Joists & Battens
Why settle for anything less than decking and cladding support you can trust? Enjoy easy installation and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve chosen high-quality Joists and Battens from BM Steel for your project.
We stock weather-resistant Plastic Cladding Battens and Plastic Decking Joists in different sizes. Our strong, professionally designed decking and cladding Joists and Battens have been made from 100% recycled plastic. Enjoy easy ordering online with BM Steel.
Filter
Joists & Battens FAQs
What is a Joist?
A joist is a length of material, for example recycled plastic, that provides the essential framework needed for attaching the decking boards. Joists can sit directly on the ground, or you can use them with BM Steel’s Pedestal system.
How do you install Joists?
Follow these steps to install joists. Firstly, outline the area and mark a grid layout. Evenly lay the plastic post network, spacing posts at 1,000mm intervals. Dig holes and cement the posts into the ground (a third of their length deep) to fix them to the base, ensuring the posts are upright and level with each other.
Form a cross-bearer network along the posts’ length with the large plastic joist. Leave a 125mm gap above the bearer to accommodate joist thickness. Fix the bearers to the posts securely, leaving a 10mm expansion gap. Lay the joists directly onto the bearer network, leaving spacings between 250-350mm. Start by installing the outside joists to the subframe and then fix joists along the bearer network. Fix the joists by screwing diagonally through them into the bearers. Use a double joist for enough support where two decking boards are expected to meet.
Can you lay Composite Decking on Plastic Joists?
Yes, you can lay Composite Decking on Plastic Joists. Order top-quality Joists from BM Steel online for fast, friendly service.
How close do joists need to be for Composite Decking?
The distance between joists depends on the make of the Composite Decking. As a good rule of thumb, joists should be at spacings of between 250-350mm.
Do joists need an expansion gap?
Yes, joists need an expansion gap. Leave a gap of at least 8mm between joist ends at butt joints. and leave a gap of at least 15mm between joist ends and fixed objects such as walls.
What size joists for Composite Decking?
The size of the joists you use depends on the size of the decking boards as well as the size of the deck. BM Steel offers Plastic Decking Joists in two sizes: 125 x 50 x 3000mm and 50 x 50 x 2400mm.
How to level joists for Composite Decking?
Level joists for Composite Decking by raising them to the required height. Do this by placing noggins underneath them.
What is a Cladding Batten?
A Cladding Batten is a length of strong, durable plastic used for the installation of and support for exterior Composite Cladding.
What battens to use for cladding?
BM Steel’s Plastic Cladding Battens are made from 100% recycled materials and are the best battens to use for Composite Cladding. We stock battens in two different sizes.
What size battens do you need for cladding?
The size of the battens you should use for cladding depends on the size of the structure as well as the size of the cladding boards. Choose from 100 x 20 x 2800mm and 50 x 25 x 3000mm Plastic Cladding Battens at BM Steel.
How to install Composite Cladding on battens?
Attach Cladding Battens to the supporting wall or structure at 600mm intervals, with the first batten being installed at least 20mm from the ground. Secure the first Cladding Panel to the battens using Cladding Clips, and then line up the second board and slide it into place. Repeat these steps for the remaining panels.