Confirming the Deck Design and Dimensions
Before any material is ordered, a final review of the deck design and its precise dimensions with your contractor is crucial. This includes verifying the overall footprint, any multi-level sections, stair configurations, and integrated features like benches or planters. Small discrepancies in measurements can lead to significant material waste or shortages. Your contractor should confirm that the structural framing is suitable for the chosen decking and that all necessary permits are in place.
Discuss any specific board layouts, such as diagonal patterns or picture-frame borders, as these can affect material quantities and cut waste. For example, a diagonal layout often requires more material due to increased cutting. Confirming these details upfront ensures the material order reflects the actual installation needs, not just a simple area calculation. This is also the time to decide on board widths; AZEK Vintage Collection offers both 5-1/2" and 7-1/4" widths, while Landmark and Harvest are available in 5-1/2".
Selecting AZEK PVC Decking Collection and Color
AZEK offers three main collections: Vintage, Landmark, and Harvest. Each has distinct aesthetic qualities. The Vintage Collection features a wire-brushed, low-gloss finish designed to mimic reclaimed wood. The Landmark Collection provides cathedral grain patterns and multi-tonal color blends. The Harvest Collection offers straight, subtle graining in classic solid tones. Your contractor should confirm the selected collection and color with you, ensuring it aligns with your vision and the project's overall aesthetic.
Verify the specific color choice from the selected collection. For instance, Vintage includes colors like Coastline, Weathered Teak, and English Walnut. Landmark offers Dark Hickory, American Walnut, and Castle Gate. Harvest features Slate Gray and Kona. While online swatches provide an approximation, it is advisable to view physical samples with your contractor to confirm the exact appearance under natural light conditions. This step helps prevent miscommunication about the final look of your deck.
Choosing Board Profiles and Edge Options
AZEK PVC decking boards are available with different edge options: grooved for hidden fasteners or square-edged for face-fastening. The choice of edge profile is critical for the fastening system. Grooved boards are typically used with hidden clips like US4, which provide a clean, fastener-free surface. Square-edged boards are suitable for perimeter boards, stairs, or when face-fastening is preferred.
Discuss with your contractor which fastening method will be used for the majority of the deck and for any specific areas like stairs or edges. This decision directly impacts the type and quantity of boards needed. AZEK boards are generally 1" x 5-1/2", with the Vintage Collection also offering a 7-1/4" width. Confirming these details ensures all necessary board types are included in the material order.
Planning for Lengths, Fascia, and Trim
AZEK PVC decking boards are available in 12, 16, and 20-foot lengths. Working with your contractor, determine the optimal board lengths to minimize waste and visible seams. Longer boards can reduce the number of butt joints, contributing to a more seamless appearance. However, longer boards may also require more careful handling during installation.
Beyond the main decking boards, remember to account for matching fascia, risers, and any other trim pieces. AZEK offers a full system of coordinating components, which can simplify the ordering process and ensure a consistent aesthetic. Clearly delineate which components are needed and their corresponding lengths or dimensions with your contractor before finalizing the material list. This ensures all visible elements of the deck have a coordinated finish.
Fastener Systems and Accessory Coordination
The choice of fastener system is a critical detail. For hidden fastening, AZEK recommends US4 hidden clips. Your contractor will have preferences based on their experience and the specific project requirements. Confirm the exact type and quantity of fasteners needed, including any specialized screws for fascia or trim.
Other accessories, such as any necessary ventilation components for the under-deck area, or specific hardware for railings (if also being sourced through Lumber Plus), should also be coordinated. Ensuring all compatible components are ordered together prevents delays during installation. Discussing these details with your contractor ensures a comprehensive material list.
Worked Example: Material List for a Hypothetical Deck
The contractor plans to run boards parallel to the 10-foot dimension.
For the main decking area, which is 16 feet long, using 16-foot grooved boards minimizes cuts. The 10-foot width means 120 inches / 5.5 inches (board width) = approximately 21.8 boards. Rounding up, we would need 22 boards of 1" x 5-1/2" x 16' grooved AZEK Harvest "Kona".
For a picture-frame border, assume a single perimeter board around the entire deck. This would require two 16-foot square edge boards for the long sides and two 10-foot square edge boards for the short sides. Since AZEK boards come in 12, 16, and 20-foot lengths, we would order two 16-foot square edge boards and two 12-foot square edge boards (cutting down to 10 feet, with 2 feet of offcut per board).
For the perimeter, specific face screws would be needed, the quantity depending on the spacing determined by the contractor. This example highlights the need for precise measurements and coordination with your contractor for accurate material takeoffs.
Before you order
- Finalize deck dimensions and layout with your contractor.
- Confirm AZEK collection and specific color choice using physical samples.
- Decide on grooved vs. square edge boards and their quantities.
- Determine optimal board lengths (12, 16, or 20 ft) to minimize waste.
- List all coordinating fascia, risers, and trim pieces with dimensions.
- Specify the chosen fastener system (hidden clips or face screws) and quantities.
- Identify any other necessary accessories or compatible components.
- Review and approve the complete material list with your contractor before ordering.
Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.
Questions to help you decide
Why is it important to confirm board lengths with my contractor?
Confirming board lengths helps optimize material usage and minimize waste. By planning where seams will fall and how boards will be cut, you can often reduce the number of cuts and the amount of unusable offcuts. This also affects the final aesthetic, as fewer seams generally lead to a more continuous look. AZEK boards are available in 12, 16, and 20-foot lengths, allowing for flexibility in design.
What is the difference between grooved and square-edged AZEK boards?
Grooved AZEK boards have a channel along their sides designed to accept hidden fasteners, creating a smooth, fastener-free deck surface. Square-edged boards have straight sides and are typically used for the perimeter of a deck, stairs, or whenever face-fastening is desired. The choice depends on the desired aesthetic and the contractor's preferred installation method.
How do I ensure the color I choose is accurate?
While online images provide a general idea, colors can appear differently on various screens. The most accurate way to confirm your AZEK PVC decking color is to view physical samples with your contractor in the actual outdoor light conditions of your project site. This allows you to see how the color interacts with natural light and surrounding elements, ensuring it matches your expectations.
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