Hapax terrace systems

Hapax solutions for sustainable decking

How to construct a wooden deck | Terrace fixations | Terrace supports | Tools

Wood, a noble and living material, is often exposed to intense stresses when used for decking : changing weather conditions, differences in humidity and temperature, humidity from below, UV radiation, aggressive mechanical factors,... .

Installing a quality terrace that is stable and durable over a period of at least 20 years requires great precision in the design and choice of materials.

Quality is a key issue to satisfy customers, but also to give the deck the “look and feel” that a wooden deck deserves. When installing a wooden deck, both the choice of material and the method of implementation affect two aspects: durability and stability

Sustainability

A wooden deck can be degraded more or less quickly (between 5 and 30 years) under the effect of various biological circumstances (insects, moisture), depending on the quality of the materials, ventilation and compliance with the correct method of implementation.

Stability

Wood is subjected to weather, it swells and shrinks significantly, which can lead to deformation such as warp, uplift, cupping and bending, … of the wooden decks.

houtsoorten

6 handy tips for a durable deck

Choose the right boards
Choose the right wood structureDesign your structure
Choose the appropriate fastener
Finish off nicely
Maintain the deck

Download the Checklist How to install a wooden deck

How to install a wooden deck | Terrace systems | Terrace supports | Tools

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Terrace systems

For the installation of your wooden deck, will you go for a system with a classic fastening of the boards, or do you prefer an invisible fastening that gives an aesthetic look? Within Hapax you will find a solution for both.

D-Pro - Visible fastening system

Meet Hapax D-Pro, a high-quality system for installing wooden decking. The system uses a clip that provides ventilation between the deck boards and the substructure. Ideal for use when the decking is visibly screwed down.

D-Pro allows the terrace to breathe sufficiently and prevents the wood from rotting

Like any fastening system, the Hapax D-Pro system has some distinct advantages. One of these is the ventilating property of the D-Pro clip. By using the clip, you prevent the deck boards from making contact with the underlying beam structure. This ensures that there is always sufficient ventilation, significantly reducing the risk of the deck boards bowing.

Its strong ventilating property ensures that standing water, between board and joist, has no chance and prevents premature rotting of the decking. This significantly extends the life of the decking.

Furthermore, some of the D-Pro clips have a spacer. This allows you to keep the same joint width each time, resulting in a nicely finished terrace. You can choose between 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm joint widths.

The properties of Hapax D-Pro:

Excellent ventilation between the deck boards and the substructure
Reduces the risk of deck boards bowing
The D-Pro clip is made of recycled composite and prevents premature rotting of the wood
Integrated spacers
Shock-absorbing effect of the D-Pro clip softens walking noise
Frost-resistant (down to -40°C) and heat-resistant (up to 110°C)

Products

Which hardwood screws to use?

Stainless steel A2 AISI 304
Stainless steel A2 is the most common type of stainless steel used in fasteners. Stainless steel
A2 screws combine excellent corrosion resistance with good mechanical properties. They have good resistance to acids in tropical and European hardwoods. You can use them in environments
with high humidity or exposed to moisture, but they are not chemically resistant.
Stainless steel A4 AISI 316
When additional factors appear that can cause accelerated oxidation, you should choose stainless steel A4 screws. This mainly concerns environments where chemical factors come into play, such as swimming pool areas, but also in coastal regions, where salty sea air can affect the steel. Furthermore, certain acids in hardwood can also cause accelerated oxidation.

Ready-made sets

D-pro zoom Hapax D-Pro, the ventilation pad for a durable terrace

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Hapax Fixing Pro: the invisible fastening system

Meet Hapax Fixing Pro, the invisible and high-quality fastening system for wooden deck boards. The patented system is the reference among wooden deck fastening systems and is recommended by renowned industry professionals.

As the screws are not visible, the system gives an aesthetic look to your terrace

The system features a number of advantages, one of which is that it is completely invisible, giving the terrace a more aesthetic finish. In addition, the system is also easy to install.

Thanks to the thickness of the components, which is 13 mm, excellent ventilation is possible between the boards and the deck's supporting beams. This significantly extends the life of the decking.

Suitable for various board widths

Fixing pro is designed to be used with different board widths. Standard board widths of 140-145 mm are used. But the system is provided to use board widths of 90 to 200 mm, which may have a further thickness of 20 to 40 mm.

By using the system, you also ensure better stability of the wooden deck. Indeed, the components ensure that stagnant water has no chance so that the deck will not rot or deform.

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The 7 advantages of the Hapax Fixing-Pro fixing system:

Excellent ventilation between the lower beams and the boards.
Easy to assemble thanks to the stainless steel screws provided.
UV-resistant and temperature-resistant
100% recyclable.
Invisible: you no longer see any parts or screws.
An aesthetic and professional finished result.
Ability to replace one defective decking board without dismantling everything.

Products

Which hardwood screws to use?

Stainless steel C2 AISI 1410
Stainless steel screws type C2 are standard corrosion-resistant and have the best mechanical properties. You use these decking screws if there are no other factors that could affect the screws.
Stainless steel A4 AISI 316
When additional factors appear that can cause accelerated oxidation, you should choose stainless steel A4 screws. This mainly concerns environments where chemical factors come into play, such as swimming pool areas, but also in coastal regions, where salty sea air can affect the steel. Furthermore, certain acids in hardwood can also cause accelerated oxidation.

Ready made sets

Hapax Fixing Pro sets can be used for boards with a width of 90 to 200mm and a thickness of 19 to 40mm.

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Terrace supports

Meet the Hapax Atlas - the adjustable terrace support - and the Hapax Rock the ecological screw foundation for laying wooden terraces.

Hapax Atlas - The adjustable terrace support

Together, we go for quality. Discover the Hapax Atlas, an adjustable terrace support suitable for wooden terraces as well as concrete, ceramic and natural stone tiles.

You can manually adjust the decking supports to the desired height

The terrace supports are made of plastic and are adjustable. Here you can choose between a support plate for installing a wooden deck, as well as a support plate for installing tiles.

The terrace supports can be easily adjusted to the desired height by hand. If the height obtained is not sufficient, you can always use an extension piece.

By using an extension piece, you gain 35 mm in height each time..

Due to the space thus created under the terrace, they ensure smooth drainage of standing water. In addition, the joints between the floor elements can be left open, allowing water to seep through.

The 7 advantages of the Hapax Atlas terrace supports:

Suitable for wood and concrete, ceramic and natural stone tiles.
The space under the terrace ensures smooth water drainage.
Joints between the floor elements are left open, which reduces the risk of cracking.
UV-resistant and resistant to extreme temperatures.
100% recyclable.
Easy and quick to install.
Extends the life of the terrace.

Products

Adjustable terrace supports

Accessories

Support plate for wood
Support plate for tiles
Extension stackable
Extension piece with thread
Slope corrector 2%

Watch the installation video

Hapax Rock: the ecological alternative for a sustainable foundation for your wooden terrace

Thanks to the Hapax Rock, it is no longer necessary to provide a concrete foundation. After installing the Hapax Rock screw foundation, you can immediately start building the terrace.

Easy to install without disturbing the underlying ecosystem

The advantages of the Hapax Rock screw foundation

The Hapax Rock screw foundation is easy to install in 5 minutes. using a manual or electric “screw-in tool”. In addition, the screw foundation features a nut for quick and easy levelling of the screw foundation

The Hapax Rock can be easily removed, unlike, for example, a traditional concrete foundation. This reduces the impact on the ecosystem. (e.g. for a temporary construction, limitation on further expansion concrete buildings, ...)

Calculation when used with a double substructure

The directional required number of Hapax Rock elements can be easily calculated using the formula below : number of m² of terrace x 0.6.

Hapax Rock terras in aanbouw

The characteristics of the Hapax Rock

Continuously adjustable from 35 to 250 mm
Head diameter: 123 mm for 120 x 200 mm boards
Material: polypropylene
Frost-resistant to -50 °C
Heat-resistant to 90 °C
Maximum weight per element: 800 kg

Products

Hapax Rock 700mm

Length 700mm - Diameter 140mm

Accessories

Rock Extension 160mm
With the Hapax Rock Extension, you can bridge a height of 160mm each time. The maximum number of stacked Rock Extension pieces is 5.

Tools

outdoor terrace

How to build a wooden deck

Installing a quality deck that is stable and durable for at least 20 years requires great precision in design and material selection. Here you can find plenty of tips for installing your wooden deck.

Choose the decking

Respect the width-thickness ratio of the wooden deck

The width of the deck should be a maximum of 7 times its thickness. For example : 21 x 7 = 147 mm maximum width. In case of non-compliance with this rule, the higher the risk of deformation of the decks.

Choose your decks carefully

Be careful when you choose your decks. Make sure the decks are not bent or cupped or show irregular patterns in the wood fibre. Remember to check whether the thickness of your decks is in line with the thickness proposed by your wood supplier.

Check the dryness of the deck

Some species of wood have more grains than others : Cumaru, Yellow Balau, Massaranduba, … . It is necessary that these wood species are KD dried (Kiln Dried). On average, the dryness of the decks should be around 16 %. Check the dryness with your timber dealer and require the information to be stated on the invoice (in case of dispute, you will be protected). If necessary, you can use a moisture meter to check the dryness of your decks.

Service class of the wood

The service class structure of the wood is mandatory or greater than that of the decking. It is easier to replace a deck board than a complete structure. It is better to focus more on the quality of the wood than the deck structure.

Ventilation

Never put the wood structure in direct contact with the ground to avoid premature rotting of the wood. Always use shims or polymer pads to isolate the joists on the ground. It is important to have some space between the deck and the substructure, by using a thermal bridge such as Hapax D-Pro or the invisible Hapax Fixing.

Set the distance between the joists

It is better to reduce the distance between the joists, because it will reduce the risk of deformation of the deck boards.

The joists

The minimum height and width of the joists has to be 40 x 60 mm.

Design of the construction

General rules

Never place the wood in direct contact with the ground

The space between the decking and the ground allows the terrace to be well ventilated, which improves the stability and the life span of the terrace. Always use shims or polymer pads to isolate the joists on the ground. The distance between the decks is about 4 and 6 mm for a terrace that is about 10 cm high.

Create or maintain a drainage slope for rainwater

Make sure to provide a slope of 0,5 to 1 cm per meter.

Always create a decking frame

The decking frame is made of several joists, placed at a certain distance from each other, forming a rectangular structure. This structure offers more strength and stability to the wooden deck.

Double the joists

Always double the joists. It will offer better support to the wooden deck and lower the risk of water damage.

A terrace on hard ground

Use shims or Hapax Atlas decking supports

When installing a terrace, it is necessary to use shims or adjustable polymer pads to isolate the joists on the floor.

Fixing the structure of the floor

In most cases you will drill holes in the floor to attach the joists using concrete screws or hammer nail plugs

Terrace on soft ground

Use a geotextilel

Start placing your geotextile on the ground to prevent the regrowth of plants through the terrace.

Use a fixed batten on the wall

When the terrace has to be attached to the house, you can use a fixed batten. This batten will function as a general reference for the entire terrace and it will serve as one of the primary support joists.

Use an environmental friendly construction

Use the Hapax Rock screw foundations instead of a concrete foundation for your terrace. The soil
will remain intact and the resistance of the screw foundation is similar to the concrete one.

A roof terrace

Use shims or Hapax Atlas decking supports

Never perforate the waterproof membrane of the roof to avoid the risk of water infiltrating the building. Use shims or adjustable polymer pads to isolate the joists on the waterproof membrane. The shims or pads make sure the membrane is not perforated and still allows drainage of the rainwater.

The installation

The space between the deck boards

The spacing between the deck boards depends on the moisture content in the decks and the height of the deck. The average spacing is 4 to 6 mm for a terrace height of 10 cm

Alignment

It is essential to treat the alignment of the first deck boards row. For this we will use a masonry cord. Check the alignment every 7 boards.

Use a thermal bridge

It is important to provide space between the decking boards and the support beams. This way, you ensure sufficient air circulation, allowing the rainwater left behind to dry out. For this purpose, use Hapax D-Pro, Hapax Fixing Pro, etc.

Fixing with screws

Choise of screws

Preferably, use screws designed for decking. These decking screws offer the best performance for use with your decking boards. In addition, it is important to choose the correct screw length. It is best to choose a decking screw that has a length of 2 times the thickness of your deck boards. It goes without saying that it is better to choose a longer screw than one that is too short. For fastening decking in hardwood, we recommend screws with diameter ≥ 5mm.

Screwing instructions

The screw must be placed at least 2,5 cm from the edge of the decking boards.

Finishing

For a perfect finish, we recommend pre-drilling the decking boards. This pre-drilling is imperative for hardwood screws with a density of 850 kg/m3. Also keep in mind the alignment of the screws. At this time, the Hapax G-Deck tool will come in handy.

Hidden fastener

Hapax Fixing Pro

See the installation guide included in the package.

The finishing

Installatie terras 5

General rules

Alignment between the deck boards

The decks should be aligned perfectly. They will have the same width and regular spacing.

The use of finishing decks

The finishing decks are used to hide the structure that hold the actual terrace. However, always make sure there is enough space for ventilation to protect the terrace from moisture. This finish gives the terrace a really professional look.

Sanding

The final sanding with 80 grit will eliminate any wood surface defects, such as oil stains, your pencil marks and splinters caused by sawing the decks

Maintenance

Remove moss and debris

Once a year, during the spring, you will have to apply maintenance to your wooden deck. Use a brush to wipe of all the moss and debris. Once you have done that, use your pressure cleaner to remove the remaining dirt and stains.

Preserve the natural colour of the deck

Over time, the beauty of a natural wood deck can lose its lustre as the UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun break down the wood’s structure. If the deck has taken on a dull grey look, the problem may be easier to fix than it looks. You can clean your wooden deck with soap and water or bleach, or any other commercial powder or liquid concentrates on the market. This should solve the problem. After cleaning the deck, you can apply a finish that contains UV blockers and a pigment to keep the UV rays from turning the deck grey again.

Discover the full Hapax range

Terrace systems

Discover different solutions for building your terrace, practical tools and manuals.

More about the terrace systems

Wedges

Indispensable when installing windows, terraces and other wooden structures.

More about wedges

Hapax screws

High-quality and patented screws that excel in ease of use and finish quality.

More about Hapax screws

Handige gereedschappen

Hapax Tool

With this tool you can effortlessly straighten and tighten the boards of your deck during assembly.

First aid for warped boards.
Are your boards slightly warped? Then it is best to use an auxiliary tool to clamp the boards in the correct place. For this you can use our Hapax Tool.

Optimal force transfer

The Hapax Tool can be used to clamp boards. When you apply a force of 20kg to the handle, this results in a force of 85kg.

Hapax Tool

Hapax G-Deck

G-deck ensures easy installation and precise alignment of the screws.

Accurate work with the G-deck

If you opt for a fixing system in which the screws remain visible, you should use the G-deck attachment. The G-deck attachment ensures that you always maintain the same predrilling
depth and that you always mount the screws in line.

Adjustable from 90 to 200 mm

The attachment is suitable for boards of different widths. This can range from 90 to 200 mm.
In addition, the countersink drill bit (ø 4mm) that is included ensures that the wood is provided with a countersink space in which the head of the screw fits neatly.

G-Deck

Insulation pads

Increases stability and protects the substructure

Durability and comfort

The insulation pads in recycled EPDM, a durable material that’s weatherproof and does not rot, are suitable for use on a flat surface. They eliminate small differences in the surface and contribute to maintaining the stability and durability of the substructure. In addition, they help to reduce creaking noises and increase walking comfort

Insulation pads in EPDM | Insulation pads in recycled rubber

Hapax Spacer

Ideal for maintaining the selected joint width

Differne joint widths in 1 handy tool

With the handy Hapax spacer you can efficiently maintain the selected joint width between your deck boards. The Hapax spacer allows you to choose a joint width that ranges from a minimum of 4 mm to a maximum of 7 mm. Each blister pack contains 3 spacers.

Hapax Spacer