Table of Contents
Can you put composite railing on wood deck?
Wood decks are often largely nailed together, but if you plan to use composite, make sure that you use screws designed for the composite material that you’ve chosen.
Can you put composite decking on top of wood decking?
In short, yes you can. You are more than capable of placing composite deck boards over existing wooden ones in order to save time and money from building an entirely new frame.
Can you cover an existing deck with composite?
Can You Place Composite Boards Directly On Top of Wood Boards? No; this is not a recommended practice. In many decking replacement jobs, joists end up being replaced, repaired or capped. This contact area should be limited only to the top of the joists, leaving most of the decking exposed on both sides.
How far apart are deck railing posts?
The structural integrity of the railing depends heavily on the posts that support the rail structure. These posts should be no farther apart than six feet on the flat deck and no farther apart than 5 1/2 feet on stairs. Your local building department might require closer post spacing for added rail strength.
How far apart should joists be for composite 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.
How do you finish composite decking edges?
Composite decking ends can be finished by picture framing, raised fascia board, painting the ends, attaching decking veneer, composite nosing strips, vinyl stair nosing cove, composite corner trim or plastic end caps. In short composite decking, ends must be hidden or blended into the look of the decking boards.
How tall should posts be for Trex railing?
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.
Can Trex railing be cut?
What do you use to cut Trex railing? Trex recommends using a miter saw with the Trex Blade or a carbide-tipped blade with 60 teeth or more.
Do you screw down composite decking?
The answer is yes for a solid composite decking (must be pre-drill and must check with manufacture). You can not drill or screw through a hollow composite deck as the screw will become loose and rise in time . Like the usual wooden decking boards, you can also screw down a solid composite decking.
Do you need a special saw blade to cut composite decking?
Table saw blades with a 7 to 9 inch diameter and few teeth are best for cutting composite decking. Blades made specifically for cutting composite decking usually have a tooth design that makes them unique from the other ones. The material that is going to be cut should be kept in mind when selecting a jigsaw blade.
What do you put under composite decking?
However, you will need a good base for the composite decking. Many use concrete flooring and concrete slabs for an even and stable base. Some also use adjustable pedestals. Using pressure-treated wood or composites will make a strong and durable frame.
Can you lay Trex over existing deck?
Resurfacing your deck with trex® is easy to do, and the results are easy to love. If the boards on your existing deck are looking a bit worn – and the foundation and deck framing system are sound – you can simply replace the walking surfaces and deck railings with Trex decking and railing.
Can you put decking over existing deck?
Yes, you can place any decking over an existing wood decking, even composites. When placing materials over existing decking, the latter can directly affect the former. In the case of wooden decking, if the existing floors are old and rotting, the new materials on top will have their lifespan reduced.
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.
Can you turn decking over?
They are treated lumber.” You bet you can flip them. There’s no harm in doing so. While you’re at it, be sure to clean off any debris from the top of the support joists and check for rot at those locations.
Can composite deck screws be used on wood?
These screws are specially designed to eliminate the mushrooming and blemishes that can occur on composite materials. They are also an excellent choice for wood decks, where the top threads work to pull down and hold warped lumber and lock the boards together.
Can you put deck boards over plywood?
You can put deck boards over plywood. After setting in place your floor joists, install your plywood decking as the base and follow up with composite decking over the plywood. Laying plywood sheet before you fix your deck surface distributes the weight evenly providing a sturdier deck.
How long do composite decks last?
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.
Can you mix wood and composite decking?
In using a mix of wood and composite for your deck, you will need different fasteners. For wood, they are nailed together most of the time, while composite uses screws, and PVC also requires glue for connections. Make sure that you will use the correct fastener for the type of material you have chosen to work on.
