QA

Trex Decking How To Install

What is the proper spacing for Trex decking?

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 you screw down Trex 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 leave a gap between composite deck boards?

As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. There should always be a slight gap.

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.

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.”.

What fasteners to use with Trex?

Trex recommends the use of two screws per joist. 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. Muro T-Screw M-TX0300SEP listed above is approved for 2×6 decking (can also be used with standard 1″ (decking as listed above).

How far can Trex overhang?

» ALWAYS follow Trex-recommended gapping guidelines. » Maximum allowable perpendicular overhang for Trex is 102 mm. » All decks require air circulation to keep them dry and looking good. To improve air flow, leave openings under the decking or increase gapping to 10 mm.

How do you hide the edges of a composite deck?

Two widely practiced methods to hide those unfinished composite deck ends are 1) picture framing, and 2) trim boards.

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.

What is the correct way to lay decking boards?

What is the correct way to lay decking? Any decking board manufacturer or professional will tell you: “The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” The ridges are designed to allow for airflow, to stop moisture sitting in the ridge, and allow for a stronger structure.

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.

What is the best saw blade for cutting Trex decking?

Diablo’s TrexBlade is the only recommended composite decking by Trex Company when cutting composite decking materials. These new blades deliver maximum performance and highest quality of finish; making it a ‘must-have’ tool for both professionals and DIYers planning composite decking projects.

How far can a 5 4 deck Board Span?

Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches. If you will run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together.

Should a deck be perfectly level?

In a nutshell, the easy answer is this—no, your deck should never be level with your home. That’s because of the threat most feared by even the bravest DIYers and homeowners: water damage. If your deck or patio sits at the same height as your home, you’re making it easy for water to get inside and wreak havoc.

Do you pre-drill Trex?

Do I Need to Pre-Drill My Composite or Capstock 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.

How many Trex clips do I need?

You will need 0.75 clips for every lineal foot of decking. For example, 40 feet of decking would require 30 start clips. NOTE: When using hidden fasteners (both start and connector clips), one must be used on every joist. ° # of joists x # of decking boards = # of connector clips needed.