WPC Installation – COOWIN

Yes, you can put COOWIN decking over a concrete floor with COOWIN composite or metal joists. But do not install decking directly to an existing or solid surface. The deck design must allow adequate and unobstructed air flow under the deck, and water must be able to flow away from under the deck.

COOWIN composite material is made of wood flour and plastic. As an alternative to natural wood, it can be used wherever the natural wood is suitable. But neither wood plastic composite nor natural wood is bushfire proof.

Joist spacing requirements vary according to the product type you’ve chosen. You are advised to follow our Installation Instructions and local building codes.

COOWIN composite decking performs well in varying weather conditions, having the lowest thermal movement among all wood-alternative decking. During installation, COOWIN decking will contract only slightly in cold weather. In hot weather, it expands. We recommend that the material is on the job site 48 hours prior to installation to acclimate. Follow the installation instructions on spacing guidelines to ensure proper room for expansion and contraction.

Yes. It is very important that there be adequate and unobstructed air flow under the deck to prevent excessive water absorption. Improve drainage or grade flat areas where standing water may gather. For decks with limited ventilation, 1 inch of clear ventilation is required.

As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. There should always be a gap between the butt ends of the boards to allow for expansion and contraction and a gap between the edges of the boards for water runoff. For more information, refer to COOWIN Deck Installation Instructions.

No. We do not recommend using nails or nailers, but using screws when installing composite decking. The material is very dense and getting nails to penetrate to a proper depth without bending can be a challenge. We recommend that all holes be predrilled to help reduce mushrooming, and avoid splitting. When using nails or nailers, the concern is that the ends would not be predrilled and possibly lead to cracking and splitting.

Any standard woodworking blades will work well with our composite boards.

Yes. COOWIN composite products with multiple colors are physically identical, they can be mix-installed together, to create a unique and interesting look for your outdoor space.

We provide L-corner or bullnose boards in the same color tone to match the color of your decking. In other applications, a solid color-matched stain or paint may also be used to coat the cut ends of the deck boards.

Yes. COOWIN composite decking may overhang over the edge of your deck, but overhang is not recommended to exceed 2 inches (or 50mm).

Fascia and riser boards are thinner and wider versions of deck boards that serve as a non-structural covering for rim joists, stair risers, and stringers. They are sometimes referred to as “skirts” or “trim” boards.

Yes. Our composite boards can’t be ripped to reduce thickness but can be ripped to reduce width.

COOWIN composite decking works well with substructures made of a variety of materials, like natural lumber or pressure-treated lumber. COOWIN composite or metal joists are recommended are preferred as they are designed specifically for COOWIN decking.

No. Do not use glue or caulk to fasten COOWIN composite boards or to seal between any of our boards. This will impede the drainage of the board and inhibit the natural expansion and contraction of the boards.

No. COOWIN fasteners are recommended for use when installing COOWIN decking or wall cladding. Using another manufacturer’s accessories may result in an unsatisfactory installation, and void your warranty.

COOWIN L-corner or bullnose board is optional for covering the ends or grooved edge.

Yes, you can install COOWIN composite products by yourself as they can be easily installed with standard woodworking tools, including rubber hammers, power saws and drills, level, and tape measures, etc. COOWIN composite decking is ideal for home improvement DIY.

No. Our composite boards must be installed with proper spacing to allow for water drainage, ventilation, and normal expansion and contraction. Installation without spacing may cause damage to the edge of deck boards. For more details, please refer to COOWIN Deck Installation Instructions.

No, COOWIN composite decking can only be installed over a solid surface with a code-compliant substructure that allows for adequate ventilation, drainage, contraction, and expansion. A proper slope for drainage, e.g., 2-5 degrees, is compulsory to keep a dry condition under the deck.

Yes, our WPC products can be installed at any temperature, but the installation requirements may vary according to the temperature. To ensure a satisfactory installation, please follow those specific requirements on contraction gapping in our Decking Installation Instructions, or consult your builders.

Yes. Saltwater won’t affect the performance of our WPC material.

Yes, COOWIN composite decking is ideal decking for the pool and spa environment. Also, as there is no likelihood of splinters occurring, it protects your feet. It’s required that you follow the Installation Instructions to make sure the ventilation requirements are met.

Yes, you can replace wood boards with COOWIN composite though there are a few factors to take into consideration. First, you need to make sure your substructure is code-compliant, confirm that the COOWIN board you selected has the same thickness as the wooden board it is going to replace to ensure your deck remains smooth and flat. Although replacing old wood deck boards with COOWIN boards can be done, it can result in an undesirable patchwork appearance. A better option, if your substructure is code-compliant, would be to replace your entire deck with all COOWIN deck boards.

COOWIN composite decking is ideal for home improvement DIY as it can be easily installed with standard woodworking tools including rubber hammers, power saws and drills, level, and tape measures, etc.

Yes, predrilling and countersinking prior to driving screws are recommended as they help to achieve neat fastening and finish, and avoid board splitting and screw shearing. For more information, refer to COOWIN Composite Decking Installation Instructions.

No, COOWIN composite decking does provide superior surface integrity and strength, suitable for various project applications, but it cannot be classified as a “load-bearing” product or used for structural purposes.

You can paint or stain on our uncapped decking boards only, but not on our capped decking boards. However, paint or stain is not necessary as COOWIN composite decking is designed with rich color options, you’ll find everything you want on the color palette. Furthermore, it’s free of rotting, splitting, splintering, or insect damage.

Fire pits should not be placed directly on COOWIN composite decking, it can cause damage to the surface of COOWIN composite decking via direct exposure to the flame, excessive radiated heat, or embers. But fire pits may be installed with a thermal insulating structure made of stone or other fire-resistant materials between the fire pits and COOWIN composite decking.

Yes, as long as the existing substructure is free of damage or decay, and the joists are spaced in accordance with COOWIN Decking Installation Instructions, to ensure good ventilation and drainage.

COOWIN composite decking is ideal for replacing your old deck on an existing sub-structure, but not to be installed directly on top of existing deck boards.