Installation
Installation Instructions
Fasteners for Solid Decking
Equator® Fasteners for Slotted Decking
Joist Span
Side Gapping
Fascia
Color Variation
Glass Post Caps
Installation Instructions
Latitudes® Composite Decking and Railing offer performance advantages compared to standard wood decking without added complexity or extra steps. Refer to the following links for simple instructions on how to make your Latitudes installation go smoothly—from the first time you use the products. Or, consider using one of our Latitudes Certified Installers for professional service and installation of your Latitudes Decking and Railing.
Latitudes Solid Decking Installation (pdf - 56 KB)
Latitudes Slotted Decking Installation (pdf - 115 KB)
Latitudes Marine Decking Installation (pdf - 149 KB)
Latitudes Ornamental Railing Installation (pdf - 270 KB)
Latitudes Natural Railing Installation (pdf - 528 KB)
Latitudes 2x4 Railing Installation (pdf - 609 KB)
Latitudes Luster™ Railing Installation - Trilingual (pdf - 770 KB)
Latitudes Luster Stair Railing Installation - Trilingual (pdf - 398 KB)
As with any building project, installing Latitudes turns out best when you think through the entire process in advance, familiarizing yourself with the materials and their application. Please review the following tips before starting work on a Latitudes composite deck. For additional installation support, call 877-463-8379.
The appearance of this product changes when viewed from different ends. To achieve the most consistent color, install all of the boards in the same direction using the end tags as a point of reference, or install all of the deck boards with the arrows on the product stickers pointing in the same direction. Installing boards in opposing directions will create contrasting light and dark shades of the deck board color and is not covered under warranty.
Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area. For best results, follow these simple installation instructions, paying close attention to gapping, spacing and fastener requirements.
Figure 1. Pre-drill and countersink all deck screws, regardless
of type, that are within 1-1/2” of the end of the deck board.
Fasteners for Solid Decking
For ease of installation, we recommend using 2-1/2" corrosion-resistant, composite wood deck screws (i.e., TrapEase™ by OMG or SplitStop composite screws from Titan Metal Werks). These screws help prevent the common "mushroom" effect that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners. It can also reduce the amount of pre-drilling and countersinking. If using ordinary, coarse-thread deck screws, the best results are achieved by pre-drilling a pilot hole and countersinking prior to driving screws. Screws should be driven flush with the Latitudes surface. Do not over-tighten. Use 2 fasteners per deck board at each joist. For any decking where two boards meet end to end over a joist, add additional blocking (see Figure 1). Always pre-drill a pilot hole at board ends when using either composite or wood screws.
Equator Hidden Fasteners for Slotted Decking
A set of 175 pieces of Equator hidden fasteners can install 100 square feet of 6” wide (5-1/4” actual) deck boards on 16” centers or 87 square feet of 6” wide (5-1/4” actual) deck boards on 12” centers.
Equator Hidden Fasteners can be installed in just four easy steps:
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1. Place an Equator fastener in the slot of the composite deck board at each support joist. |
| 2. Insert a stainless steel screw through each fastener into the joist. | |
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3. Slide the next deck board into place so that the wings fit into the slot on the deck board’s side. |
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4. Repeat this process until the deck is complete. |
Joist Span
16" on-center for residential perpendicular applications. Residential parquet patterns, diagonal or herringbone designs all require joist spacing 12" on-center. Contact Latitudes product support at 877-463-8379 for commercial applications.
Side Gapping
For edge-to-edge spacing, allow a minimum of 1/4" gap between deck board edges. End-to-end spacing, or butt joint spacing, should be 1/8" gap or allow a minimum of 1/16" gap between board ends for every 20°F of difference between installation temperature and the hottest temperature expected. Additional blocking may be needed for support (see Figure 1). Allow 1/4" distance between all decking material and any permanent structure or post. After all of the decking has been attached, snap a chalk line (white or yellow chalk recommended) flush with or up to 1-1/2" out from the deck framing and trim with a circular saw. Latitudes Composite Decking, like all wood and composite decking products, requires proper ventilation and drainage in order to ensure its longevity. When using a minimum 2x6 joist standing on edge and the suggested 1/4" side gap, there should be a 2" clear space between the bottom edge of the joists and grade in order to allow for proper ventilation. Adequate drainage is also needed to prevent water from pooling under the deck.
Fascia
Attach fascia to the rim joist using two screws spaced no further apart than 16" on-center. Fasten the fascia from one end to the other or from the center out to each end. Never fasten the fascia from both ends to the center. Leave a 1/8" space between the fascia ends where two pieces meet or wherever a piece meets a solid surface (i.e., a corner or a building wall) to allow for expansion of the material.
Possible configurations to conceal 2x10 and 2x12 joists:
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Color Variation
Like most composites, Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing will exhibit slight color variations from piece to piece. This results from naturally occurring variations in wood fibers and polymers. We recommend purchasing all required materials simultaneously and inspecting material for color acceptance before installing, as manufacturing runs may produce slightly different colors.
Latitudes will lighten somewhat over time. This color tone shift is dependent upon exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors and is generally completed within 60 to 90 days. Gray tone products may turn light brown before changing to lighter gray. Color variation is not covered by the Latitudes Warranty.
Leave a signature mark of quality on your next Latitudes decking or railing project. Request a free brass Latitudes emblem today!
