Custom Deck Inlay Tips

A contractor should know that in order to achieve a custom inlay accent box on a deck with decking boards spanning parallel with the deck framing structure that solid blocking is necessary beneath the surface.

My tip of the day for creating a beautiful finish product deck inlay box is that in my experience it is much better to install the solid blocking materials after a few decking boards have been installed and you are about to start the outside box. WIth the outside box cut your corners on a 45 degree angle but make sure you snap chalk lines prior to setting the outside box pieces.

Explain to your client that all materials exposed to the outdoor elements are prone to having slight movement, shifting through seasonal weather changes. No matter the accuracy and placement of deck attachement screws there will be some movement at some point in time in the future as temperatures drastically change.

Most important tip in completing these types of custom accent inlay feature pieces on a new composite deck system; document the material selections. Store the material selections and purchase a few extra boards that your client can store somewhere on there property. Keep the deck boards stored flat. If there not many spaces or areas to store the additional decking boards then try placing them underneath the homeowners deck.

-Laurence J O’Krogly Jr

February 03, 2021.