Handling and storage

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Important: Always inspect Plantation

™

 Porch Flooring 

(PLANTATION) for condition and suitability for use prior  

to installation. Do not install Plantation

™

 Porch Flooring  

 

if suitability or condition is in question. Contact supplier 

immediately.

1.  Always keep PLANTATION clean and dry prior to  

installation.

2.  Protect all exposed edges from damage during 

 

handling and storage.

3.  Store PLANTATION on flat surface with adequate  

uniform supports. 

4.  Do not stack heavy loads on top during storage or 

transportation.

 

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY 

CAUSE DEFORMITY OF PRODUCT

PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

Note:  Plantation

™

 Porch Flooring is intended for use on 

covered patios. This product is two-sided and can be 

used with either side showing.

1.  Confirm that porch sub-structure is in compliance  

with all local building codes prior to installation of 

PLANTATION. 

2.  In the case of remodeling installation, a building  

inspector, architect, or engineer should inspect  

all framing for structural integrity, decay, or other 

issues that would compromise the installation.

3.  Confirm that framing slopes away from building 

1/4” per foot of to promote proper run-off and 

drainage of water.

4.  Confirm maximum joist spacing:  

    90°- 16”O.C. (See Note Below); 45°-10” O.C.;    

<45°-8” O.C.; Stair stringers 10”

5.  Confirm evenness of joists, (no crowns /high spots 

or hollows/low spots), that would cause an uneven 

appearance in the finished floor. Shim flooring or 

plane joists where necessary.

6.  Proper ventilation under the porch should be  

provided in accordance with accepted construction 

practices for outdoor structures. Consult an  

architect or engineer for recommendations.  

Failure to provide adequate ventilation can result  

in damage or failure of the supporting structure.

7.  Confirm that all foundation supports are 

constructed according to accepted construction 

methods for outdoor structures. Consult an 

architect or engineer for recommendations. Failure 

to follow accepted procedures can cause settling 

or heaving. Settling or heaving may disrupt or 

deform the finished floor and compromise the 

supporting structure.

NOTE: Plantation Porch Flooring has 

been successfully tested and meets 

the requirements of the International 

Residential Code. In some instances it may 

be desirable to have a firmer feel underfoot. 

In these cases, and for all commercial end 

use applications, the joist spacing should 

be reduced to 12” O. C.

FASTENERS

1.  All fasteners should be high quality stainless steel 

(typical 305 grade, 316 grade stainless for coastal 

salt water applications).

2.  Minimum size- use #7 x 2” stainless steel, trim 

head deck screw with #17 drill point.

3.  Use of flooring nails (barbed/serrated cleat or “T”) is 

not recommended due to the lack of a continuous 

plywood sub-floor.

ADHESIVES

1.  A premium grade exterior construction adhesive 

compatible with PVC is recommended. Always confirm 

suitability with manufacturer before use.

INSTALLATION

1.  Align first board perpendicular to building allowing for 

a ½” gap at the wall. This space is necessary to allow 

for any movement in the framing caused by moisture 

change or movement in the flooring related to   

temperature change. Rip the grooved edge off of  

the starter board prior to installing.

2.  Use construction adhesive at all points of contact  

with joists to prevent squeaking of finished floor. The 

adhesive must be compatible with PVC material. Mark 

location and remove board to apply construction  

adhesive to the joists.

3.  Replace board and fasten at each joist, driving fastener 

30 to 45 degrees off vertical through the area of the 

board where the top of the tongue meets the board and 

into each respective joist. Board should be tight to joist. 

Be sure to drive fastener deep enough that it does not 

interfere with installation of next board.  The “fastener 

head recess” will aid in determining correct depth of 

countersink. (Cut a short piece of porch scrap and butt 

up to the installed piece to check for clearance).

KOMA

®

 PLANTATION

™

 PORCH 

FLOORING INSTALLATION AND 

HANDLING GUIDELINES

4.  The ends of Plantation™ Porch Flooring should not 

overhang framing more than 1 inch.

5.  Verify alignment of first piece before continuing.

6.  At each joist, apply adhesive (one board width).    

7.  Fit next board with groove edge facing installed board. 

Boards should be tight (DO NOT leave space). Fasten at 

each joist.

8.  Repeat steps 6 & 7 for each additional board to be 

installed.

9.  If last board is to have exposed edge rip tongue off 

before installing. Edge of board should not overhang 

finished framing more than 1 inch.

STAIRS

1.  Plantation

™

 Porch Flooring can be used for stair treads. 

Stringers should be spaced a maximum of 10” O.C.

2.  Use the same fastening and adhesive guidelines as 

previously described in the INSTALLATION section of 

this guide.

PAINTING

Note:  Painting is not required.  

 

1.  Plantation

™

 Porch Flooring can be painted with a  

quality latex porch paint. (Do not use oil base paint.)

2.  Priming is not necessary unless specified by paint 

manufacturer. Always follow paint manufacturer’s  

recommendations.

MAINTENANCE

NOTE: Over time, mold and mildew present in the  

 

environment may cause discoloration on the surface  

of PLANTATION. This is not a manufacturing defect 

and will not compromise the structural integrity of 

PLANTATION. However, staining may occur if left  

untreated for an extended period. It’s recommended 

that the surface be cleaned as soon as mold or mildew 

are detected to minimize this naturally occurring staining.

 

Grease, mud, bird droppings, pet droppings, urine,  

or other contaminants may stain PLANTATION. If  

exposed to any of the above it is recommended to 

clean the surface immediately to minimize staining.  

Environmental stains are not a manufacturing defect.  

A quality deck cleaner compatible with PVC is  

recommended. Please be sure to follow directions 

provided by manufacturer of cleaner.  If you are unsure 

of cleaner compatibility, test cleaner on PLANTATION 

in an inconspicuous area.

1.  Periodic cleaning will remove most of the environ-

mental contaminants (dust, dirt, pollens) that building 

materials are subjected to under normal conditions. 

Commercially produced deck cleaners compatible  

with PVC can also be used. Always follow    

manufacturer’s directions.

2.  Plantation

™

 Porch Flooring that has not been painted 

can be lightly sanded to clean and renew the surface. 

Use 120 grit paper or screen, cleaning often. A sanding 

pole will make sanding easier. 

3.  For cleaning Plantation

™

 Porch Flooring that has been 

painted refer to paint manufacturer’s directions.

If you have additional questions please contact    

our  technical service manager at 800.330.2239,   

 

komabuildingproducts.com.  

komabuildingproducts.com

3402 Stanwood Boulevard

Huntsville, AL 35811

1.800.330.2239

A Division of Kommerling USA

PPFHG 0214/10M

Made in the USA