How to Install Composite Decking on Dock Walkway
- 1). Start at the dock end of the walkway. Remove any screws or nails in the first board. Use a pry bar to lift the old board from its position. Pull any broken fasteners from the walkway frame with a pair of locking pliers. Clear any debris away. Measure and cut the first piece of composite decking to the same length as the original. Lay the piece in place and mark it in line with the framing members underneath.
- 2). Drill pilot holes in line with every framing member. Drill two holes in the decking for each framing member you will attach it to. Use a 1/8 inch bit to drill the pilot hole and a countersink bit to countersink each pilot hole slightly so that the screw heads will run flush with the top of the composite decking material.
- 3). Set the board in position and drive one 1 5/8 inch treated deck screw into every pilot hole in the composite decking material. Run the screw in until the screw head is flush with the top of the composite decking. Avoid oversinking the screws to prevent moisture building up and deteriorating the screws.
- 4). Measure and cut enough boards to length with a miter saw to cover the entire walkway. Tear up and replace the boards one at a time, drilling the pilot holes in each piece as you go to accommodate any minor differences in the placement of the framing members from one section of the walkway to another. Leave 1/8 inch space between each board, to allow for adequate drainage. A quick square works well as a spacer. Line the ends of the board up as you go for a clean line on the outside edge.
- 5). Mark out and cut pieces with a jig saw to fit around any rail posts or other obstructions. Check the fit and make any slight adjustments to pieces that are too tight. Add boards full width as far as possible. Measure between the last board and the end of the walkway and cut a piece to width on a table saw. Remember to allow for a 1/8 inch space.
Source...