How to Bend Azek Cellular PVC Decking
Twist your decking like taffy.
Bendable man-made decking, such as cellular PVC materials, have opened the door to artistic deck designs. Not only do my customers like the lower maintenance requirements, longer lifespan and stain-resistant qualities, I like it because I can form it into any shape, creating unique works of deck art.
A freshly-heated piece of Azek is set down around a semi-circular form and allowed to cool. |
After cooling down, the deck board is released from the form and holds its shape perfectly. |
Here, an inlaid Celtic knot pattern transforms a simple L-shaped deck into a one-of-a-kind work of art. The weave goes down both legs of the L, with the knot design in the center. The weave pattern is mirrored in the overhead pergola.
In the gallery photos, you see the results. I use an HC99 Heat Forming Kit to prepare Azek decking for bending into a arcs. Part of this design was subsequently repeated on the pergola covering the deck.
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Beautiful lake view deck with Celtic knot inlay.
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Inlay close up shows the bendability of Azek's cellular PVC decking.
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View Comments
Kim, how much per heater? Does it work on Trex or Timbertec composite decking.
Can you show me your frame pattern for the curves.
I,ve curved Trexs and this looks alot better and easy to store the heaters.
Randy Calgary Alberta Canada
Where can I get this Heatcon system? Heatcon's own website has no info on this product (perhaps it is a different 'heatcon'). I've searched Amazon and various tool sites but come up blank.
Is it too new?
Thanks,
Tim, Oxford, PA
laughingcrow try this web address http://www.heatcon.com/industrial/heat-forming-kits/composite-decking/details/197/235/industrial/heat-forming-kits/decking-kits/hc99-300---heatcon-heat-forming-kit
Hope it helps and at the bottom it asks you if you want to request a quote.
Randy--
To create the form: On level ground, place 3 to 4 2x8x16 boards. Cover that with 4 sheets of plywood placed side by side, and attach. Cut out your desired radius of 2x material and attach it to the plywood. This creates the bending gig. Check the video for close-ups.
If a product has plastic in it, it can be bent.
I've had my Heatcon system for a while so you'd need to check their website (mentioned in rmp657's comment above) for prices.
--Kim
Kim, you truley are an artist! I would love to see some pictures of the framework that goes under your masterpieces. For example, the starburst is fabulous but I can't guess how to frame the support beneath it.
Kim,
After you set the board in the "jig" on the plywood, you rubbed the top surface, I guess to flatten everything even. Since the material was so soft at that point, were you not worried about damaging the surface "grain"?
Geof Narlee
Iv seen this done with Trex, a Large metal pipe, some plastic and a propane heater..but man, this seems like the way to go. This is amazing!
Iv seen this done with Trex, a Large metal pipe, some plastic and a propane heater..but man, this seems like the way to go. This is amazing!