®

EON® DECKING INSTALLATION MANUAL

Welcome to eON®, The Complete Decking System. The following information
guide will assist you with the installation of your maintenance free deck.

eON™ CAP &

POST SLEEVE eON™
T CLIP
eON™ DECKING

eON™ RAILING KIT

WITH BALUSTER
LEDGER
BOARD

eON™ STAIR JOIST

RAIL KIT
eON™
BEAM
CLADDING
RIM JOIST

CODES & STANDARDS:
• Always conform to your local building codes and the
requirements of all authorities having jurisdiction.
SAFETY:
• Protective safety equipment is always recommended,
e.g., eyewear, safety boots.
TOOLS:
• Standard wood working tools are recommended while
working with the eON® decking system (use a carbide
blade – 24 teeth or less). Chop saw (if available) or hand
saw, 2" coated flat head deck screws (included with
T-clips) and 3” flat-head for railing installation, electric
drill, measuring tape, pencil, square.
SUBSTRUCTURE:
• eON® decking and railing is designed to be
installed on a conventional wood substructure
(pressure treated suggested).
• Support joists should be installed 16" on center
for 90º decking (straight application).
• Stair stringers should also be installed every 16”
on center.
• Support joists should be installed 12" on center
for angled decking.
• 4" x 4" wood posts must be used and bolted to the
substructure to support eON® railing system.
STORAGE & HANDLING:
• eON® is the premium decking product on the
market and should be treated as such.
• Carefully remove when unloading, do not dump.
• Do not drag decking against abrasive surfaces.
• Store with the face side up.
DIMENSIONS:
• Deck board = 5 1/2"
• T-clip = 5/16"
• Deck board and t-clip combined = 5 13/16" or 5.8125"
To calculate how many deck boards you will need:
divide the width of your deck (in inches) by 5.8125
Note: For a simple calculation please refer to our web-
site calculator – www.eonoutdoor.com

New installation guide effective January 1, 2003

 LET’S GET STARTED…
1) EXPANSION/CONTRACTION
UNDERSTANDING EXPANSION/CONTRACTION:
• In cold climate regions, gapping due to contraction
of plastic will occur during colder temperatures. Like
other alternative decking products, eon will contract,
but only lengthwise. As temperatures increase all gaps
will close to the original installed look. Here are examples
to calculate the gap you need to install to compensate
for expansion and contraction.
FIG. 1A SEE PRO-TIP #4C
SPACING FORMULA S:
Fahrenheit: Spacing = (.000039) x (Max Expected
Temp. – Installation Temp. in ºF) x (1/2 the length CELSIUS EXAMPLE:
of board in inches). Location of Deck Installation: Toronto, ON
Celsius: Spacing = (.000071) x (Max Expected Temp. – Maximum Expected Temperature: 35 ºC
Installation Temp. in ºC) x (1/2 the length of board Installation Temperature: 20 ºC
in inches). Length of deck board being used: 20’ft (240”inches)

Spacing = (.000071) x (35 – 20) x (.5 x 240)

TIPS FROM THE PROS: = (.000071) x (15) x (120)
= 0.1278” inches (multiplied this number
TIP #1: To turn a decimal to a fraction, by 16 to get answer into a fraction)
multiply the decimal amount by 16.
= 0.1278 x 16
To turn a fraction into a decimal, divide = 2.0448 (Round up or down to
the top number of the fraction by 16. closest whole #)
= 2/16"
You must leave 2/16” (1/8”) at each end of deck
EXAMPLE FOR CALCULATING SPACING: board. (FIG. 1B)
Max Expected Temperature: The maximum temperature
that your local region can expect (i.e., NY – 90ºF).
Installation Temperature: The temperature at the time
of installation.

FAHRENHEIT EXAMPLE:
• There are 3 variables that affect the expansion/contraction
of eON® decking; maximum expected temperature for a
particular region, temperature at the time of installation
and the length of the deck board being used.

Location of Deck Installation: Atlanta, Georgia

Maximum Expected Temperature: 120ºF
Installation Temperature: 80 ºF
FIG. 1B
Length of deck board being used: 20’ft (240”inches)

Spacing = (.000039) x (120 – 80) x (.5 x 240)

= (.000039) x (40) x (120)
= 0.1872” inches (multiplied this number TIPS FROM THE PROS:
by 16 to get answer into a fraction)
= 0.1872 x 16 TIP #2: eon® decking exhibits color
variation in line with that of natural wood.
= 2.995 (Round up or down to
Plan out the install of dark and light shades
closest whole #) as you would for premium wood species.
= 3/16"
You must leave 3/16” at each end of deck board. (FIG. 1A)

1

TIPS FROM THE PROS:
TIP #3: Optional Installation of Decking to
minimize visible gaps.
a) In order to reduce or completely eliminate
butting boards end-to-end install deck boards
perpendicular to house if deck width is less
than 20'. (FIG. 7)
b) A “Breaker board” can be used to reduce
the visual impact of the gaps between boards
butted end-to-end. (FIG. 2A & FIG. 2B)
c) If decking is not installed perpendicular
to the house, or if a breaker board is not
used, then it is recommended that joists be
doubled up on in areas that will experience
temperature differences of 80ºF or 25ºC
between seasons. (FIG. 1A & FIG. 2C)
FIG. 2A
FIG. 2B FIG. 2C
TIPS FROM THE PROS:
TIP #4: In areas where temperature variances
are equal to or greater than 50 degrees per
day, it is best to use board lengths that do not
exceed 16' to accommodate the expansion
and contraction properties of the material.
2) DECK BOARD &
FASCIA INSTALLATION
INSTALLING DECKING PARALLEL TO HOUSE:
a)Prior to laying any deck-boards, apply 2 beads of silicone
caulking to all board-supporting joists. Allow all silicone
minimum 12 hours to dry (follow directions on caulking).
b)Begin by loosely screwing a row of T-clips along the
ledger board (joist along house). If using 2" coated deck
screws do not over tighten, just until snug. (FIG. 3)
c) Lay first board firmly against the T-clips. (FIG. 4)
d)At the approximate center point of each board, pre-drill
a hole through the outer lip of the free side of the board
at a 45 degree angle into the joist. Fasten to joist with
a 2” deck screw.
e) Screw next row of T-clips loosely against the first board
and tighten down the first row of T-clips. (FIG. 5)
f) Once that is done, place second board firmly against
the second row of T-clips.
g) Now place another row of T-clips loosely against that
board and proceed to tighten the second row of T-clips
down firmly.
h)Continue this process (Board – T-clips – Board – T-clips)
for the remainder of the boards until reaching the edge of
the deck (Rim Joist).
g) Once the last board is in place, pre-drill slot holes
every 8" at a 45º angle through the outer lip of the
board and fasten using 2" deck screws. (FIG. 6)
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
2
 INSTALLING DECKING PERPENDICULAR TO HOUSE:
a) Apply Silicone. Install first deck board along the rim
joist by pre-drilling (slot-holes SEE FIG. 6) holes every
8" at a 45º angle through the outer lip. (FIG. 8)
b)Next, install first row of T-clips against the opposite
side of the 1st board and screw down loosely. (FIG. 9A)
c) Install second board firmly against first row of T-clips.
d)Loosely install T-clips firmly against second deck board
and tighten first row of T-clips. (FIG. 9B)
e) Continue this process (Board – T-clips – Board – T-clips)
until last deck board along opposite rim joist, then
FIG. 5
redo step one. (FIG. 8)

FIG. 6 FIG. 8

TIPS FROM THE PROS:

TIP #5: If you have miscalculated the size

of your substructure or the substructure of
the deck you are replacing does not accept
the last deck board evenly, simply attach
additional lumber to the skirt board to make
up the required distance so that there is no
extra lateral cutting or ripping of the eON®
deck board. (FIG. 7)

FIG. 9A

FIG. 7 FIG. 9B

3
 INSTALLING FASCIA/CLADDING (3/8"X9"X12"):
a) Cut the cladding to required length.
b)Then pre-drill and screw every 8" using 1 5/8"
wood screws on each groove of the fascia. (FIG. 10)
c) The cladding should only be attached to the
substructure (rim joist), not into the deck board
to allow the cladding to expand/contract.
d)Egg shape hole or slot your hole for expansion
and contraction.
e) Tighten screw until snug to allow for expansion
and contraction.
TIPS FROM THE PROS:
TIP #6: It is recommended that slot holes be
pre-drilled when installing cladding to allow
for some lateral movement. (FIG. 10)
To reduce visual gapping between cladding
boards butted end-to-end, cut the cladding at
opposing 45º angles, which will give a much
cleaner finish. (FIG. 11)
FIG. 10
FIG. 11
3) HANDRAIL & POST SLEEVE
INSTALLATION
INSTALLING POST SLEEVE (4.2"X4.2"X4'),
COLLAR AND CAP:
a) The eON® post sleeve is designed to simply slide over an
existing 4" x 4" wood post. (FIG. 12)
b)The sleeve is secured once the eON® railing is attached
by screwing 3" screws through the baluster, the sleeve
and into the wood posts. (FIG. 16)
c) Slide post collar over 4” x 4” post and settle flush
to deck-boards.
POST SLEEVE
POST
FIG. 12
Note: check post sleeves against 4" x 4"s. You may
need to trim 2 corners of post if too large.
Note: Remember to leave a gap for expansion/
contraction of deck boards around the posts. See
expansion/contraction formula for proper spacing
between deck board and post.
TIPS FROM THE PROS:
TIP #7: To cover 6" x 6" posts cut 9"
cladding along its length to 5 3/4" wide and
wrap around post (Use 1 5/8" wood screws
to secure cladding to posts). (FIG. 13)
FIG. 13
4
 TIPS FROM THE PROS:

TIP #8: When cutting eON®, ensure a

high blade speed and cut swiftly to reduce
friction. Make sure the blade is carbide
tipped, and has as few teeth as possible
(24 or less).

INSTALLING HANDRAIL: FIG. 15

a) First begin by measuring the distance between the post
sleeves and cut handrail pieces accordingly. (FIG. 14A)
b)Drainage holes (1/4") should be drilled every 12" in
the bottom rail. (FIG. 14B)

FIG. 14A FIG. 14B FIG. 16

c) The spacer included with the railing should be cut to

meet local building codes.
d)Once the railing and spacers have been cut accordingly,
begin assembling the railing section like a ladder, by
sliding a baluster followed by a piece of spacer down
each rail. Complete the process making sure a baluster
is flush with the end of each handrail section. (FIG. 15 &
FIG. 16)
e) Use a piece of baluster spacer screwed (3" screw) to
the deck surface to support the middle of the railing
section. (FIG. 16)
f) Attach railing section to post using 7 (3" screws FIG. 17

predrilled) at each end – 2 screws in the top rail,

2 screws in the bottom rail and 3 screws along the 4) STAIR & STAIR RAIL INSTALLATION
baluster. (FIG. 16 & FIG. 17)
STAIR CONSTRUCTION:
a) Use 1 deck board for the stair rise and 2 deck boards for
the stair run (FIG. 20). T-clips are to be used on the run
TIPS FROM THE PROS: boards, and the riser board is to be predrilled and
attached using 3" deck screws. Stair stringers should
TIP #9: To increase cutting speed and ease
be max 16" O.C.
of cuts, the use of a wax stick or anti-friction
product on the blade can be beneficial.

5
 INSTALLING STAIR RAIL:
a) Use the pre-routered 33º stair rail unit. For the
installers convenience, the pre-routered 33º stair rail
unit comes in a kit (6' handrail, 15 balusters, 2 fill-it
pcs). (FIG. 18A)
b)The balusters have been routered on a 33º angle with a
width that will permit installation of stairs with angle
variances of 26º – 40º. (FIG. 18B & FIG. 18C)

Verify the exact requirements with your local authority.

FIG. 19

c) Set miter saw angle and spacers to required length on

the appropriate angle to meet stair pitch (refer to local
building codes).
d)Assemble rail pieces according to standard eON®
handrail procedure, making sure there is a baluster
at either end of the section next to the post. (FIG. 19)
e) After stair rail is assembled, attach to post using
10.75
3" screws. (FIG. 16 & FIG.17)
7.00

COVERING STAIR TREAD:

33.00º
a) To get an attractive finished look it is essential to use
FIG. 18A
eON® cladding for each exposed side of the stairs.
b)A solid stringer piece will be required. (FIG. 20)
c) Both sides of the solid stringer should be covered with
9" fascia. (FIG. 20A)
d)This is the recommended method to close off exposed
ends on a stairway.
e) If required by local building code, attach graspable
handrail with 2” deck screws every 12”, installing from
inside the channel on the underside of the top rail.
Ensure that screw heads are flush with rail surface.
10.75
5.24
7.88
f) Attach the cladding just as described in Section 2
9.50

26.00º (FIG. 10) using 2" deck screws every 8" along each groove
40.00º
of the cladding, and pre-drill slot holes to allow fascia
FIG. 18B FIG. 18C to expand and contract. (PRO-TIP #6)

TIPS FROM THE PROS:

TIP #10: To determine proper top and bot-

tom angle cuts of the stair rail, lay the 6’
stair rail on the leading edge of the stairs and
draw a vertical line on the rail with a pencil
straight up from stair edge. This will provide
the proper angle to set your mitre saw.
16"

16"

16"

FIG. 20 FIG. 20A

6
 PAINTING/STAINING:
• eON® is a maintenance free product and does not
require any treating, painting or staining. If painting
is desired, please use only latex-based paints.
CLEANING:
• Due to the maintenance free nature of eON® decking, a
simple rinse or light wash with soap and water is the
only requirement to keeping your deck clean.
No abrasive or harsh chemicals should be used to
clean eON®. Avoid use of any petroleum-based
products on the eon deck surface.(see website or
contact CPI Plastics Group Ltd.)
TIPS FROM THE PROS:
TIP #11: To remove scratches from eON’s sur-
face, simply use a loose exacto knife blade
or box cutter blade to shave the scratches
from the material. The blade should be per-
pendicular to the surface during the process.
(FIG. 22)
Using an automobile buffer will also take
care of minor marks on the deck’s surface.
FIG. 22
Contact us for further information at:
1 (866) 342-5366 1 (866) DIAL-EON or visit
us at our website: www.eonoutdoor.com
LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY
CERTIFICATE
COVERING YOUR PURCHASE OF EON.
Subject to the limitations included in this Lifetime Limited Warranty Certificate,
CPI warrants to the original purchaser of eON® Product (as described below),
bought and installed (i) as a residential decking system with railings, (ii) as
residential decking, or (iii) for other similar residential uses or applications as
identified in the CPI point of sale material provided by Dealer, that such Product
is (a) rot, and water resistant, (b) free from damage by fungal decay, and (c)
otherwise free from defects in material and workmanship, for the period beginning
on the date the eON® Product is purchased and continuing for so long as the origi-
nal purchaser owns the property on which the eON® Product is used for one
of the purposes described above.
The Warranty Certificate is not transferable.
WARRANTY PROCESS
CPI will repair or replace, at its expense, any eON® Product used for any one or
more of the above applications that is defective in material or workmanship. The
repair work or replacement will be at no charge to the original purchaser. To make
arrangements for the repair or replacement of eON® product, the original purchaser
must send: (i) a Warranty Certificate, (ii) the original purchase invoice indicating
the date of purchase showing sufficient eON® Product was purchased to cover the
amount of eON® Product claimed to be defective, and (iii) the defective eON®
Product within 30 days after the original purchaser became first aware of the
alleged defects in the Products to: CPI at 979 Gana Court, Mississauga, Ontario,
I5S 1P2. CPI must concur that the eON® Product is defective (provided that CPI
shall not unreasonably withhold or delay and concurrence). CPI shall deliver to
the original purchaser, at CPI's expense, all repaired or replacement eON® Product.
CPI shall not be liable for any installation or reinstallation costs.
WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
This Warranty Certificate sets forth CPI's only warranty obligation with respect to the
eON® Product and is in lieu of all other warranties oral or written, express or implied.
CPI makes no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with
respect to the eON® Product (other than as described in this Warranty Certificate),
and CPI shall not be liable for incidental, special, consequential or other similar
damages arising out of any breach of this Warranty.
This Warranty Certificate shall not apply to defects that occur though normal wear
and tear and weathering of the eON® Product; misuse of the eON® Product or neg-
ligence in the use of the eON® Product; improper storage or handling of eON®
Product prior to installation of the eON® Product; or the improper installation of
the eON® Product or a lack of maintenance or improper maintenance of the eON®
Product in a manner inconsistent with or contrary to the CPI point of sale material
provided to the Dealer.
note: Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations may not apply. Some jurisdictions do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limi-
tations or exclusions may not apply.
WARRANTY DEFINITION.
For purposes of this Warranty Certificate "eON® Product" means a thermoplastic resin
profile which, when extruded, exhibits the appearance and coloration of a simulated
natural or stained wood surface finish for installation as a residential decking and
railing system, outdoor residential decking or for other similar residential uses or
applications as identified in the CPI point of sale material provided to the Dealer.
YOUR LOCAL EON ® DEALER:
DESIGN: SPUTNIK ART + DESIGN INC. PRINTED IN CANADA