SmaragdDeck installation manual
Storing and moving
Smaragd Deck
Smaragd Deck must be stored on wooden blocks at a height of 90cm and protected by a plastic cover. Due to the composition of the product, it will be somewhat heavier than standard wood materials.
Please bear this in mind when lifting the product. The use of sound protective equipment such as goggles and ear protectors is recommended when using any electrical equipment.
Smaragd Deck must not be used for applications which would be classified as bearing construction.
SmaragdDeck cannot be installed on top of existing paved surfaces. A minimum space of 3.5cm below the terrace is advised.
A dry foundation and good ventilation are essential. You can achieve this by using root cloth underneath the frame. We advise our clients to use Smaragd Deck mats or hardwood mats for the frame.
Drainage, slope and overhang
Give your terrace a gentle slope away from the house so water drains away well. A slope of 3mm per meter. The overhang on the edge of the terrace must not exceed 10cm.
Installation
Before you install the decking pieces, it is recommended to rough-drill to a screw-depth of 5mm and to sink the screws into the board. We recommend using stainless steel screws measuring
5 x 50mm.
Some tips
- We advise our customers to use Stainless steel screws
- Use a screw drill with a coupling. Many wireless screw drills have this option.
This prevents the screws from breaking. Begin screwing slowly and gently increase.
It is advised to use a screw guide in order to keep the screws straight.
End-to-end gaps
Smaragd Deck will expand and contract slightly lengthways as a result of temperature differences. Gaps are necessary at the ends of the boards if the ends are joined together or if they are connected to walls, posts or other fixed objects.
Depending on the temperature, a certain distance must be kept between the boards during the installation. This is to prevent the boards expanding and putting pressure on each other. This calculation assumes a maximum temperature of 35ºC.
See the table for the distances to be maintained between the boards.
| 1 |
2 |
3 |
| 5 |
0,3 mm |
0,5 mm |
| 10 |
0,2 mm |
0,3 mm |
| 15 |
0,2 mm |
0,3 mm |
| 20 |
0,2 mm |
0,2 mm |
| 25 |
0,2 mm |
0,2 mm |
| 30 |
0,2 mm |
0,2 mm |
| 35 |
0,2 mm |
0,2 mm |
1 Temperature during installation (°C)
2 Distance with a length of 3.6m and 4.8m
3 Distance with a length of 6m
Side-by-side gaps
The boards must have a minimum side-to-side gap of 0.3cm. Gaps ensure airflow and drainage. Neglecting to maintain gaps can promote rotting and mildew.
Necessary equipment
- Wireless drill for rough-drilling holes, countersinking/sinking and screwing
- Sink drill
- Tape measure
- (Circular) saw
- Spirit level and carpenter’s square |
