Installation & Care Instructions Decking

Wood changes its color

Wood is a natural product that is exposed to extreme conditions due to the influence of the weather. The varying greying of the wood is a natural process that does not affect its quality.

Slate formation

Cracking and slate formation can never be ruled out with wood decking. Regular care minimizes this risk. 

Gravel bed or drainage concrete on natural soil

The substrate must be compacted to ensure the necessary, permanent load-bearing capacity. It may be advisable to lay a weed fleece to prevent plants from growing through. The fleece must be water-permeable. Any unevenness can also be softened with rubber pads if necessary. 

Solid surface as substrate (e.g. concrete slab or existing stone terrace)

Pedestal supports can be optimally installed and even dowelled onto these substrates. Any slopes can be compensated for with height-adjustable pedestals. 

Height

The connection to other components such as patio doors, usually determines the height. Minor height differences can be compensated for with the help of pedestals. Together with the aluminum rails, they make up the height of the substructure. Installation heights that exceed 60 cm must be assessed and checked as structurally load-bearing. 

Alignment

The substructure should be aligned horizontally to ensure optimum stability and comfort. Depending on the chosen pedestal support, the height can be adjusted and even a slight slope can be compensated. 

Fastening the aluminum rails

The aluminum rails should be fastened to appropriate pedestal supports. Depending on the system, this can be done using a clip connection or a lateral screw connection with stainless steel screws. 

1. Distance to the substrate

The substructure must maintain a distance of at least 30 mm from the substrate to achieve sufficient rear ventilation. 

2. Using pedestals

Also, avoid direct contact between the substructure strip and the substrate by working with pedestals. Depending on the system, the height can also be adjusted.

3. Surrounding components

Direct contact between the decking board and other components must be prevented - a lateral distance of at least 20 mm must be maintained (e.g. house wall, pool tiles). If a wooden side finish is installed, a distance of 50 mm from the substrate is recommended.

4. Avoid wood contact surfaces

Wood-on-wood contact surfaces should be avoided, as these lead to permanent damp patches due to the capillary effect, which in turn cause rotting.

1. Choice of system

Our decking planks are produced as standard for combination with a Senofix connector. For this purpose, a corresponding groove is milled into the plank, which aligns itself precisely with the connector. On request, we also offer a second system with a matching Konekto connector and a milled groove. Both systems allow invisible screwing and the replacement of individual planks.

2. Choice of substructure

Depending on the application, we offer two options for an aluminum substructure. With the Sihga TefaFix rail, you get a high-quality, black-coated substructure rail that remains true to the system. The rail system has a high-quality connection solution and saves time during installation by simply clipping onto the matching pedestal supports. Our second option is based on a bare aluminum strip that is screwed laterally over the pedestal supports provided. 

1. Smooth surface

Thanks to our smooth surface, our planks get less dirty as there are fewer uneven areas and grooves where dirt can accumulate. Fungal and algae infestation is also less likely with the planed, smooth surface. The increased resistance due to our chemical-free, thermal treatment is added to this.

2. Remove coarse dirt

Sweep the patio to remove leaves, twigs and other coarse dirt. Use a broom with medium bristles so that you do not damage the wood. 

1. Frequency

For optimum maintenance of the decking boards, the entire surface should be treated with mafi decking oil twice a year. 

2. Efficiency

1 liter of decking oil is sufficient for approx. 8–10 m², depending on the absorbency of the wood. The complete curing time is approx. 24–48 hours, depending on the weather and temperature. The decking boards should be dry and clean before starting maintenance.

3. Application

The oil can be applied with a brush, roller or cotton mop. The decking must be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. Intense sunlight should be avoided if possible. Excess oil must be removed with a clean cotton cloth.