Voyage Decking FAQs

Voyage decking is a giant leap forward in a wood alternative decking. The EovationsTM
process starts with a mixture of polypropylene and calcium carbonate that’s pull
extruded for cavitation. Cavitation creates tiny air pockets that keep the boards
lightweight, but with a fibre-like structure similar to wood, giving it unmatched
strength.

In addition, there are no organic materials to absorb moisture making it 100%
waterproof, it’s unaffected by the sun, it’s microbe-resistant and has the lowest
expansion/contraction rate of any composite decking product on the market.

No. PERMADECK™ Voyage does not fade and does not require painting or staining to retain its colour. It will not change colour or become tired like wood.

Using the Hidden Fastening System the gap is automatically set at 5mm.

400mm Joist centres are recommended. Maximum Joist centres of 450mm can be used but MUST NOT exceed this distance. Exceeding 450mm will void warranty. Laying boards diagonally across Joists requires Joist centres to be spaced at 300mm.

PERMADECK™ Voyage uses a unique Hidden Fastening System so there are no visible screws or nails protruding from the board.

You can if you wish, top-screw PERMADECK™ Voyage boards instead of using the Hidden Fastening System.
We recommend using a flat head counter sink 10 gauge x 65mm (or higher) 316 stainless steel or coated “Decking” screw for fixing. While pre-drilling is not necessary it is highly recommended to reduce the risk of any “mushrooming” around the screw heads.

DO NOT use the black head screws supplied with the Hidden Fasteners to top fix decking boards.

The rate of expansion/contraction for PERMADECK™ Voyage is 0.5mm per metre lengthwise. This equates to just 3mm over a 5.8 meter decking board, this is the smallest expansion/contraction rate on the market today. Expansion and contraction through the width and depth is so minimal it will have no noticeable effect.

NOTE: As the New Zealand sun has a high UV factor this expansion may be as high as 1 millimeter per meter lengthwise in extreme conditions.

Anywhere you would previously have used decking timber (subject to Local Government Regulations and Council approval if required) – such as decks, around pools and spas, marinas and pontoons, boardwalks, school play areas, etc. The waterproof and rot proof properties make it especially ideal for wet areas and marine applications.

With one of the highest slip resistant scores on the market, PERMADECK™ Voyage is ideal for applications on marinas, boardwalks, etc. With the unique Hidden Fastener System, the decking has the ability to flex and prevents the boards from warping, splitting or tearing away. Voyage is ideal for use around swimming pools and spas.

PERMADECK™ Voyage is virtually 100% waterproof and can be submerged 24/7
There are no organic materials like wood fibre for example to absorb moisture.
Moisture absorption according to ASTM D 1037 Standard Test Method is <0.4%⁵

Yes, even though PERMADECK™ Voyage can be installed in or in contact with the ground or water, providing adequate ventilation will allow PERMADECK™ Voyage and the underlying ground to dry, this will also allow rain water to drain away easily.
PERMADECK™ Voyage is mould resistant, however without sufficient ventilation or in
areas where organic debris can collect and does not get washed off, mould may
appear.

Most warping in timber is related to moisture absorption. PERMADECK™ Voyage is virtually 100% water proof & will not warp provided it is used and fixed in line with fixing instructions. It is unaffected by moisture.

No. This is an ideal surface for bare feet and small children.

The surface of  PERMADECK™ Voyage is scratch resistant & will also conceal minor scratches. Avoid dragging furniture or heavy items across your deck as this may gouge the deck surface. Common sense prevails here and while Voyage is extremely durable, care should be taken to avoid marking your deck.

Independent test research has determined that PERMADECK™ Voyage decking will experience virtually no fading, as it is co-extruded with a durable outer shell.

Tests have shown PERMADECK™ Voyage has a similar surface temperature to timber of similar colours and finishes.

Yes. PERMADECK™ Voyage has a very a high degree of UV stability.

No. PERMADECK™ Voyage is not designed to be used for structural framing.

Yes! The Hidden Fasteners are designed to be used on both systems but the screw for the metal is a self-tapper. Please always specify to your supplier whether you are using timber or metal framing.

PERMADECK™ is less combustible than timber but will burn so should not be exposed to direct flame.

Yes.

No it’s definitely not slippery.

PERMADECK™ Voyage has excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions due to an enhanced traction embossed surface. (rated P5) It’s a fantastic solution for wet areas such as spas, pools, ramps & marinas etc.

Yes definitely, PERMADECK™ Voyage is virtually 100% waterproof and has an enhanced traction embossed surface.

PERMADECK™ Voyage is ideal in a marine environment, being unaffected by salt air and moisture.

It is important to keep leaves and other materials that can stain off your deck year-round. Sweep off your deck boards and make sure to clean out the spaces between the boards. We recommend using soap or detergent mixed with water to remove any marks or dirt from your deck boards. Power washers can be used to clean deck boards; however, a fan-tip nozzle should be used and should be set on the lowest setting.

No. Staining or painting is not needed and will void warranty.

Yes. PERMADECK™ Voyage is mould resistant, however without sufficient ventilation or in areas where organic debris can collect and does not get washed off, mould may appear. Mould and mildew may grow on the deck surface in some circumstances, especially in damp shaded areas, or if in high humidity before installation. Failure to keep packs dry in storage can lead to the growth of mould spores on boards. Clean as per directions under Care and Maintenance.

No. With PERMADECK™ Voyage you can use standard woodworking tools. Being a durable product it will wear blades faster than wood. As with using any power tools, safety glasses and face masks should be used when cutting or drilling PERMADECK™ Voyage. The PERMADECK™ sawdust is coarser than wood and that doesn’t tend to float in the air. This makes it safer for working.

Note: a slower spinning circular saw is less likely to cause melting or “glugging” of your blades & cuts due to friction.

Whether at the timber merchant’s premises or at your own property awaiting installation, PERMADECK™ Voyage should be stored in a dry, flat area under cover. Failure to keep packs dry in storage can lead to the growth of mould spores on boards. When storing, PERMADECK™ Voyage should be supported on flat ground by 10 or more “Gluts” or bearers.

Yes, PERMADECK™ Voyage has a 25 year warranty. Please refer to the warranty section for information. All product performance claims are based on PERMADECK™ products being used as recommended and installed in accordance with PERMADECK™ fixing specifications.

Using outdoor mats or rugs on your Voyage decking can be a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your deck. However, some mats and rugs have backing materials that should not be used on composite decks. Some care and periodic maintenance is also recommended to prevent mats staining or discolouring your deck.

Rubber or latex backed mats can leave marks on composite decks due to chemical leaching, while some of these marks can be removed, some may be permanent, these types of mats are best avoided all together.

Avoid using mats that have metal grommets or accents as these can scratch the surface of your deck and/or leave rust stains which are difficult or impossible to remove.

Periodically, all mats should be lifted and the decking beneath cleaned to remove any dirt or grime. While Voyage decking is mould & mildew resistant, these can gain a foothold if grime is allowed build up, more so if mats are left damp after rainfall.

We recommend lifting your outdoor mats after rainfall and allow the mat and the deck to dry before returning your mat to its usual location. Heat from sun can allow chemicals from the mats backing to leach and be transferred to your deck through moisture, possibly causing stains which can be difficult or impossible to remove.

If your deck is in close proximity to the ground there may be enough sunlight filtering through the gaps to sprout weeds. These unsightly weeds may then find it possible to grow up through the space between your decking boards and protrude through the gaps.

It may be tempting to use a herbicide or weed spray to knock these unwanted weeds back… However!

Avoid spraying weed sprays directly onto Voyage decking! Herbicides are corrosive in nature and their acidic compounds will mark the surface of the polymer capping, this is irreversible and will leave a permanent mark on your deck.
Covering the ground under your deck with weed mat is recommended before you cover your deck and will help prevent weeds from growing in these situations.