Drilling Tuff deck

[jamesknox]

Can someone help please. I have to cut my Tuff form Deck (something that it is claimed possible) however once cut the pre-drilled fixing holes are gone. Can I re-drill new ones to make sure that the NEW perimeter of the deck is firmly fixed? If so is there any particular advice you can give? Thanks in advance

 

[Ian]

Funnily enough, I've just fitted one today. Mine needed to be trimmed, once done I drilled holes back in around the edges using a 5mm wood drill bit and then used a countersink so that the screws were flush with the surface when fitted. Also on the edge(s) that I had trimmed I put some plastic packers underneath for extra support.

 

[jamesknox]

I need to cut further in so into where the 'honeycomb ribbing' form the underside not the more solid edge. The sec says that it's possible to cut within 150mm of the drain hole, well I'm not going that close but the new edge will be closer in than the currently pre-drilled edge.

It's not like I have an option so one way or another I'll have to fix the new edge but it would be good to hear from someone who has done it or knowledge of how best to deal with it. Thanks though, at least I know that it's possible to drill into the tray without damaging it.

 

[jamesknox]

Just re-read your post and I've assumed you didn't cut as deeply as I need but on reflection that may not have been the case. Sorry but DID you just trim the solid edge or go deeper as I have to? Thanks

 

[Ian]

What I would say is, if you have to trim it by 100mm (for example), take 50mm off each side so that the balance of the tray is still there, keeping the falls to the drain equal from each side.

 

[jamesknox]

but drilling and countersinking into the less substantial part of the tray is still possible?

 

[Ian]

Yes, just make sure it is adequately supported and kept level. Like I mentioned before, I used plastic packers (like the ones window fitters use) along the cut edges before screwing.

 

[jamesknox]

Great good to know how you managed. Appreciated

 

[Ian]

Forgot to ask, what substrate are you fixing to?

 

[jamesknox]

Fixing straight onto joists but well strengthened, actually over strengthened and with the required support around the drain.