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FAQs

You have questions. We have answers.

Choosing to build a deck and adding a beautiful new component to your home is a big decision. If you are just beginning to explore options for your outdoor transformation, you likely have a lot of questions. We’re here to help!

Everything you need to know when choosing your decking.​

When considering a new deck, the sheer variety of options can seem overwhelming. How do you know what decking to choose? At TruNorth Decking, we understand that making a decision about which decking to use is not always easy. That’s why we’ve put together this handy list of frequently asked questions to give you the answers you need and to help guide you along in your journey!

Our FAQs address common questions about our composite decking, PVC decking, and more. Find fast answers to common questions about our TruNorth and Clubhouse products.

TruNorth Decking FAQs

TruNorth Decking is a brand of wood-free composite decking materials owned and manufactured by TruNorth Composites Inc. We are located in Brantford, ON.

  • Reversible board with embossed wood graining on both sides
  • Heat blocking technology keeps the board cooler than other composites
  • 100% Arkansas rice hulls, no wood saw dust is used
  • Rice hulls absorb very little moisture
  • Looks and cuts like real wood
  • Outer shell (capping) on all four sides
  • Made from 95% Recycled Material
  • Rice hulls will not harbour mold or fungus
  • Rice hulls will not burn or decay easily
  • Manufactured in Canada

A 12 foot x 12 foot sized deck recovers the equivalent of 12,000 plastic water bottles from the landfill, saves consumption of 90 gallons (343 liters) of oil, and at least 1,132 pounds (514 kilograms) of CO2 emissions. Read more about our commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact.

​​TruNorth Accuspan and Enviroboard are our composite deck product lines, and Clubhouse is our premium PVC deck brand. Accuspan and Enviroboard are basically the same, except that Accuspan is completely solid while Enviroboard features hollowed sections for a lighter weight profile that uses less material, thus reducing the cost. Both TruNorth products come in 12 colours and use 95% recycled material. Both Accuspan and Enviroboard are also backed by our 25-year warranty for fade and stain resistance.

Clubhouse is our premium brand of decking made of PVC polymer that weighs less than composite. These products come in 10 colours that are different from the TruNorth Decking collection. Clubhouse decking offers a 25-year fade and stain warranty plus a limited lifetime warranty for performance.

In terms of cost, TruNorth Enviroboard board is the least expensive. It is lighter in weight than our Accuspan board making it a bit easier to handle, and it will also have a little more flex than our solid core boards. If you have 16 inch joist spacing or are installing on a 45° angle, the solid core Accuspan boards are suggested. There are also a few municipalities that prefer our solid core boards for permit applications. It is always important to check with all applicable building codes, permits, and regulations before starting any deck building project.

Both of our composite product lines have a 25-year warranty for stain, fade, and structural, so other than a very minor difference in flex on wider joist spacing, you would not notice a difference between the look, feel, and performance of the two boards.

Accuspan and Enviroboard decking have the same protective cap and offer the same scratch and scuff resistance as the other. In comparison to other composite deck boards on the market, they offer similar or superior scratch resistance.

No, we are strictly the manufacturer. You can purchase TruNorth Decking materials through one of our partnered retailers. Find a professional to work with on our Find a Builder page, or locate an authorized TruNorth dealer near you on the Where to Buy page of our website.

We’ve made it very easy to calculate the cost of materials for your new deck! Just head over to our Decking Cost Calculator to plan, customize, and get an accurate cost estimate to build your dream deck. If you’re a bit more old-school and want to calculate things yourself, we’ve got you covered there as well.

To calculate the amount of lineal feet of decking needed, measure the square footage of your deck and multiply that by 2.28. Depending on the complexity of your deck, you may want to add 10% for cut-off waste

Example: 10 feet x 10 feet = 100 square feet x 2.28 = 228 lineal feet

To calculate how many fastening clips required, calculate 2.5 clips per square foot when joists are on 16 inch centres and 5 clips per square foot when joists are on 12 inch centres.

No, old decks must be removed before installing a TruNorth deck.

You can use the same tools you use on wood products such as a regular carbide blade, table saw, radial arm, hand saw, drill bits, and routers. TruNorth Decking cuts and shapes just like real wood.

When installing on a grooved edge board using a hidden clip system, the board should be cut around the railing post. This will allow the board to expand and contract naturally.

When installing on a square edge board that is utilizing surface fastening, the railing posts can be secured on top of the board without cutting around the rail post. Therefore, we recommend the use of picture frame borders using square edge boards when installing railing on your deck.

We recommend you go by the BBQ’s instructions since some BBQs are hotter than others, and some push more heat out of the back or sides. Typically the BBQ manufacturer will make a recommendation for proximity to vinyl railing or siding, and if you follow that, it should be more than adequate for TruNorth Decking in most scenarios.

All building materials will expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. A specific gap is required to be included when installing deck boards and is detailed in our installation instructions. Longer boards will expand and contract more at the ends of the boards and the change in temperature will directly contribute to how much expansion and contraction that is. 

Deck fastening methods will also contribute to the amount of expansion and contraction of the board, since some fasteners will restrict expansion and contraction more than others. Our required installation spacing is standard in the industry and carefully detailed so you, and your installer, will achieve the desired look for your outdoor space.

No, the fascia tool drills and cuts a countersink for the fascia screw. The composite tool is just a depth setter for a composite screw, with no countersink.

No, the fascia boards are not thick enough for this system to work properly long-term. We recommend the DeckFast colour matched fascia screw system, available anywhere TruNorth Decking is sold.

While some other brands of screws may work, using a different brand of screws would void warranty coverage for the plug system.

The Slide & Go clips leave a 3/16 inch gap in the boards side to side. That is a small gap, so it’s hard to see the clips unless you are standing straight above looking down with overhead light (noon).

The driver tool included with Slide & Go clips is also made to fit between the 3/16 inch gap, so adjustments can be made during construction and in the future.

100 square feet on 12 inch centres, and 130 square feet on 16 inch centres.

TruNorth Decking has a complete decking system. The Slide & Go® system is the use of the hidden fastening clip and stainless screw, allowing your next board to slide into position, ready for the next fastening clip. This decking system allows for expansion and contraction of the composite material. All plastics or composites expand and contract according to weather conditions.

The clips leave a 3/16 inch gap between the boards for air circulation and water drainage.

The clip and screw are black and cover the top of the joist, so they actually help protect the joist (from water/sun) and hide the joist in the shadows.

We recommend power washing in the spring and fall, or as required. Rice hulls are very hard and power washing will not harm the board. Power wash using soap detergent and a hose fan spread of 6 inches or more.

TruNorth Decking is extremely fade resistant. While minimal fading may occur with any decking, TruNorth is backed by a 25-year fade and stain warranty so you’ll have peace of mind that the colour you choose for your deck will retain its good looks for years to come. 

Most stains will power wash out with detergent soap. Small stubborn stains can be removed using a brass wire brush going with the direction of the grain on the composite decking material.

The boards can be slid out by loosening the clips, sliding the board out, and turning it over as there is a wood grain finish on both sides. Never stain or clear coat the decking material. Paint or clear coat will eventually peel off as it does with wood.

Composite boards will expand and contract with changes in temperature. Additionally, if some boards have clips that are overtightened, the boards can be pinned in that spot forcing the expansion and contraction to either end of that point, instead of letting the board expand and contract equally at each end. This can be adjusted by ensuring the clips are not overtightened.

If you are still experiencing more expansion/contraction at one end of the board, you can add two colour matched screws, or screws + plugs in the middle of the board into the joist, pinning the board in that spot, and allowing equal expansion on either end of the board.

We suggest following the recommendations of the manufacturer for the heater/BBQ. When installed correctly, many propane or natural gas fire features will not pose a problem, but not all brands are made the same, and they may radiate heat onto the decking differently. The more barriers between the decking and the heat source you can achieve, the lower your risk of damaging the decking.

Yes! Gazebos are a great addition to your beautiful low-maintenance deck, and they are becoming more and more popular. All of our decking lines can support a gazebo with a proper substructure. Ensure the gazebo is properly supported by the joists underneath.

Clubhouse Decking FAQs

Clubhouse PVC boards have a more durable and scratch resistant cap than most other deck boards since they are a proprietary blend of PVC.

Compared to composite, PVC is lighter weight and performs better overall.

Compared to wood, both PVC and composite are much lower-maintenance, easier to clean, much more resistant to mold and rotting, more environmentally-friendly, and block heat better.

Read more about the differences and similarities between PVC and composite decking on our Product Comparison page. Wondering how PVC and composite stacks up to wood? Check out the Wood vs TruNorth page. And if you’d like to learn more about how TruNorth and Clubhouse stack up against the competition, just visit our TruNorth vs The Competition page.

  • The easiest board to be heated and bent without bubbling up and compromising the wood grain texture – we even warrant it after being bent/curved!
  • Impervious to water and provides dramatic flexural strength/protection against impact/dents
  • One of the best slip resistance of any low maintenance board (backed by independent lab tests at Intertek)
  • Clubhouse Ultra boards have a Class A Flame Spread rating – the best rating for building materials
  • Clubhouse Legacy boards have a different colour on each side, allowing for two-tone decks using just one kind of board (one SKU)
  • Superior scratch resistance
  • Heat blocking technology keeps the board up to 30% cooler than other PVC boards
  • Manufactured in Canada

Clubhouse Decking is a premium sub-brand of TruNorth Decking. Clubhouse PVC decking materials are also owned and manufactured by TruNorth Composites Inc.

Clubhouse Ultra and Legacy are our premium PVC deck product lines, and TruNorth is our composite deck brand. Clubhouse Ultra and Legacy are quite similar – the main difference is that Ultra boards are single coloured, while Legacy boards are dual-coloured. Ultra boards also have the benefit of a Class A Flame Spread Rating, the best rating for fire safety. Legacy boards allow for two-tone decks with just one kind of board, and come in 8 colours spread across 4 colour pairings. Clubhouse Ultra boards are available in all 10 Clubhouse colours. Both lines have the same 25-year fade and stain warranty plus a limited lifetime warranty for performance.

TruNorth is our brand of rice hull composite decking that also offers many low-maintenance benefits, but at a lower cost. TruNorth comes in 12 different colours, are reversible, and offer a 25-year fade and stain warranty.

No, we are strictly the manufacturer. You can purchase Clubhouse Decking materials through one of our partnered retailers. Find a professional to work with on our Find a Builder page, or locate an authorized Clubhouse dealer near you on the Where to Buy page of our website.

Ultra and Legacy decking have the same protective cap and offer the same scratch and scuff resistance as the other. In comparison to other PVC deck boards on the market, they offer similar or superior scratch resistance.

If you want a deck that uses the two colours on one of our Legacy boards, such as Ipe with a Walnut border, then the Clubhouse Legacy is for you. If you’re thinking of using just one colour or your project, a different combo of colours than our Legacy offerings, or you want the added security of a Class A Fire Spread Rating, then the Ultra board is the choice for you. Either way, you’ll have the security of a 25-year fade and stain warranty plus a limited lifetime warranty for performance.

If you have the skills and tools required, you can build a Clubhouse deck! You can also hire a contractor to build it for you. Check out our Find A Builder page to browse our list of deck building professionals or visit our Where to Buy page to find an authorized retailer near you.

Heating up Clubhouse boards allows you to get the unique curved styles you’re looking for. This process typically requires a heat blanket system specifically made for deck bending. We highly suggest that a professional performs this process. See our Clubhouse Installation Instructions for further details.

All building materials will expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. A specific gap is required to be included when installing deck boards and is detailed in our installation instructions. Longer boards will expand and contract more at the ends of the boards and the change in temperature will directly contribute to how much expansion and contraction that is. 

Deck fastening methods will also contribute to the amount of expansion and contraction of the board, since some fasteners will restrict expansion and contraction more than others. Our required installation spacing is standard in the industry and carefully detailed so you, and your installer, will achieve the desired look for your outdoor space.

We recommend you go by the BBQ’s instructions since some BBQs are hotter than others, and some push more heat out of the back or sides. Typically the BBQ manufacturer will make a recommendation for proximity to vinyl railing or siding, and if you follow that, it should be more than adequate for Clubhouse Decking in most scenarios.

When installing on a grooved edge Clubhouse board using a hidden clip system, the board should be cut around the railing post. This will allow the board to expand and contract naturally.

When installing on a square edge board that is utilizing surface fastening, the railing posts can be secured on top of the board without cutting around the rail post. Therefore, we recommend the use of picture frame borders using square edge boards when installing railing on your deck.

You can use the same tools you use on wood products such as a regular carbide blade, table saw, radial arm, hand saw, drill bits, and routers. Clubhouse Decking cuts and shapes just like real wood.

No, old decks must be removed before installing a Clubhouse deck.

We’ve made it very easy to calculate the cost of materials for your new deck! Just head over to our Decking Cost Calculator to plan, customize, and get an accurate cost estimate to build your dream deck. If you’re a bit more old-school and want to calculate things yourself, we’ve got you covered there as well.

To calculate the amount of lineal feet of decking needed, measure the square footage of your deck and multiply that by 2.28. Depending on the complexity of your deck, you may want to add 10% for cut-off waste

Example: 10 feet x 10 feet = 100 square feet x 2.28 = 228 lineal feet

To calculate how many fastening clips required, calculate 2.5 clips per square foot when joists are on 16 inch centers and 5 clips per square foot when joists are on 12 inch centers.

Clubhouse Decking has a complete decking system. The system is the use of hidden fastening clips and stainless screws, allowing your next board to slide into position, ready for the next fastening clip. This decking system allows for expansion and contraction of the PVC material. All plastics or composites expand and contract according to weather conditions.

The ConnectClips leave a 3/16 inch gap between the boards for air circulation and water drainage. The EB-TY Biscuit Fasteners leave a 1/8 inch gap.

The clip and screw are black and cover the top of the joist, so they actually help protect the joist (from water/sun) and hide the joist in the shadows.

EB-TY hidden biscuit fasteners offer a little more strength, due to the screw being installed through the deck board, as well as the joist.

The ConnectClip, while only being fastened through the joist, can be installed much faster. This clip is compatible with the Tiger Claw pneumatic installation gun to allow for rapid clip installation, one after the other. This is especially beneficial for contractors who are building multiple decks and want to speed up the process, allowing them to move onto other projects faster.

ConnectClip packages cover 50 square feet at 16 inch OC, and 40 square feet at 12 inch OC.

A tub of 180 pieces of EB-TY biscuits covers 100 square feet at 16 inch OC, and 80 square feet at 12 inch OC.

The ConnectClips leave a 3/16 inch gap in the boards side to side, and EB-TY fasteners leave a 1/8 inch. These are small gaps, so it’s hard to see the clips unless you are standing straight above looking down with overhead light (noon).

Dexerdry is a deck weather-proofing system that fits between the grooves of Clubhouse grooved deck boards. This system water-proofs the surface of the deck, and creates a dry space below for a more livable, lower maintenance, and longer-lasting outdoor deck space.

Dexerdry is perfect for elevated decks with an outdoor living space below, that will benefit from the protection against the rain and snow that may fall through the deck above. For decks that are lower to the ground, Dexerdry helps prevent common issues such as moldy smells and insect breeding grounds.

Yes, you may use a power washer set no higher than 1100 PSI. Use a fan tip nozzle and spray in the direction of the grain pattern to avoid damage.

We recommend using a mat that says that it is PVC-safe. Make sure it is breathable, and not made of rubber. Ensure that water does not get trapped between the rug and PVC decking, as this can cause discolouration.

The darker colours will get a little bit hotter than the light colours, but it won’t make a notable difference. It also depends on the amount of shade there will be on the decking material. However, Clubhouse Decking will stay cooler than competing PVC brands, based on professional testing.

Clubhouse Decking is extremely fade resistant. While minimal fading may occur with any decking, Clubhouse is backed by a 25-year fade and stain warranty so you’ll have peace of mind that the colour you choose for your deck will retain its good looks for years to come.

PVC boards will expand and contract with changes in temperature. Additionally, if some boards have clips that are overtightened, the boards can be pinned in that spot forcing the expansion and contraction to either end of that point, instead of letting the board expand and contract equally at each end. This can be adjusted by ensuring the clips are not overtightened.

If you are still experiencing more expansion/contraction at one end of the board, you can add two colour matched screws, or screws + plugs in the middle of the board into the joist, pinning the board in that spot, and allowing equal expansion on either end of the board.

We suggest following the recommendations of the manufacturer for the heater/BBQ. When installed correctly, many propane or natural gas fire features will not pose a problem, but not all brands are made the same, and they may radiate heat onto the decking differently. The more barriers between the decking and the heat source you can achieve, the lower your risk of damaging the decking.

Yes! Gazebos are a great addition to your beautiful low-maintenance deck, and they are becoming more and more popular. All of our decking lines can support a gazebo with a proper substructure. Ensure the gazebo is properly supported by the joists underneath.

Need more information on how to install your deck or the care and maintenance of your decking? Interested in calculating the basic cost of materials for a new deck? Explore the links below to access other helpful resources for your decking project.

Building a new deck is an investment. Is there anything else we can do to help with choosing the best decking option for your needs? If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.