Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. Go to www.trex.com for Safety Data Sheets (SDS). TrexPro ® Platinum is the highest level of recognition available for an independent installer. Trex Decking. This can sometimes cause an uneven surface. If you plan to install your decking at a 45-degree angle, your joists may need to be 12 inches apart. How do you use your Trex deck? Slip the pointed end of a 6-penny or 8-penny nail between the two courses so that the head of the nail rests on the surface of the decking material; this will create a 1/8-inch gap between the boards. Composite Deck Profiles & Measurements. TimberTech PRO™ and TimberTech EDGE™ boards must be a minimum of 1/8” to a maximum of 3/16” deck board spacing. Unlike wood, Trex composite decking won't: ROT, WARP OR SPLINTER. Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. FADE OR STAIN. 1 Box covers 50 square feet and 1 Bucket can cover 500 square feet. 2x6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Treat all cut surfaces and drill holes with two coats of preservative. Attach the stainless steel starter clip to the end of the WPC joist before starting to lay your Cladco decking boards. If you do, you could save thousands in the process. SEE THE ADVANTAGES. Deck Tours Tour Trex At HGTV® Dream Home Through The Years. Here are some examples of different decking designs. We would advise that you plan your deck to fit only whole deck boards, to avoid having to cut a deck board lengthways to fill a gap. Description. We host dinner parties, sit around the fireplace, enjoy a glass of wine, sip on morning coffee, relax in the hot tub, and catch sun rays while sitting on the lounge chairs. Step 1. BECOME FOOD FOR TERMITES. We’ve talked about how to fix blackened timber decking in our blog post Wooden Decking Stains, Treatments & Oils: Part 2 – Problems & Cures. You can lay down concrete for this but it's easier to use concrete paving slabs. TREXPRO ® Platinum Deck Installer. The deck has literally become a new addition to our home that we spend so much time on during the warmer months of the year. One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have at least a 1/8-inch gap between the decking boards. Trex decking and railing are heavier and more flexible than wood. Do it right. It's resistant to rot, wrapping, and never needs to be sanded or sealed. Expert Advice, Influencer Q&A with Tastemaker Evette Rios. Remember to ensure the correct joist spacing dependant on the design you choose: Preparing the area. As long as the space left is big enough for adequate drainage and board expansion in the heat, and the gaps are exactly the same size to give a uniform finish, the gap size is an aesthetic decision. Download SKU PDF . Another reason for gapping is to account for the shrinkage of the pressure-treated joists. Colors. Trex Hideaway Hidden Deck Fastening System: This ¼” self-spacing connector clip with 1-5/8” screws is designed to install between Trex grooved composite decking boards. Keeping this in consideration, how do you repair scratches on Trex decking? We use our Trex deck to entertain friends and family. If you are installing composite decking over an existing frame, you may need to install new intermediate joists or stair stringers to meet the installation requirements. Start by measuring and marking out the decking area using pegs and a string … The width of a nail head is just about right. You must gap Trex® decking, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Composite decking such as Trex can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish. NEED SEASONAL PAINTING, SEALING OR STAINING. Design options. Give it Dry Time – If you have the time and a place to keep the wood out of the elements, give it two or three weeks to dry out before installing. Make sure to stagger the butt ends of each course throughout the deck. If you're conscious about the environment, Trex decking is constructed from 95% recycled materials, a combination of reclaimed timber, plastic and sawdust. Congratulations! The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when … Little details, big difference. To accommodate for this potential thermal movement: Allow a 30mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the deck giving consideration to all walls, posts and other obstacles. 102 mm. The framework for a deck should be laid onto concrete foundations rather than directly onto the soil. TOOLS SAWS Miter Saw: When using a miter saw we recommend using the Trex Blade™ or a carbide-tipped blade with 60 teeth or more. It seems that under some conditions the coating seal … Wood Composite deck boards are subject to expansion and contraction when exposed to variations in temperature. This covers the different materials available and some of the extra accessories that you may or may not need, depending on your decking structure. Install Composite Decking: Part 1 - Lowe's - Similar to Install Composite Decking: Part 1 - Lowe's If your deck is looking weathered and worn, you can replace components with sound, you can remove all the treated lumber materials and leave the framework intact. Decomposed first generation Trex decking. Pressure-treated lumber is typically installed without a gap since the boards will shrink when they dry, creating the appropriate spacing. Find A Decking Contractor. When using Trex decking without the grooved edge, a router bit will be needed to create a groove at each joist. You can peg the fabric or weigh it down with concrete or paving slabs. Does Trex decking warp? Decking. Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Knowing what you want to use your decking for will determine everything from location to what type of deck boards you should choose. First, it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner, safer, and less prone to moisture problems. Don’t fret if your Trex decking is damaged, since you can fix small chips or replace a board if you need to. For TimberTech AZEK® Decking it’s recommended to have a minimum 1/8” to 1/4” side-to-side gap between deck boards. 1/8-inch Can dogs scratch Trex decking? TrexPro ® Platinum deck installers are the leading TrexPros in their markets, with demonstrated ability and expertise to design and build outdoor living projects with Trex, ranging from the simple to the most complex. This will ensure that the deck is built to last. Starter clips allow you to start and finish your decking precisely where you want, meaning you wont have a large gap when fitting against a wall of fence. Following the proper gapping will ensure that your deck looks great year after year. Some brands, like WearDeck , let you get away with more – reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom, WearDeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches OC. Trex decking must be gapped, both end-to-end and width-to-width. The biggest thing to pay attention to is the gap spacing at the end of the boards since you’ll want to space the board ends closer to each other on a hot day, and a little farther apart on a cold day so there will be room for expansion and contraction. A: No special tools are required when using Trex grooved edge deck boards, just a drill with screw drive bit and a standard framing hammer. Installing Trex wasn’t any harder than screwing on timber boards, and I really like how you don’t see screw holes with the hidden fasteners. If you’re planning to replace old wood decking with PVC or composite, measure the deck joist spacing first. Since most composite products aren’t as inflexible as their wood counterparts, they don’t hide imperfections in the framing quite as well. Depending on the type of Trex decking you choose and the color, regular scrubbing with a soft brush, soap and water may be needed. Composite decking is soft and easily scratched. The gap between decking and wall only needs to be big enough to allow timber to swell and shrink through weathering, however if the decking is covering your air bricks this may cause problems as the decking should be no higher than 2 bricks below damp corse, in some cases it's okay to go higher dependant on the deck frame structure. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. Gapping is necessary to facilitate drainage and for the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex. Check out our buyer's guide to decking. While composite decking may require less maintenance than wood, it has a variety of drawbacks. Q: What size gap between the boards? This space is important for two reasons. These come with scratch pads and wax, but you can buy the products separately too. Ideas. How-To Americana Deck Ideas Inspired by the HGTV® Dream Home 2021. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. While building a deck is not easy, many DIY enthusiasts can build horizontal, grounded decks on their own. ... What is the gap between composite decking boards? Or do you want decking for your hot tub or pool? Going more than a ¼” may get a little too wide. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart, which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low-maintenance decking. Decking; Railing; Ada Handrail; Lighting; Product. One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have a 1/4-inch to 3/16-inch gap between the decking boards (don’t exceed 1/2 inch). Moving furniture or even dogs playing on the deck can cause … If you are using composite decking no gap is needed because they do not absorb moisture.... [ Contact US] Composite Decking: The Proper Gap Spacing For Your Deck . The decking should be at the same temperature as the area where it will be installed. The Sweet Spot – Most people agree that 3/16” is a good gap between boards. Examine the finer points on all that Trex® has to offer. 38 Related Question Answers Found How far can Trex overhang? Place the second course of decking next to the first course. For minor scratches, splits, or chips, buy a repair kit from a home supply store. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex decking boards. Do not sand your composite deck boards. Now that you know exactly how much lumber to purchase for your new deck, you’re ready to build the deck of … Just make sure you get the right colored wax for your deck. It is important to leave gaps between boards when installing your composite decking, but the size of the gap you choose can vary. An existing patio or concrete base can be used as a solid foundation for your composite decking. It’s a sign you’re heading for rotten decking, something you really need to stop in its tracks before it damages the timber beyond repair. DO NOT try to lift the same quantity of Trex boards as you would traditional lumber. Lay a deck fabric over the earth to prevent weeds growing up through the deck. Here you’ll find every detail on our products, from the width of a board to the length of a post sleeve–everything that makes Trex unlike anything else. Always use structural treated timber and screws designed specifically for the job. Plan accordingly based on how dry your decking is. Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. 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