DIAMOND DECKING™ Installation Guide
Congratulations on purchasing the finest quality exterior decking. This guide will explain essential woodworking strategies employed by experienced Diamond Decking installers. Proper use and care of this product will help ensure a long and attractive service life.

HANDLING: Transport Diamond Decking in a secured bundle or crate. Do not open bundles until ready to air dry or install the product. Protect exposed milled surfaces with scrap wood or crating whenever handling with a mechanical lift.

STORAGE: Store Diamond Decking in a cool dry place, out of direct sunlight, dust and rain. If stored over open ground, leave sufficient circulation space under the bundle to counter the effects of condensation.

CONDITIONING: Prior to use, air-dry Diamond Decking to local moisture levels, this will result in a more attractive and stable project. Consult with your local Diamond Decking™ dealer for proper air drying procedures.

Deck Board Span Table Building regulations vary, consult local building and safety codes.
¾" x 3-1/2"	16" oc span
¾" x 5-1/2"	24" oc span
1" x 3-1/2"	16-24" oc span
1" x 5-1/2"	24" oc span
1-1/2" x 3-1/2"	24" oc span
1-1/2" x 5-1/2"	36" oc span

DESIGN: All deck surfaces must be designed with a slight grade sufficient to produce run off.

All projects should be designed with sufficient space between the project and ground to permit continuous circulation of fresh air; this is critical for long term dimensional stability. Diamond Decking is not warranted for use in ground contact or submersed applications.

INSTALLATION: Both high-speed steel and cobalt drill bits may be used effectively with Diamond Decking. Carbide tipped saw blades and router bits are recommended for cleaner cuts and extended life. When milling Diamond Decking™, use slower feed rates and maintain sharp cutting surfaces.

Apply a clear end sealant, such as Anchorseal®, to board ends as they are trimmed, cross cut, or milled. Apply end seal neatly, as end seal will prevent penetration of oil based finishes. Do not wait to seal fresh cut ends, as end grain damage may begin immediately.

Do not straighten crooked boards by screwing them into position. Odds are that the force required will snap the fastener. First, position the board with a lever, clamp or Bow Wrench™, then securely fasten it in place. Sub-decking (structural) elements must be properly treated, straight and stable.

Deck boards may be installed directly abutting one another, however, after seasoning, proper installation requires a minimum gap of 1/16" between all deck boards. This increases air circulation and provides an exit for rain and melting snow.

ACCLIMATIZATION (seasoning): After acclimating, the average shrinkage values of deck boards are contained in the following table. Shrinkage rates shown are per board and measured across the width of the board.

Deck Board Shrinkage Table

1/16" shrinkage for 4" Wide Boards 1/ 8" shrinkage for 6" Wide Boards

FASTENERS: Stainless steel fasteners are highly recommended due to their resistance to corrosion and staining. WARNING: Galvanized fasteners may discolor Diamond Decking™ with time and exposure. Regardless of which fastener you choose, the diameter of its pilot hole must approximate the diameter of the fastener in order to prevent splitting the wood, bending nails or breaking screws.

SCREWS: The most effective method for fastening Diamond Decking™. Three methods for fastening with screws:

1. Standard screws: It is necessary to pre-drill both the pilot hole and countersink.
2. Trim head screws: The smaller size of the Trim head permits countersinking the screw without having to pre-drill the countersink portion of the hole. Note: Due to variations in screw design, the proper diameters of pilot holes will vary.
3. Self tapping or other type screws: (See manufacturer for details)

PNEUMATIC FINISH NAILS (Stainless Steel)
The T shape finish nails associated with pneumatic nailers have been used successfully with 1" x 4" and 1" x 6" nominal size decking. These smooth nails should be driven inward or "toe-nailed" towards the board’s center at a 15-degree angle. Installers using this "toe nail" method have discovered that construction adhesive helps prevent deck board "creep" and squeak". Finally, to prevent splitting, always pre-drill pilot holes when nailing near the end of a board.

ALTERNATIVE FASTENING SYSTEMS: (See your Diamond Decking™ dealer for details) EB TY™
Deck Master ®
Shadoe® Track

ADHESIVES: (See your Diamond Decking™ dealer for details)
PL Premium®
Franklin Titebond® II
Liquid Nails®
West System

FINISH OPTIONS: (See your Diamond Decking™ dealer for details)
Natural Aging
Keep the deck clean, and allow the product to silver naturally. (Optional: An immediate application of Seasonite® new wood treatment may facilitate the seasoning process)
Penetrating Oil
Immediately upon installation, apply penetrating oil with effective UV blockers. There are a variety of brands from which you may select.

MAINTENANCE:
Natural Aging
Diamond Decking installations in dry or coastal locations develop a brilliant sheen as these environments naturally inhibit discoloring fungal growth. Keeping inland projects free of debris, sap, spores and mildew will also result in a rich silver patina.
Penetrating Oil
Refer to manufacturer guidelines
Restoration:
Power wash or sand until the gray surface film is removed and the original color revealed. Apply your choice of penetrating oil with effective UV blocking agents.

Techniques and products shown are meant to assist the designer, builder and specifier with a basic understanding of Diamond Decking™, it’s installation and the use of optional ancillary products. Diamond Hardwoods Inc. assumes no liability for, and makes no claim to, the suitability of any ancillary product other than reporting its history of usage. It is the sole responsibility of the owner or installer to adequately test for product suitability. Contact your local Diamond Decking™ dealer for details on products described in this guide. © 1999 Diamond Hardwoods, Inc.