. So, what foundation do you need for the composite decking subframe?

Probably the most difficult part of the preparation phase of installing composite decking is choosing the right deck underlayment. The right deck underlayment will provide a solid platform for your outdoor deck. Not only will it ensure the long-term safety of the deck area, but it will also ensure the longevity of the composite deck. Next, we present the options available to you, depending on your deck environment.

Flat Ground

If you already have a flat surface, such as a concrete foundation or a solid foundation. Build a low-profile deck project on a flat surface. Then, your best option is a network of brackets installed directly on the foundation. The next choice you need to make is which material you should use to build the deck frame.

Wooden Joists

Wood joists have become very popular as a component of deck framing in the past few decades. In order to reduce the weathering of the wood framing and, most importantly, reduce the water contact. We need to treat the wood material in a special way. Although pressure-treated lumber costs less, this material has the potential for the same problems as wood deck boards. That is, it may warp, crack and rot.

As a result, the price of maintenance rises over time, and it also carries certain safety hazards. So, if you are in an area where there is less rain, then using wood joists is still a good option.

Composite joists

WPC joists are highly waterproof and mold resistant. Just like composite decking, joists made of composite materials are a perfect substitute for wood, also very easy to install. If you are using composite decking to build your outdoor living space. Then it is recommended that you use WPC joists to build the deck frame structure.

Using both composite products at the same time will help reduce the overall maintenance and upkeep costs of your outdoor deck. This is because you do not need to maintain and replace the deck due to moisture and mold in the joists. Therefore, after a long period of time, the composite material will not only save you some of the maintenance costs. It also allows you to spend more time enjoying life rather than maintaining your deck.

Rooftop decks

Homeowners who have had a rooftop deck should know that roofs can be a very tricky environment to install decking. There are two very important considerations when dealing with this type of deck project. Those are good waterproofing and adequate drainage. Here are the two options we recommend.

Wood joist or metal joist

You can choose to build a floating sub-frame with either metal joists or wood joists. By choosing this solution, you will first need to waterproof the joists. Avoid moisture and mold on the wooden joists or water corrosion and rust on the metal joists. Secondly, you need to fix the frame to the roof in a stable way. For both materials, we recommend using metal joists. This is because metal joists are a little more secure.

Composite deck joists

Again, laminate joists have good waterproofing properties. You can lay composite boards on the roof deck without piercing the waterproof membrane of the roof. Composite decking joists allow for proper horizontal airflow underneath the deck. It also distributes the weight of the deck evenly over the entire project, reducing the stress on the deck itself.

Uneven Ground

Building an outdoor deck on uneven soft ground, if you don’t want to level it out with concrete mix. Then you can use post framing to elevate the area, which will provide a base for a flat and structurally sound deck area. These posts and joists can come in two main forms.

Wooden Joists and Post Network

The most common way to handle this type of deck installation is the old-fashioned technique of using wooden posts and joists. One thing to keep in mind is that wood joists and post networks still need to be treated for water resistance. In order to extend the life of the outdoor deck, pressure-treated wood must be used. It is also important to ensure that all cuts in the joists are treated with proper end sealant to avoid moisture and mold.

Composite joists and post networks

Composite plastic is considered to be one of the most sustainable building materials. It provides a low-maintenance, high-resistance framing solution for elevated deck areas. The nature of composite materials determines their stability and long life. And unlike most wood alternatives, its structural integrity can be compromised over time.