I'm going to be using 6" composite deck boards to redo our front porch. I'm going to use a hidden screw system where you screw it down diagonally along the edge. The typical screw pattern looks like this:
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-*------------*------------*------------*------
-*------------*------------*------------*------
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-*------------*------------*------------*------
-*------------*------------*------------*------
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I was wondering if I could get away staggering them as such:
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-*-------------------------*-------------------
--------------*-------------------------*------
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-*-------------------------*-------------------
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My thinking is that the main reason to screw each side at each joist is to prevent deck boards from twisting. However, AFAIK, that's not an issue with composite decking.
The pros of this plan is half the hardware, half the time to screw down.
But are there cons to my plan?
Best Answer
As Michael Karas has stated follow the manufacturers' instruction for clip placement. If, for any reason a warranty claim is needed and it is found that directions weren't adhered to it will be hard to file for reimbursement. From my experience with composite decking the more fasteners the better. I've repaired a couple of hidden fastener deck jobs were they had worked themselves loose from the decking allowing the boards to become misaligned. FYI: heed the joist spacing. Depending on the composite thickness you may need more than 16 inches O/C.