Composite decking boards combine the natural appearance of wood decks with the low-maintenance appeal of plastic alternatives. They are made from natural hardwood and synthetic materials, creating a surface that does not splinter like wood. These boards also do not need to be painted, stained or sealed. Composite decking fitters require several skills to create beautiful and long-lasting results, ranging from an understanding of the product itself to specific technical skills to fit the boards correctly.
Decking Knowledge
A good composite decking fitter has detailed knowledge of decking techniques and materials used for decking, including general awareness of the material’s properties. This information, for example, helps fitters answer any questions consumers might have about cleaning and maintaining the boards after they are installed. Knowing how to care and maintain the boards will help consumers increase the lifespan of the product.
Product Awareness
There are several brands of composite decking boards available on the market. Products might offer different types of warranties and may vary greatly in terms of costs. They might also offer different results and cater to specific types of products or environments. Knowing about what options are available helps fitters decide which products are best for a specific project. Fitters also use this knowledge to work with clients so they can make informed decisions about suitable products for their decking project.
Product-Specific Training
There are several brands of composite decking boards available on the market. Products might offer different types of warranties and may vary greatly in terms of costs. They might also offer different results and cater to specific types of products or environments. Knowing about what options are available helps fitters decide which products are best for a specific project. Fitters also use this knowledge to work with clients so they can make informed decisions about suitable products for their decking project.
Product-Specific Training
Professional fitters will often be trained and certified by individual brands to install their products. This training provides fitters with information on recommended good practices for installing specific composite decking products. This gives consumers added confidence that decking boards are fitted to the highest standard. Being certified also helps ensure any warranty on the product is valid once it is installed.
Design Skills
The best fitters can help home or business owners design an attractive space with composite decking. Knowledge of exterior and landscape design can help a fitter provide a more professional service and go beyond just simply installing a deck, including the ability to create custom designs. Having knowledge of design principles and trends can also help fitters advice on using complimentary borders or furniture with the decking. Similarly, knowing about landscape gardening and design can help you select features that enhance the look and feel of a deck, for example, plants or garden ponds.
Carpentry Skills
Building safe structures is just as important as building an attractive space. Decking needs to be properly engineered and fitted. Understanding of and training in carpentry is critical when
installing decking boards. Carpentry skills ensure that structures are built safely to avoid issues in the future that could result in property damage or injuries. This skill helps composite
decking fitters build, erect and install structures using the right tools and techniques. For example, raised decks or structures with changes of level require carpentry skills to ensure the decking is structurally safe.
Communication Skills
Building safe structures is just as important as building an attractive space. Decking needs to be properly engineered and fitted. Understanding of and training in carpentry is critical when
installing decking boards. Carpentry skills ensure that structures are built safely to avoid issues in the future that could result in property damage or injuries. This skill helps composite
decking fitters build, erect and install structures using the right tools and techniques. For example, raised decks or structures with changes of level require carpentry skills to ensure the decking is structurally safe.
Communication Skills
Fitters interact with a range of people, including suppliers and customers. Being able to communicate clearly and honestly is essential for maintaining good working relationships. This is especially true when dealing with customers. Keeping clients updated regularly and informed of changes helps build trust. Communication skills go beyond being polite with suppliers, customers, planning authorities and others. Strong communication helps build trust and identify potential risks that might delay a project. Regular and open communication with customers is also key to understanding the requirements or vision to deliver a successful project. Composite decking fitters, like many other contractors, often rely on word of mouth to build their business. They also rely on reviews that past customers may provide. Not communicating effectively is one of the ways fitters receive a bad reputation or negative reviews, which could make it difficult to secure future work.
Deck Planning Skills
Planning is essential to a successful project. Fitters must be able to identify and understand all the steps that are needed to build a safe and attractive structure. For more complicated
designs, planning is crucial to ensure the project is built correctly. Certain projects will require, for example, steps to be taken to prepare the ground or adjacent structures in advance of installing the deck. Fitters also need to plan to ensure they have the right number and type of tools and materials to build and install composite decking. Planning helps to ensure that all steps are identified in advance to minimise delays, including determining what planning approvals might be needed for the project. Not having the right equipment or enough materials could delay a project. Similarly, not taking all aspects of a project into account could result in higher or unexpected costs, as the installation progresses. This could lead to strained relationships with clients that could be avoided with good planning from the start.
Project Management Skills
Like any building or installation project, fitting a composite deck requires good project management skills. Once a plan is developed, it must be managed effectively. This requires fitters to be on top of all aspects of the project plan. This includes managing and monitoring the budget to identify any cost overruns. It also includes keeping track of equipment materials to identify any issues early, such as missing tools or not enough decking to complete the project. Good project management skills help fitters identify risks and issues early with enough time to develop strategies to mitigate or address potential problems. Not having control of a project amounts to poor management that could delay an installation. It could also have a negative impact on relationships with suppliers, clients and others.
Maths Skills
Like any building or installation project, fitting a composite deck requires good project management skills. Once a plan is developed, it must be managed effectively. This requires fitters to be on top of all aspects of the project plan. This includes managing and monitoring the budget to identify any cost overruns. It also includes keeping track of equipment materials to identify any issues early, such as missing tools or not enough decking to complete the project. Good project management skills help fitters identify risks and issues early with enough time to develop strategies to mitigate or address potential problems. Not having control of a project amounts to poor management that could delay an installation. It could also have a negative impact on relationships with suppliers, clients and others.
Maths Skills
Whether it is for calculating an estimate or determining how much material is needed for a project, a sound maths foundation is important for fitters to have. For example, a good decking fitter can build decks to any scale. They will need good maths skills to translate a plan into an actual deck. Maths skills are also important to manage project budgets and other financials, especially if a fitter owns their own business.
