WeatherBest® Decking & Railing

WeatherBest


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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Installation

Maintenance

Advantages

General

Will my LP WeatherBest decking weather over time?
All products with wood will experience some weathering over time. You will see some color variation from the original color due to the weathering process. Scratches from deck furniture or foot or pet traffic will fade over time to become less noticeable.
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Where can I buy LP WeatherBest decking?
LP WeatherBest decking is available nationwide through a network of independent lumber yards.
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Does LP WeatherBest decking cost more than traditional wood?
Although the initial cost of LP WeatherBest decking can be higher than traditional wood, you earn the difference (and more) back because you won’t have to spend time or money on sanding, sealing or painting. Plus, your deck stays "looking new" for a longer period of time.
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What is the fire rating for LP WeatherBest products?
LP WeatherBest decking is rated as a Class C building material.
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What are the ingredients in LP® WeatherBest® Premium Grain and Deep Grain?
LP WeatherBest Premium Grain and Deep Grain decking are made from pre-consumer recycled wood particles mixed with High Density Polyethylene plastic and additives extruded under high pressure and heat. Surfaces are then brushed or embossed onto boards for the natural look of wood.
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Installation

Do I need special tools to work with LP WeatherBest decking?
LP WeatherBest decking is just as easy to work with as wood. It can be cut, drilled, and fastened using standard tools. Carbide blades are recommended for best performance.
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Does LP WeatherBest decking require gapping between boards?
Yes, in both directions. Changes in temperature will cause slight expansion/contraction. Therefore, gapping is required both side-to-side and at the end joints to allow for the thermal expansion/contraction. Please see the installation instructions for more details.
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What joist spans should I use for my deck when using LP WeatherBest decking?
For both LP® WeatherBest® Premium Grain and Deep Grain deck boards, the maximum allowable joist spacing is 16" on center for residential applications. When installing LP WeatherBest boards on a diagonal to the joists, do not exceed 45°. The maximum allowable span is 12".
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Can any deck be built using LP WeatherBest decking?
Check with your local building code for design and construction requirements in your area, but nearly any deck idea can be completed with LP WeatherBest.
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Can LP WeatherBest products be used for the deck posts or joists?
No, LP WeatherBest decking may not be used as a component in a truss, structural diaphragm, or in interior framing applications for joist, rafters, studs, beams, columns, or posts. It is solely for deck flooring and rails.
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Can WeatherBest composite post sleeves be used for column cladding?
No. WeatherBest composite post sleeves are not intended for use as column cladding or as part of load bearing support posts. Post sleeves are used as decorative cover over 4x4 wood posts to provide a completed look to a WeatherBest composite deck railing system. The sleeves are cut to length, flush with the deck and usually extend to a height determined by local building code requirements and the railing design. For example, in those instances where post caps are used, the post sleeve may extend to 45" to accommodate this design aesthetic . See our railing installation instructions for construction details.
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What type of fasteners are recommended for LP WeatherBest decking?
We recommend the use of #8 x 2-1/2" stainless steel flat-head screws (for exterior use). They are readily available from hardware or other building supply stores in most markets.

There are other choices in fastening systems and several products have been tested on WeatherBest. The results can be found in Technical Bulletin 1001. Before using specialty screws or hidden fastener systems, check with your local building code authorities. In some areas, there are specific requirements for screw pull-through capacity and wind uplift resistance capacity, especially in locations that are known for hurricanes and tornadoes. Only your local building authority can determine if your chosen fastener is adequate.

Follow LP WeatherBest installation instructions and those of the fastening system manufacturer when using specialty or hidden fasteners. LP does not guarantee the durability or long-term performance of any mechanical or hidden fastener. Contact the fastener manufacturer for detailed instructions.
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Is pre-drilling recommended when installing WeatherBest decking and railing?
When applying screws, the wood fibers in the deck board may "mushroom" out from the hole. Simply hammer them lightly to cover the deck screw. Although it is not required on deck boards, pre-drilling 1/8" diameter holes with a countersink will eliminate the mushrooming and provide a cleaner, more attractive installation, and is highly recommended. You should always pre-drill the end of each board with a 1/8" bit no closer than 1" from the edge to prevent chipping or splitting.

For all railing installations, pre-drilled holes are required.
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Maintenance

My grey boards have a "green/brown color" to them shortly after installation. Why is this?
Like many wood based products, LP WeatherBest may experience a naturally occurring process of tannin oxidation, which may cause a temporary discoloration that should weather away in 10-12 weeks depending on geographical location.
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How do I treat ice and snow on my LP WeatherBest deck?
Use a shovel (without a metal edge) to remove ice and snow from your deck. Calcium chloride or rock salt may cause stains on the deck surface and is not recommended.
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How do I clean stains off my LP WeatherBest deck?
Check out our care and maintenance section for more information about deck care.
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Advantages

What is the difference between vinyl and LP WeatherBest decking?
Unlike vinyl, which is typically 100% plastic, LP® WeatherBest® decking is made with wood polymer composite material.

And it doesn't require different saws or fasteners the way some all-vinyl decking products do. See the installation instructions for more details.
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