BuildDirect is pleased to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products. If your questions are not answered on these pages, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us toll free from anywhere in North America at or by email at customerservice@builddirect.com
Why should I use composite decking?
How do I clean it?
Will Yakima decking decay?
What span length can we do with Yakima?
How can I cut and nail it?
Do I need special tools?
What type of fasteners should be used?
Is Yakima composite flooring fire resistant?
Can I obtain a sample of the decking?
What colors and styles do you have?
How can I purchase Yakima decking?
How accurate are the sizes?
How much expansion or contraction should I allow for?
Will my color fade?
Can I paint my deck in the future if I want to change the color?
How long will my deck last?
What are my delivery options?
General Questions
Where can I get further information on deck building?
Does BuildDirect have deck plans?
Q. Why should I use composite decking?
A. Yakima decking has a long lasting life with a minimum of care and maintenance. It is a composite material of wood fiber and plastic but with no preservative chemicals to worry about, and no splinters that can cause painful slivers.
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Q. How do I clean it?
A. You can clean your Yakima deck occasionally with a detergent or deck cleaner, a brush, and a hose to keep it looking fresh.
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Q. Will Yakima decking decay?
A. The plastic encapsulates the wood fiber protecting it from water and the elements that can swell or rot natural wood decking. Yakima comes with a 10-year limited warranty against decay and water damage.
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Q. What span length can we do with Yakima?
A. The span can be up to 24” between joists for perpendicular application. We would recommend 16” for a strong and solid deck. For application on a 45 degree angle, a maximum of 12” on center will give the best result.
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Q. How can I cut and nail it?
A. Yakima decking cuts just like wood with a normal tool such as a skill saw, and will accept screws similarly to wood. Screws should be applied at the thick support areas to ensure full contact and holding power.
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Q. Do I need special tools?
A. There is no need for special tools. Regular woodworking tools are all you need for cutting and building a Yakima deck. Our installation instructions have a short list of simple tools that will help.
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Q. What type of fasteners should be used?
A. This depends on the type of support structure underneath the deck. If you are using the new ACQ or CA-B treated lumber and using our galvanized clip system, please use double dipped galvanized screws as well. To be sure of the correct fasteners please consult with your local building dealer as some fastening companies do have proprietary coating for this use. Stainless steel fasteners should not be used in conjunction with galvanized clips. Use stainless to stainless or galvanized to galvanized.
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Q. Is Yakima composite flooring fire resistant?
A. Yakima decking is fire resistant, but like wood, the product is not fire proof and will burn or melt at a high temperatures. As with other materials, caution should be taken to ensure BBQ’s and other potential sources of fire are safe.
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Q. Can I obtain a sample of the decking?
A.
For samples we only charge for the courier cost of the samples which can be ordered Fedex ground or Fedex Expedited. The rate will be calculated based on your address and the number of samples you order. Samples can be ordered online or over the phone at . Payment can be made by MasterCard or Visa. The sample pieces are approximately 6-8” long and include one decking clip.
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Q. What colors and styles do you have?
A. Our Yakima decking comes in a medium-gray color as well as a rich, cedar brown. Production is based on formula mixing and between production runs there can be variations of shades in the coloring. For this reason it is best to order all your decking at once and make sure you have sufficient for the job.Both styles simulate wood-grain and has a textured surface reducing the slippery effect.
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Q. How can I purchase Yakima decking?
A. You can call a BuildDirect representative toll free at and get a quotation for the product delivered to your driveway.
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Q. How accurate are the sizes?
A. Extrusion technology produces a very accurate Yakima product that will meet the most demanding size requirements. The thickness is +/- 0.5mm (1/50 ”) and width will be -0.0mm/+1.0mm (1/25”).
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Q. How much expansion or contraction should I allow for?
A. This depends on the temperature range from the time of installation to what may be the maximum temperature expected. For the width gaps, a spacing of 3/16”- 1/4” is enough to allow movement and also make sure water and dirt will not collect. For the length gaps, we would recommend a 3/16” to 1/4” to protect against buckling due to expansion in hot weather.
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Q. Will my color fade?
A. Yakima decking has UV protectors which will protect it from fading, but as with all things, the color will fade somewhat over time.
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Q. Can I paint my deck in the future if I want to change the color?
A. We do not recommend painting your Yakima deck because you will then face the same maintenance issues that you have with natural wood decks. Once painted, you need to continue the up-keep. Yakima composite decking is impregnated with a dye which will last the life of the deck.
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Q. How long will my deck last?
A. Your Yakima deck will last many years depending, of course, on how much you use it. It has a 10-year limited warranty but since there is no decay or loss of structural integrity on this product, we believe it will last well beyond the time.
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Q. What are my delivery options?
A. We can do the following:
- Residential delivery - This is delivery to the curbside/driveway of your residence. As indicated, the buyer is required to unload, and this normally requires a couple of persons. For one lift of decking, it is not a long job. Due to the dimensions of decking, lift gates are not possible.
- Commercial delivery - For this type of delivery, a warehouse location with access to a loading/unloading ramp and a forklift are necessary to ensure quick unloading of the product.
- Terminal pick up - You have the option of pickup at the nearest terminal to you, with the help of our trucking partner. Select this option in the “Select delivery type” pulldown menu at the checkout, and enter your zip code . You will need a good flat bed trailer/truck for forklift loading.
- Warehouse pick up- for our Yakima composite decking, if you have the ability to pick up at the warehouse select this option at the checkout stage of your transaction. This option also requires a good flat bed trailer/truck that can be loaded by a forklift in an industrial operation. Currently, warehouse locations for Yakima composite decking are in Tacoma, WA and York, PA.
In all the options above, please make note of the weights and dimensions of the product you are considering for your own reference.
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Q. Where can I get further information on deck building?
A. There are many “how-to” books and websites that can aid in the designing and building of a strong deck. You should also consult your local building code authorities to obtain the relevant building regulations for your area.
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Q. Does BuildDirect have deck plans?
A. We do not carry deck plans; however, by searching with the terms deck plans or building plans on the Internet, you will be able to find websites that do have plans for various deck designs.
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