The Deckorators Decking as Cladding Installation Guide (2024 PDF) provides complete instructions for using Deckorators decking boards as exterior cladding in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal applications. This guide covers furring requirements, approved fasteners, gapping rules, butt-joint blocking, trimming around openings, and both face-screwed and hidden-fastener installation methods.
Cladding must be installed over a fully weather-tight wall system. Deckorators notes that decking used as cladding does not act as a water barrier—the wall assembly beneath must include a code-approved water-resistant barrier. Before installing furring strips, installers must confirm the wall is flat, plumb, and free of protruding nails or screws.
Furring strips must be at least **¾” × 1½”**, installed over sheathing or framing with a maximum spacing of **24″ on center**. Fasteners attaching furring strips must be spaced no more than **12″ apart**, and all installations require a minimum **½” clearance above grade** for ventilation and drainage.
Solid-edge boards may be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally using stainless steel face-fasteners or the Starborn Pro Plug® system. Screws must be pre-drilled and positioned 1″ from board edges, with two fasteners per furring strip. Grooved boards may be installed horizontally using Deckorators Stowaway™ Hidden Fasteners. Hidden-fastener installations require “pinning” each board at its center span with a #8 × 2″ stainless screw driven through the groove to control expansion.
The guide includes gapping requirements for different temperatures, such as 1/8″ side-to-side above 32°F (3/16″ below freezing) and 1/16″–1/8″ end gaps depending on install temperature. Additional blocking is required at all butt joints and around window and door openings.
Clear diagrams illustrate horizontal, vertical, and diagonal layouts, Stowaway fastener seating, Pro Plug counterbore placement, furring layout behind corners, and notch cuts around architectural openings.
Download the full Deckorators Decking as Cladding Installation Guide (2024 PDF) below for furring layout diagrams, fastener schedules, gapping requirements, and complete installation steps. For help designing a Deckorators cladding system, your TimberTown team is always ready to assist.
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