Composite Landscape Paver Installation Instructions

Application: Ground Landscape (e.g. driveway, parking lot, walkway, patio)

Read First!

 ATTENTION

Please completely read the following instructions and pay spectial attention to the following items:

The VAST® Composite Deck Pavers are designed to make installations quick, safe and maintenance free.

 IMPORTANT: VAST deck pavers are a luxurious, maintenance free covering that installs to an existing or new deck sub-floor. VAST is not a structural replacement for deck surfaces. For more information, see the Deck Sub-Structure Requirements section below.

  • Safety glasses, Gloves, Ear Plugs
  • 10" power Mitre saw
  • 10" 24-tooth carbide tipped woodripping blade (teflon or other coating recommended)
  • Recommended blade: Freud D1024X Diablo 10" 24-tooth ATB ripping saw blade with 5/8" Arbor and Permashield Coating
  • Broom
  • Screwgun
  • 1 1/2" decking screws
  • 2 1/2" decking screws
  • Adhesive
  • Recommended adhesives: PL Landscape Block Low VOC Adhesive, PL 375 Low VOC Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
  • Adhesive caulking gun
  • Edging material (e.g., 2"x2" cedar trim)

NOTE: VAST Composite Deck Pavers allow for any standard rectilinear shaped patterns

Calculate Square-Footage
Measure the dimensions of your deck and calculate the total square footage. Be sure to add 5% to the measured square footage to allow for scrap and to have a few extras on hand in case of future damage.

Calculate Amount of VAST Product Required

Select Product:

Project Square Footage:   

Required Number of VAST Units:

(Does not include extra product for overage, scrap or cutting)

Calculate Amount of VAST Product Required

Select Product:

  • 3"x6" Composite Deck Pavers (each unit includes: (8) pavers, (1) 11.8"x11.8" grid)

Calculate Project in Square Inches = 144 x Project Square Footage

Calculate Grid in Square Inces = Grid Width x Grid Length (ex. 11.8 x 11.8 = 139.24)

Calculate Number of VAST Units Required = (Project Square Inches) / (Grid Square Inches)

(Does not include extra product for overage, scrap or cutting)

Choose Pattern
VAST pavers can be installed in a multitude of different patterns and combinations. Designs can include small and large repeating patterns. Some example patterns are provided below:

Herringbone Pattern Basketweave Pattern Stretcher Bond Pattern
Herringbone Basketweave Stretcher Bond

 IMPORTANT: Regardless of the pattern, make sure that each installation grid is connected to each other with at least one paver from each adjacent grid. This will help lock the installation into location and limit separation of the grids over time. If there is a section where grid sections are not interlocked with each other, fasten each grid to the sub-structure using 1 1/2" decking screws.

Pick Colors
VAST Composite Deck Pavers come in a variety of colors that can be used by themselves or combined to create unique color blends. To help select the colors for your project, check out the following resources:

 Composite Deck Paver Color Options
 Deck Photo Gallery

 IMPORTANT: The VAST Composite Deck Paver System is designed to be a deck covering that is installed over an existing structural deck surface. The VAST Composite Deck Paver System is NOT a structural replacement for deck surfaces, and therefore, should NEVER be used as a replacement for structural deck members.

Sturdy Sub-Structure
VAST Composite Deck Paver Systems are to be installed over structural wood, aluminum, or composite lumber boards. Before installing the Deck Paver System be sure to verify that the structural boards meet the following specifications:

  • The boards are structurally sound and meet all local, regional, and state codes pertaining to the application.
  • The boards are made from rot / mildew resistant materials (e.g., pressure treated lumber, aluminum, high-quality composite lumber, etc.). NOTE: decks that are exposed to repeated heavy rainfall, or extensive shade, should consider applying a coat of water sealant to the structural boards prior to installing the VAST Composite Deck Paving System.
  • The deck surface is flat (i.e., no twisted or bowed boards) and has no protruding or loose fasteners.
  • The deck surface has adequate drainage gaps between the top surface boards, thus allowing rain water to flow between the boards.
  • The house entry / exit threshold is at least 1 3/4" above the top of the existing structural deck boards. NOTE: The 1 3/4" threshold to structural board surface offset is to allow for the height of the Deck Paver System.

Follow all cutting recommendations and techniques. Learn More

Cut a Single Paver

  • Use a 10" power mitre saw with proper blade (see Equipment Needed)
  • Cut pavers individually using a spare grid to hold it in place
  • Do not force the cut, but allow the blade to do the work
  • Force cutting results in unwanted melting of the product, excessive smoke and gumming/binding of the saw blade
  • Clean any melted debris from the blade using brake fluid or other solvent cleaner

Cut a Single Grid

  • Use a 10" power mitre saw or 10" table saw with proper blade (see Equipment Needed)
  • Do not force the cut, but allow the blade to do the work
  • Force cutting results in unwanted melting of the product, excessive smoke and gumming/binding of the saw blade
  • Clean any melted debris from the blade using brake fluid or other solvent cleaner

 IMPORTANT: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, GLOVES, AND EAR PLUGS WHEN TRIMMING PAVERS OR GRIDS. Obey all safety and operational instructions that came with your mitre saw.

Pick a Starting Point
Picking the right starting point will make your installation quicker and easier.

  • Start off of any existing structure (building or other paved surface) that the installation will touch.
  • Select a starting point that will avoid working yourself into a corner and make for less fitting (cutting) against any structure.

Install Grid

  • Lay one row of grids along the existing structure starting at one end of the deck.
  • Fasten the row of grids to the decking boards using the 1 1/2" decking screws. Use four screws per grid. Screws should be driven through the grids and not through grid drainage holes as this will provide a better grid retention and not interfere with water drainage.
  • Working from one end of the deck and the adjacent structure, set 5-10 square-feet of grids down on the boards. NOTE: It is not necessary to screw every grid to the deck boards.
  • Begin to lay pavers in desired pattern over the grids. See Install Deck Pavers section below for tips.
  • When you reach the end of the deck you may find that a full grid overlaps the edge of the deck. In this case, cut the grid to the paver width dimension that most closely fits the available space without extending beyound the deck edge.
  • Before placing pavers on the perimeter grids, you may want to screw the grids to the deck boards to add to the systems rigidity. If you choose to fasten perimeter grids to the deck surface, be sure that the grids are snugly paced next to each other prior to fastening - this will ensure that you do not have loose pavers.

 IMPORTANT: ALWAYS fasten grids with deck screws if installed on steps. Be sure to fasten each grid at all four corners, preferably 2" from sides.

Install Deck Pavers

  • After grids have been installed, place pavers in desired pattern over the grids.
  • If installing a pattern that requires pavers to be cut, wait until after installing edging / border before cutting pavers.
  • Although not required, some installers prefer to use a construction adhesive to adhere the pavers to the grids in areas where there is high traffic. Use a 1/8" caulk line on every grid rib in one direction (i.e., you only need to place adhesive on 4 of the 8 grid ribs).

 IMPORTANT: ALWAYS use adhesive for paver and grid system if installed on steps.

VAST Deck Pavers can be installed on steps in the same manner as done with the deck surface; however, some additional installation measures must be taken to ensure a safe and robust installation:

  • ALWAYS secure grids to stairs using deck screws. A minimum of 4 screws (at the corners) should be used for each grid.
  • ALWAYS use adhesives to secure pavers to grid.
  • ALWAYS install a securely fastened border around each stairway tread.
  • After pavers have been installed, edge the sides that are not butted up against the building. This can be done with a variety of materials; however, most installers prefer to use a 2"x2" (1 3/4" x 1 3/4" actual dimensions) cedar strips.
  • Edging should be placed flush against the side pavers so as to frame the system and provide an attractive border around the paver system.

 IMPORTANT: ALWAYS secure borders with both an adhesive and fasteners when installing the grid and paver system on steps.

Sealing of VAST Composite Landscape Pavers is not required. In some cases, conventional sealers may leave an unwanted haze on the surface. Use of a sealer is not recommended and will cause your warranty to be void. Contact us any time if you have questions.

Most stains, bird droppings, etc. can be cleaned using a garden hose. Tougher, embedded debris can be cleaned usinga high pressure sprayer and a mild detergent (similar to that used for cleaning your car). NOTE: Be careful when using a high pressure sprayer so as to not "etch" the paver surface or cause the pavers to dislodge.

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VAST Enterprises, LLC
1828 Marshall St NE Ste 15A
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 234-8958