QA

Quick Answer: How Is Trex Decking Installed

Is it hard to install Trex decking?

Trex® engineered composite decking to be as simple to install as it is to care for. And to make it even easier, we’ve compiled all the resources you need to build a DIY deck.

What is the gap between Trex boards?

All deck boards must always be installed with a 6mm side-to-side gap. The Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners automatically measure the 6mm gap between grooved edge boards but you must still ensure the 6mm gap with the square edge boards.

Is Trex worth the price?

Trex is absolutely worth the money! It definitely has a positive impact on the home’s value compared to a traditional wood deck.

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

Cons of Composite Decking A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. Composites aren’t natural. Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. You’ll need to comparison shop.

How do you hide the ends of Trex decking?

There are several ways to go about it. Some of your options include picture framing, installing fascia boards, coating the ends with paint, using end caps and plugs, or edging your ground-level deck with stone.

How much does it cost to install a Trex deck?

Cost to Install Trex Decking The cost to install Trex ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot. For complete installations that include rails, stairs and framing, expect to spend anywhere from $15 to $35 per square foot for labor, permits and other installation costs.

Are Trex hidden fasteners worth it?

Hidden deck fasteners are a nice way to keep the surface of your deck looking clear and unencumbered. But they are not the right fastener for all decks. In fact, using hidden deck fasteners inappropriately is a formula for failure. Some deck projects require the stronger fastening power of face screws.

Do you need to slope a Trex deck?

“When installing Trex Porch Floorboards in a non-covered environment, the porch structure should be slightly sloped to help allow for proper drainage. Joists should be sloped 1/8″ per foot away from the house to facilitate drainage.”.

How far apart should joists be for Trex decking?

Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a maximum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. 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.

Should you stagger Trex decking?

Composite decking should not be staggered on a deck. Staggered decking requires butt joints, but composite decking expands and contracts with temperature changes making butt joints unsightly.

How many stringers Trex steps?

Composite deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 pressure-treated stringers spaced about 8 to 16 inches apart. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers. They have risers (also called toe kicks), treads and railings. Stairs should be at least 36 inches wide.

Can you install Trex with no gaps?

When installing in temperatures below 4.5°C, Trex recommends 10 mm gapping. For docks and heavily wooded areas, Trex recommends a 10 mm gap as well. No gapping should ever exceed 13 mm.

Is Trex hot in the sun?

Does Trex decking get hot on a sunny day? Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, wood decking, other brands of composite decking, etc., Trex decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure.

Is Trex decking slippery?

Trex decking is a low-maintenance decking solution that requires a fraction of the work of wood decks and is less likely to get slippery when wet. It still requires occasional attention to keep it looking its best, but you’ll be delighted with the finished results.

What are the problems with Trex decking?

Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. It seems that under some conditions the coating seal placed on Trex composite decking can fail, exposing it to the elements.

Does Trex warp in sun?

Composite decking is fade resistant, but it may fade over time in strong sunlight.

Can you put a gas fire pit on a Trex deck?

You should not place your fire pit directly on your composite decking. Trex decking can soften and become damaged at temperatures as low as 176F. A temperature barrier can be bricks, stone or ceramic tiles or fire mats.

Why is my composite deck wavy?

Flatten Joists to Avoid a Wavy Deck Most PVC and composite products aren’t as rigid as wood, so they don’t bridge imperfections in the framing as well. If some of your joists are higher than others, you might end up with a wavy surface.

How tall should Trex posts be?

Trex Post Mounts or Joist Mount Posts cannot be used with Enhance Cocktail railing. See instructions on page 2. 2. Mark and cut post and post sleeve measuring from deck surface: » 36-1/8″ (918 mm) for 36″ (914 mm) height. » 42-1/8″ (1070 mm) for 42″ (1067 mm) height.

How do you stagger Trex decking?

“Stagger your boards so their ends are in different spots.” Slide the next board in so it’s parallel to the first. The sliding motion is important, as you want the spacer to fit in the groove of this board, too. Basically, you’ll have two boards with the spacer between them.

Do you have to seal cut ends on composite decking?

Kim Katwijk The cut ends of composite decking will absorb moisture and can swell, as shown here. Sealing the end cuts with lumber wax will help prevent swelling. Because the uncapped ends of the boards are free to pick up water, the core can absorb moisture, which can lead to all sorts of problems.