What is The Best Composite Decking Subframe for The Deck?
As an outdoor living space, outdoor decking plays 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.
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Table of Contents
Role of Composite Decking Subframe
The decking subframe is an integral part of the entire deck structure. A composite decking subframe can maintain long-term beauty and durability only if it is installed on the right subframe. Subframe generally consists of joists, load-bearing beams and beams, as well as columns inserted into the ground. It performs the critical function of providing support and maintaining structural stability. A quality subframe system provides the following roles:
- Evenly distribute weight and pressure on the deck
- Prevent sagging or warping of deck boards
- Resist moisture, rot, and insect infestation
- Maintain long-term structural integrity
- Reduce maintenance requirements and extend overall service life
The subframe is like the foundation of a building. It determines the fate of the superstructure. Choosing the wrong subframe material can lead to deck safety hazards and higher long-term maintenance costs. Therefore, when planning a composite decking subframe project, the choice of subframe should be emphasized.
Composite Deck Subframe on Level 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
Composite 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.
Composite Decking Subframe on a Roof Platform
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.
Composite Decking Subframe When The Ground is Uneven
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.
What Factors Do I Need to Consider When Choosing a Composite Decking Subframe?
There are a variety of factors you need to consider when choosing a subframe material. These include:
Strength and Durability
Strength and durability are the most critical factors to evaluate when selecting a subframe material. A composite decking subframe is subjected to constant loads, weather changes and various environmental stresses. Therefore, its structural integrity directly affects the safety and service life of the composite deck. Metal joists and composite joists are probably the most durable solutions.
Aluminum joist systems have a practical life expectancy of 20-25 years. Composite joists from EVODEK are extremely durable, with a life expectancy of 20+ years. Composite joists are made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, similar to the material used in composite decking boards. The plastic component makes it more resistant to decay than wood. Therefore, composite joists are more suitable for residential use.
Installation Difficulty
The ease of installation of subframe materials can affect the construction cost of a decking project. There are significant differences in installation speed and expertise between materials.
In general, composite and wood joists are the easiest and quickest to install. They are better suited for homeowners looking for efficiency or DIY installations. Of course, regardless of the type, installing composite decking subframes requires careful reading of the deck manufacturer’s installation guide.
Cost
The cost of subframe materials is also a key point to consider. The choice should be based not only on the initial price, but also on long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
For example, for short-term projects, wood may be more economical. But if you’re looking for long-term use, composite or metal joists are more cost-effective options. This is because they are more durable and do not require frequent maintenance.
Conclusion
The quality and material of the subframe determine the success of a composite decking subframe project. Choosing a quality composite decking subframe is an investment in the long-term performance and aesthetics of the deck.
Traditional wood joists are no longer the best choice for most modern composite decking applications. Instead, the excellent performance and durability of composite joists make it the solution for composite decking in a variety of scenarios. If you would like to know more about composite decking materials, please contact us. EVODEK has a professional service team that can solve your problems.
FAQ
How Long Does a Wooden Subframe Last?
The service life of wooden joists is strongly influenced by the environment. It is well known that wood is susceptible to mold and rot in a humid environment. In this environment, wooden subframes may only last 2-3 years. Of course, methods such as painting or sealing can effectively extend the service life of wood materials. But this will also add extra time and money costs.
Do Subframes Need to be Treated Against Insects?
The need for insect proofing depends on the material. Metal and plastic joists do not need to be treated at all. Good quality composite materials also provide good protection against insects. If you are using wood joists, then you may want to carefully consider how to avoid pests.
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