Can I do a Trex deck myself?
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.
How do you start a Trex deck?
6 Steps For Decking Installation
- Protect your substructure. Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. …
- Cut your boards. …
- Choose your layout. …
- Hide your screws. …
- Tighten as you go. …
- Cover the decking edges.
What is the best way to install Trex decking?
Do you screw or nail Trex decking?
You can screw or nail composite decking boards just like wood ones. Three-inch decking screws are the best fastener choice; they sink a secure distance into the joists and won’t back out like nails. There’s little danger of splitting the boards when driving them, so you don’t need to pre-drill.
What is the spacing between Trex deck boards?
Important points about gapping 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.
Can I DIY composite deck?
Build Decks Using Composite and Other Low-Upkeep Materials You can build yourself a low-maintenance deck using the same tools and similar techniques as you would a wood deck. And most parts of a deck are now available in composite material.
Do you leave a gap between composite deck boards?
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).
How do you finish the edges of Trex decking?
Can 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. It is better to design a composite deck with intentional design elements to avoid staggering boards for a wider composite deck.
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.
Do you need to seal cut ends of composite decking?
Sealing the ends with lumber wax will help prevent moisture absorption. 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.
Does Trex decking expand and contract?
Yes, composite decking materials expand and contract in all directions, but not as much as real wood. Composites are resistant to moisture. Instead, they change in size due to temperature. It will expand when under a hot temperature while contracting in the cold.
Do you have to pre drill Trex decking?
In the past, no matter what type of deck board you were installing, the answer to this question would indefinitely be yes. However, with advancements in fastener technology, pre-drilling in most composite and capstock deck boards is no longer necessary.
What fasteners to use with Trex?
Trex recommends the use of two screws per joist. All recommended screws are designed to be installed flush with decking surface. DO NOT countersink screws. Use recommended stainless steel screws in any areas near bodies of saltwater. 2-3/4" or 3" screws can be used with Trex 2×6 product.
How do you hide the ends of a composite deck?
The question is, how do you hide the ends of composite 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.
Do you need a special saw blade to cut composite decking?
Cutting composite decking is similar to cutting normal lumber; it just requires special saw blades. So when cutting composite decking, it is advisable to use saw blades that are convenient and flexible for cutting. The saw blades must also be sharp.
How far can Trex deck span?
Trex Signature railing and Rod Rail are made to be installed at maximum 6′ or 8′ CLEAR SPAN BETWEEN POSTS. » Determine post locations prior to installing any decking.
What temperature should Trex decking be installed?
» For best results, the Trex Protect Tape should be installed when temperatures are 50˚F or greater. » If installing in cold weather or when joists are wet, staple Trex Protect to hold it in place while attaching the deck boards.
How much does a 20×20 composite deck cost?
Composite Decking Cost Per Square Foot
| Composite Deck Quality | Cost Per Square Foot Installed | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Composite Deck | $20 | $5,821 |
| National Average Cost | $28 | $8,064 |
| Premium Composite Deck | $38 | $10,826 |
How much does it cost to build a 20×20 deck?
The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.
How long does it take to install Trex decking?
Yes, with the easy to follow instructions that come with the Trex® RainEscape® system, a pair of scissors, utility knife, staple gun and caulking gun are all you need to install the Trex RainEscape system in one or two hours on most decks.
How much overhang should a Trex deck have?
Trex is a popular composite material with a maximum overhang of 102mm or around 4 inches. Between one and two inches of deck board overhang is ideal when you attach an outer fascia board, or at least 1 ¾” to 2 ¾” of overhang before installing the fascia.
What is the joist spacing for Trex?
Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a maximum joist spacing of 16 inches OC.
What are the problems with composite decking?
Composite decking has a high rate of expansion and contraction due to temperature swings. It actually moves greater distances and more unexpectedly than traditional wood. When the boards expand and contract, they may split, delaminate, and peel. The movement can cause your decking to shrink, warp, twist, and bend.
Do cut ends of Trex need to be sealed?
You won’t ever need to seal or stain the deck, and you certainly don’t have to (and shouldn’t) paint it. And since Trex is a composite material, you don’t have to carry out long-term maintenance such as replacing rotted deck boards.
How do you hide grooves in Trex decking?
Should deck boards overhang fascia?
A one to two inch overhang beyond the outer fascia board is sufficient. This means the installed deck boards should have at least 1.75 to 2.75” overhang before the fascia is installed.
Why is my composite deck warping?
Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.
Should you butt deck boards together?
There is no reason to put a gap between the ends (also known as butt ends or butt joints) of wood deck boards. Wood, both softwood and hardwood, is dimensionally stable in length regardless of temperature, humidity or moisture content. Keep the butt ends as tight as possible when installing wood decking.
Where do you start deck boards?
In most cases, it’s best to start with a full board on the outside edge of the deck and work toward the house so the odd board is less visible. Then measure when you’re 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width.
How do you screw down composite decking?
Can you lay Trex directly on concrete?
Can composite decking (such as Trex) be installed over concrete? Yes. In most cases you can lay composite decking over concrete (keeping in mind you’ll have to build a substructure that allows airflow and drainage).
Can you install Trex over plywood?
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.
How do I install Trex fascia?
Can you use Thompson water Seal on composite deck?
Thompson’s®WaterSeal® offers a complete line of wood & deck cleaners that help remove mildew stains, dust, dirt, oil, soot, grease or other contaminants from wood, composite and other outdoor surfaces.
Does Trex decking need maintenance?
Trex decking requires far lower maintenance than wood decking, but does require some maintenance to keep it looking good throughout the years, much like washing your car. For early generation composite decking (Trex Accents), periodic cleaning with a deck wash is required.
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