About Subframes

ShadowDeck™ Decking Subframes

A ShadowDeck™ subframe is the structural layer that sits beneath your finished outdoor surface — the framework your decking, tiles, pavers, or turf are laid onto. Think of it as the foundation of your outdoor space: it's rarely seen once the project is finished, but it's what determines how well everything above it performs for years to come.

Why the Subframe Matters

The subframe is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of any outdoor build. A poorly designed or poorly installed subframe can lead to movement, pooling water, uneven settling, or premature failure of whatever surface sits on top, whether that's timber decking or a tiled patio. Getting the subframe right protects your investment and extends the life of the entire structure.

ShadowDeck™'s nail-free subframe system is engineered to provide a stable, level, long-lasting base — designed to work under a range of finishes, including timber decking, composite decking, tiles, pavers, and turf.

One Subframe, Multiple Finishes

Because ShadowDeck™ is built as a true subframe system rather than a decking-only product, it gives you flexibility in how you finish your outdoor area:

Timber or composite decking — fixed using the ShadowDeck™ nail-free fastener system for a clean, gap-free surface with no visible fixings.
Tiles or pavers — laid directly onto the subframe for a hard-wearing, low-maintenance patio-style finish.
Turf — installed over the subframe to create a soft, level lawn area, ideal for raised sections or areas over uneven ground.

This means you can specify one subframe solution across a project with mixed surface finishes, rather than sourcing different structural systems for each area.

Built for New Zealand Conditions

ShadowDeck™ subframes are designed with drainage, ventilation, and moisture management front of mind — key considerations for New Zealand's climate. Maintaining adequate clearance beneath the subframe helps prevent moisture build-up and supports the long-term stability of whatever finish is installed above it.

Suitable for a Range of Sites

ShadowDeck™ subframes can be installed over a range of ground conditions, including:

Existing concrete slabs or solid, level surfaces
Uneven or sloping ground, using an appropriate joist and support setup
Raised deck areas requiring ventilation clearance beneath the frame

For low-clearance or slab-mounted applications, or projects involving mixed finishes, contact us to talk through the right setup for your site.

Backed by a 10-Year Warranty

The ShadowDeck™ subframe system — including its structural components and fasteners — is covered by a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects, giving you confidence in the foundation of your project regardless of the finish you choose above it.

Built for DIYers and Trade Specifiers Alike

Whether you're a homeowner planning a weekend build or a builder, landscaper, or architect specifying for a client, ShadowDeck™ subframes are designed to be straightforward to install and specify. Technical specifications, span tables, and installation guides are available on request for trade and commercial projects.