Installation Guidelines

Installation Guidelines
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Deck • Fence • Rail • Window Profiles • Pipe • Fittings

Material Storage, Safety & Tools
Material Storage
Royal Deck has been properly packaged from the manufacturer and should be stored and transported in this
packaging until installation.
• Leave pallet shroud on the Royal Deck throughout the installation to avoid damage, protect from
construction debris, and maintain a consistent board temperature.
• Store decking material on a flat surface to avoid bowing or warping (adjusting support blocks may be
required on uneven ground).
• Use protective corner clips when banding to prevent stress damage to the decking material.
• Do not store in heat exceeding 120°F.
Safety
As with all construction projects the proper safety equipment should be utilized at all times (i.e. safety glasses,
hearing protection, gloves, etc.). Dust mask and long sleeves may be used if you are cutting in confined areas.
Safe lifting practices should also be used when handling product as the weight and flex of the product can be
awkward.
ROYAL DECK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Tools
Saws & Blades:
• 10” or 12” Miter Saw – Used for finished end-cuts and trim miters
Minimum blade requirements – Carbide 60 to 80 tooth
Blade recommendation – CMT 96 tooth fine finish (12”
• Jig Saw – used for cutting notches around obstacles, protrusions (i.e. posts, columns)
Minimum blade requirements – 10 TPI
Blade recommendation – 10 TPI with board positioned
face down
• Circular Saw or Portable Table Saw – Used for ripping
deck boards
Minimum blade requirements – Carbide Tooth – 24 T
(7-1/4”Blade) & 60T (10” blade)
Blade recommendation – (7-1/4”) 60 T Skilsaw Carbide
finishing (10”) CMT 80 T Fine finish
Work Station:
• It is recommended to use a miter-saw stand, roller
stands, or out feed tables when cutting Royal Deck. The
objective is to support the material during the cutting
process.
Drill & Drivers:
• Drills and drill bits as well as impact drivers and appropriate driver tips are required.
Layout Tools:
• Typical tools required such as tape, chalk line, straight edge, etc
• Plate Joiner – used for the EB-TY Fastener application
• CAMO Marksmen Pro NB – tool provided with the Camo hidden fastening system
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Design and Layout
Design Principles
Due to the diversity of installation scenarios it is the installer’s responsibility to determine the specific
requirements for each application. Royal recommends that an architect, engineer or local building official
review Royal Deck applications prior to install. The intent of the instructions is to set forth principles, work
parameters, and provide a working knowledge of Royal Deck characteristics.
Expansion/Contraction
Expansion and contraction are most significant where extreme temperature change exists. All PVC moves
with temperature change and it moves differently from wood decking products. Wood will typically expand
and contract in the width direction and Royal Deck will move in its length. Moisture has the biggest impact
on wood and no effect on Royal Deck’s PVC substrate. The key to a successful build is planning for this
lengthwise movement. A few ways to control movement are:
• Fasten boards within 1/2” of the ends.
• Butt joints must be tight (below 32°F leave 1/16” gap)
• Minimum of 1/4” space between Royal Deck boards and any structure, post or obstruction.
• Upon cutting board to finished length, install as soon as possible
• On long decks (20’ and greater), orient the boards to run boards in the narrow direction. For example – on
a 40’ X 10’ build – install 10’ boards perpendicular instead of 20’ boards parallel to the structure.
Layouts
The layout or board orientation can have a big impact on the finished products appearance and perceived
performance. Points of consideration:
Staggered butt-joints – On runs exceeding 20’ or unique builds that have need of butt-joints, additional
framing is required to help control movement. Blocking or “sistering” on each side of all butt joints is
mandatory. The blocking must be screwed to mating frame tightly.
Feature board/Breaker board – This concept will disguise movement the best. By strategically placing a board
perpendicular to the main build direction, this will simulate shorter runs and the perpendicular board moves
very little in the width axis resulting in half the gap size of conventional joint.
ROYAL DECK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
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Framing & Fasteners
Building codes and/or officials should be consulted prior to Royal Deck installation to confirm structure
conforms to local requirements. Royal Deck is load bearing, but should never be used for structural framing.
The quality of the framing will directly impact the overall appearance of the Royal Deck as product will
conform to the shape of any uneven framing.
We suggest framing with Premium framing lumber. This wood is usually lighter, straighter and will not expand
or contract as much during construction.
• Joist system must be level and flush.
• Install all railing posts of post supports prior to Royal Deck install. Railing supports must NOT be attached
to Royal Deck.
Joist Spacing:
Cellular PVC is not as rigid or stiff as traditional hardwoods; Royal Deck boards are code approved for a 16”
on-center installation. If a springy or cushioned feel is a concern, 12” on-center construction is recommended.
24” on-center is unacceptable for Royal Deck.
• 16” on-center – is permissible for standard residential applications. This only applies if
boards are installed perpendicular to joists.
• 12” on-center – is required for high traffic areas, commercial builds and installs using a 45°
or herringbone layout.
• 12” on-center – is required for all step stringers.
Face Screw
Most conventional decking screws will work with Royal Deck for face-screw applications. For a color matched
trim head screw we recommend the following:
Headcote Cap-Tor - #10 x 2-1/2” Screws
Approved for use with ACQ treated lumber. Available in color matched coating.
• Graystone Warm Gray #54
• Kanyon Sand #64
• Sage Grey #37
• Pebblestone Clay Sand #64
• Porter Chocolate #71
• Sandbar Rosy Brown #65
NOTE: 305 stainless for inland builds and 316 Stainless for seaside or brackish water applications.
ROYAL DECK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Hidden Fastening Systems
Some hidden fasteners do not rigidly affix the board to the structure. For those fasteners that do not penetrate
the board, additional measures, such as face or toe screwing at the joints and board ends is required to
maintain uniform spacing at joints.
For all other fasteners including the Mantis and Tigerclaw TCG you must face or toe screw butt joints and
board ends (figure 2).
Royal Deck approves the use of the following hidden fasteners. (Please refer to the fastener manufacturer
instructions.)
• Camo Fasteners
• Eb-Ty
• Ipe clip
• When the Eb-Ty and Ipe clip are used the screw must be angled through the deck board to
restrict movement.
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Fascia/Skirt Board
All fascias should be installed prior to decking. We suggest using Royal Deck
fascia for a color matched look and Royal’s S4S trim products for a contrast.
Full installation instructions for this application are available at
www.royalbuildingproducts.com. A few application specific guidelines are:
• All miter joints are to be glued – PVC Cement
• Expansion joints are required on runs exceeding 20’ – shiplap joint is
recommended
• Required fastening schedule for fascia with a bead of construction adhesive
16” OC between fasteners
• Boards 6” wide or less – 2 fasteners, 12” on center
• Boards 8”to 10” wide – 3 fasteners, 12” on center
• Boards 12” wide or more – 4 to 5 fasteners, 12” on center
• As an option to eliminate “oil canning” use construction adhesive between
mechanical fasteners.
Shiplap Joint
Screw position – no less than
1/2” and no greater than 2”
from edge of board
8
No glue on
this joint
Glue all
miter joints
Available Colors
Graystone Kanyon Sage Pebblestone
Clay
Sandbar
Porter
ROYAL DECK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
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Main Body Decking & Steps
Main Body Decking
Install Royal Deck boards with one of the approved
fastening methods. Work from the out side or highest
traffic area toward the structure or least traffic area.
Feature boards, transition board and/or inlay work
should be installed first, and then the main body, this
allows for more precise cutting.
Follow the selected fastening systems instructions.
• Face Screw spacing can vary
• Camo provides 3/16” gap spacing
• Eb-Ty provides 3/32” & 1/8” gap spacing
Face Screw Option
1/8 to 1/4
Eb-Ty Option
3/32
Camo Option
3/16
Steps
AC-174 code requires the following framing scenarios for compliance when installing Royal Deck. Do not
cantilever more than Royal deck 1/2” on step application.
12” on center stringers 16” on center stringers will require bridging
ROYAL DECK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
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Care and Cleaning
Royal Deck is a low maintenance product, but with all outdoor products care and cleaning will help keep the
product looking its best. Our recommendations are as follows:
Clean two times a year or after major pollen events
• Organic material, pollen and dirt are a food source for mold and mildew and although Royal Deck is
formulated to inhibit mold growth the mold/mildew will grow on materials imbedded in or on the deck
board’s embossed surface.
• Dirt, Debris, Mold and Mildew removal (best practice)
• Remove large organic debris (leaves, twigs, etc) with a broom or blower. Mild Soap (Simple Green) and a
garden hose with a soft bristled brush (automotive type) works best in most cases.
• Pressure washer may be used using a fan nozzle and a PSI setting of 1200 or lower as well as
maintaining a 12” or greater distance from the board when spraying. Spray in the direction of the grain
pattern for best results.
Barbecue Grills, Portable Chimenaeas and Fire Pits.
• All sources of high heat or flame should be placed on a non-rubber or non-vinyl mat to protect decking.
Pools and Hot Tubs
• Chlorinated water will not harm Royal Deck.
Snow Removal
• Use a non-metallic snow shovel and/or stiff bristled broom.
• Salt may be used to break ice and should have no affect on the board other than a residue that can be
remove with water and mild detergent.
Slip resistance
• Royal Deck meets or exceeds the ADA requirements.
DeckMAX Enhanced
• After years of outdoor exposure Royal deck will loose surface gloss and may appear lighter in color. This
is a normal process and occurs with many exterior products. The process takes years to occur and is so
subtle it is undetectable with out comparing it to an unexposed board.
• If the new look is desired we recommend DeckMAX Enhanced as a rejuvenator for the gloss.
• Follow DeckMAX instructions for best results.
Rubber/Vinyl Mats
• Prolonged exposure to Rubber and Vinyl products can discolor the Royal Deck products therefore the
use of these products is discouraged.
ROYAL DECK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
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Siding • Trim • Accessories • Soffit • Rainware • Mouldings
Deck • Fence • Rail • Window Profiles • Pipe • Fittings