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Installation Instructions


Use a standard saw to cut
SYMMATRIX™. Dow recommends
using carbide-tipped blades.

Use 2-1/2" corrosion-resistant screws
designed for wood plastic composites
and space them 1-1/2" from edge of
board to prevent splitting.

Allow 1/4" width-to-width
gapping between board for proper
drainage and expansion/contraction.

Put the finishing touches
on your SYMMATRIX deck with
SYMMATRIX railing kits and accessories.

Installation Instructions for SYMMATRIX™ Scenic Series Decking (181KB PDF)
Installation Instructions for SYMMATRIX™ Classic Elegance Series Railing (696KB PDF)

Ready

  1. Install joist system, to design specifications, in accordance with local code requirements. Ensure joists are level and plumb.
  2. Measure and cut decking boards to size. White or yellow chalk line is recommended to mark cut lines.
  3. To avoid the “mushrooming effect,” pre-drilling and countersinking screws is recommended.

Set
Position decking boards, following spanning and gapping requirements here. (Note: SYMMATRIX™ Composites are designed as surface deck material. To allow for proper drainage and ventilation, the product should be used a minimum of 6 inches from ground level.)

Gapping
Gapping between decking boards is important for proper drainage and air circulation, to allow for slight thermal expansion and contraction that can occur with temperature changes, and to account for shrinkage of the wood joist system.

Width-to-width: Allow 1/4" between boards and between decking material and any permanent structure or post.

End-to-end: Allow minimum 1/16" to 1/8” for every 20°F difference between installation temperature and highest temperature expected.

Board Orientation
For optimum color consistency, orient all boards in the same direction, using labels or end tags as reference.

Deck

  1. Attach decking boards to joist system with 2-1/2" corrosion-resistant composite wood deck screws (such as TrapEase by OMG, Inc. or SplitStop by Titan Metal Werks, Inc).
  2. Drive screws flush with SYMMATRIX surface. Do not over drive.
  3. After attaching all decking boards, mark along the edge of the finished deck (flush with the deck or up to 1-1/2" from deck framing) with a chalk line. Trim with a circular saw.

Materials Checklist

The following tools and equipment are recommended to install SYMMATRIX Composites:

  • Tape measure
  • White or yellow chalk line
  • Protective eye wear
  • Miter box saw or circular saw (carbide-tipped blades recommended)
  • 2-1/2" corrosion resistant composite wood deck screws (such as TrapEase by OMG, Inc. or SplitStop by Titan Metal Werks, Inc.)
  • Stand-up screw gun
  • Router (optional)
  • Power drill