Building a deck in the summer can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you take on. The longer days and warmer temperatures provide the perfect window to transform your backyard with a fresh outdoor living space. However, summer is also when some of the most avoidable decking mistakes occur—especially with composite materials. With TruNorth Decking, installation is straightforward thanks to its innovative design, but proper technique and planning are still essential to ensure your project stands the test of time.
TruNorth composite products—Enviroboard Grooved Hollow, Accuspan Grooved Edge, Accuspan Square Edge, and Fascia boards—are designed for both aesthetics and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or tackling a DIY installation for the first time, our system empowers you to complete your project with minimal tools and maximum confidence. But to get the full benefit of TruNorth’s easy installation, you need to follow key best practices and avoid common summer build mistakes that can compromise your results.
Understand the System Before You Begin
Before touching a single board or fastener, the most important thing you can do is thoroughly read the installation guide. TruNorth’s products are engineered for ease, but improper use or overlooked details can quickly lead to problems. Our boards are designed specifically for non-structural use, meaning they must be installed over a code-compliant substructure. Understanding this distinction helps you plan your build properly and ensures your deck performs as intended.
Pay close attention to TruNorth’s board profiles and where they are best applied. Enviroboard is ideal for main decking with its hollow grooved construction. Accuspan Grooved Edge boards offer a solid-core option for your main surfaces, while the Accuspan Square Edge boards are made for borders and stairs. Fascia boards complete the picture by covering joists and adding a clean, finished look.
Plan for Expansion and Gapping
Composite decking expands and contracts with temperature changes—a factor especially important during summer builds. TruNorth’s Slide & Go™ Hidden Fastener System for grooved boards is specifically engineered to create the correct lateral spacing between deck boards. But even with this built-in technology, end-to-end board gapping must be calculated manually.
Improper spacing is one of the most common errors. When installing, allow a minimum of 1/16 inch per 10°F of temperature difference between installation time and the highest expected ambient temperature. For example, if you’re installing in 70°F weather but your deck will see 90°F regularly, you’ll need to leave at least 1/8 inch between board ends to allow for expansion. Skipping this step can result in buckling, creaking, or permanent board damage.
Install All Boards in the Same Direction
TruNorth decking boards feature directional indicators to help maintain color and texture consistency across your deck. It may seem like a minor detail, but installing boards in alternating directions can cause visual inconsistencies in shade and grain, creating an unintended patchwork appearance.
Each board has a small arrow printed on the edge that indicates its orientation. During layout and installation, ensure all arrows point the same way. This consistency will help achieve the polished, professional look TruNorth decks are known for. Remember—once boards are cut or fastened, replacements may not match perfectly, so take time to plan your layout before committing.
Pay Attention to Joist Spacing and Framing
Another frequent summer mistake is underestimating the importance of structural framing. TruNorth recommends 12-inch on-center joist spacing for both Enviroboard and Accuspan Grooved Edge installations to provide the most stable surface and customer satisfaction. While 16-inch spacing may meet building code requirements and is covered under warranty, tighter spacing provides superior performance—especially in high-traffic or diagonally laid decks.
Make sure your frame is square, and use blocking between joists where needed to prevent movement. Blocking is especially important around stair stringers, borders, and any area where multiple fasteners converge. Proper framing ensures that your deck will not shift or warp over time, and it supports the clean alignment of your boards during fastening.
Avoid Butt Joints—Use Breaker Boards Instead
One of the biggest visual and functional mistakes in composite decking is the use of butt joints. These joints, where two board ends meet in a straight line across a joist, are prone to uneven gapping as the boards expand and contract at different rates. Over time, these areas can become eyesores or even tripping hazards.
TruNorth’s recommended solution is to incorporate feature boards, also known as breaker boards, which run perpendicular to your main decking boards and divide long runs cleanly. These not only eliminate the need for butt joints but also enhance the visual appeal of the deck by introducing intentional design breaks. If you’re working on a large surface area, plan your framing layout to accommodate these feature boards early on.
Be Precise With Fastener Installation
While TruNorth’s Slide & Go system is engineered for easy alignment and fast installation, poor fastening technique can still lead to problems. One of the most common issues is over-torquing the fastener screws, which restricts the natural movement of the boards and may damage the hidden clips.
To avoid this, begin by loosely securing the Slide & Go clips, then insert your next board into place. Once a few rows are aligned correctly, go back and tighten all clips using a consistent torque setting. Every drill behaves differently, so take a few minutes to test your torque on scrap material before committing to your deck surface. Following this method ensures smooth installation and long-term performance without restricting board movement.
Don’t Forget Ventilation and Drainage
Even though TruNorth composite boards resist mold and mildew, ventilation is still crucial. Airflow beneath your deck prevents trapped moisture and heat, both of which can shorten the life of your substructure. TruNorth recommends leaving at least 2 inches of open space beneath joists to encourage proper air circulation. In addition, make sure your deck is built on a surface that allows for adequate drainage to prevent water pooling.
If your deck is close to grade or installed over a solid surface, consider using spacers or adjustable pedestals to elevate the frame and allow air to flow freely underneath. This simple step can significantly improve the longevity of both your decking and framing.
Finish Strong With Fascia and Borders
The finishing touches of a deck often go overlooked, yet they’re essential to creating a professional look. Accuspan Square Edge boards are ideal for framing the outer edge of your deck and for stair treads. To conceal the joist ends and add a clean appearance, use TruNorth Fascia boards, which can be installed vertically along the perimeter.
If you’re using grooved edge boards for your outermost rows, you can still achieve a finished look by installing Fascia to cover the exposed grooves. Just be sure to secure all square edge or fascia boards using corrosion-resistant, color-matched composite screws, and always pre-drill near board ends to prevent cracking.
Maintain for Long-Term Beauty
Though composite decking is low-maintenance, it isn’t maintenance-free. Dirt, pollen, and organic matter can still collect on the surface, especially in shaded or wet areas. A simple cleaning with soap, water, and a soft brush two or three times a year is usually enough to keep your deck looking like new. For tougher debris, a pressure washer with a fan-tip nozzle can be used gently. Always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area first and avoid harsh chemicals that may compromise the board surface.
Taking time for basic upkeep not only enhances appearance but also extends the lifespan of your deck, ensuring your summer build remains beautiful year after year.
Final Thoughts
Installing a composite deck during the summer is a great way to elevate your outdoor space and increase the value of your home. With TruNorth Decking’s thoughtful design, high-performance materials, and innovative fastening systems, the process is smoother and more accessible than ever—whether you’re a seasoned contractor or a DIY homeowner. By understanding the material, planning your layout, and avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a deck that’s not only stunning but built to last.
Before you begin, take the time to read the full TruNorth Installation Guide, available online or from your local dealer. It’s the best investment you can make in ensuring your summer decking project ends with flawless results.
