Decking questions?
Read our most frequently asked aluminium decking questions right here
Will DryDeck aluminium deck boards get hot during the summer? Aluminium’s high thermal conductivity dissipates heat, providing a cooler deck surface than most wood or composite surfaces.
What colours are available? DryDeck aluminium decking is available in three colour options: Granite, Sandstone, and Artisan Clay. To see the decking colours up-close, click here to request a product sample.
Will outdoor exposure cause DryDeck to weather or fade? Is routine maintenance involved to keep my deck looking new? DryDeck will not age; fade or “weather” like alternative decking materials. It is naturally UV-resistant decking— not subject to the deteriorating effects of direct sunlight and will not splinter, decay or rot. DryDeck meets or exceeds international standards. Additionally, since DryDeck is decking made with aluminium, it is impervious to insects and termites plus the non-porous surface is naturally resistant to fungi, mould and mildew. With DryDeck aluminium deck boards, there’s no time or money spent on routine maintenance like sanding, painting, staining, sealing, or waterproofing. Just years of enjoyment on a deck you will be proud to show off!
Is the aluminium decking slippery? No. DryDeck aluminium decking is not slippery. It has a powder-coated finish that provides steady footing in wet or dry conditions. Additionally, the ribbed surface provides additional traction and conceals the hidden fasteners system for a gapless, skid-free surface.
Will my DryDeck ever rust? DryDeck is extruded from a pure aluminium alloy that cannot rust. However, as with other decking materials including wood, composite, or even concrete, steel products that come in contact with DryDeck can rust and even stain DryDeck. Do not store metal objects that could rust and stain your deck on DryDeck. Avoid metal working on DryDeck too. When installing railings, protect DryDeck with a non-plastic drop cloth to prevent grinding dust and weld splatter from settling on the surface of DryDeck.
Do I have to pitch DryDeck? Yes, we suggest minimum pitch of 1 in 100. This is a minimal pitch that will not be visible to the naked eye but provides a generous slope for water to drain away from the structure.
Do I need special tools to install DryDeck? No. DryDeck can be installed with a minimum number of readily available tools. No special tools are necessary for installation.
Can I cantilever DryDeck? Is there a suggested overhang? DryDeck is a maintenance free decking product – these interlocking deck boards create the surface for your deck. And since it is a deck board it cannot be cantilevered – deck boards should never be cantilevered. A 50mm overhang beyond the fascia on the drainage side is suggested to shield the joists from backsplash due to heavy downpour and ease optional gutter installation.
Are the DryDeck waterproof deck boards compliant with local building codes and International Building Codes? Yes. DryDeck meets or exceeds deck building code specifications and guidelines for aluminium structures, as recommended by International Building Codes.
My deck frame was built using ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) pressure treated wood, is it compatible with DryDeck aluminium decking boards? Yes, DryDeck was designed to be compatible with ACQ treated lumber. It is produced with a barrier coating (a special powder-coat paint applied at the mill) to prevent ACQ contact with the bare aluminium.
Do I have to install gutters or downpipes? Installing gutters or downpipes is not required, although they can be installed if you would like to incorporate your deck with your landscape architecture and design.
Can DryDeck be used for the deck joists? No, DryDeck can not be used as a component as a truss, structural framing applications for joists, rafters, or support beams. DryDeck should solely be used for deck flooring. It just happens to be watertight deck flooring.
What type of blade should I use to cut DryDeck? Carbide-tipped non ferrous blade 12” blade-96 tooth, 10” blade 80 tooth, 7 ¼” blade 62 tooth (available at local building supply stores.)
What are the joist spacing requirements when installing DryDeck aluminium decking? The maximum allowable joist spacing is 600mm on-centre when installing the aluminium deck boards on pre-existing or new joist structures.
How much does DryDeck weigh? DryDeck Aluminium Deck Boards weigh 1.5kgs per linear metre (approximately ½ the weight of traditional wooden deck boards.)