Carefree Decking System Page - 1

Carefree Decking System™

Product Characteristics:

• No maintenance: no staining, painting or sealing required, no rotting, insect infestation or splintering
• Not recommended as a structural component, unless it has been engineered for a specific application
• For most residential applications, plastic lumber will require joist spacing similar to traditional lumber. When utilizing our Carefree Deck boards on 2" x 6" joists, the spacing can be 12" or 16" apart. In other commercial applications, additional support may be required.
• Slight color variations are intended to contribute to the appearance of a natural wood deck
• Environmentally Friendly - made from 100% recycled plastic
• Most graffiti easily washes off
• Color is permanent and will not fade
• User-friendly with standard woodworking tools
• 50 Year Limited Warranty

Colors:

 *Other colors are available

Expansion and Contraction Characteristics

Recycled plastic lumber and deck boards do not shrink like wood: however, they will contract and expand with temperature changes similar to other plastic products such as vinyl siding.

To allow for contraction and expansion of the deck board, some simple procedures should be followed during installation:

1. When installing at an air temperature of 40° - 60°, allow 1/8" for every joint where deck boards butt if deck boards are less than 8' in length and are permanently nailed. If they are longer than 8' it is recommended the deck boards should be installed using the EC Deck Clip. If the deck is 16' or less in length and only one deck board is used with no joints, you have the option of using a clip on every joist, or clips on only the last two joists of a 12' board or the last three joists of a 16' board. See Diagram D1.
2. Use a 1" finished overhang (not including the trim strip) on the perimeter of all decks. See Diagram D1.
3. Do not install any deck boards tight to any fixed objects without allowing space for expansion and contraction. See chart below. Allow a minimum of 3/8" around all fixed posts or columns. Use CTM-25 trim strip to cover the space.
4. Do not butt deck boards in lengths longer than 8' in a continuous run. Feature deck boards should be used in lieu of butting deck boards. See typical plans on reverse side.

Example 1
Results of Expansion and Contracting Testing of Carefree Deck Boards with 75 Board Temperature Swing