Here are some examples of different decking designs. Unlike wood, Trex composite decking won't: ROT, WARP OR SPLINTER. Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. 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. 1/8-inch Can dogs scratch Trex decking? Composite Deck Profiles & Measurements. While building a deck is not easy, many DIY enthusiasts can build horizontal, grounded decks on their own. Don’t fret if your Trex decking is damaged, since you can fix small chips or replace a board if you need to. Since most composite products aren’t as inflexible as their wood counterparts, they don’t hide imperfections in the framing quite as well. If you plan to install your decking at a 45-degree angle, your joists may need to be 12 inches apart. Following the proper gapping will ensure that your deck looks great year after year. The framework for a deck should be laid onto concrete foundations rather than directly onto the soil. It is important to leave gaps between boards when installing your composite decking, but the size of the gap you choose can vary. This covers the different materials available and some of the extra accessories that you may or may not need, depending on your decking structure. 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. Going more than a ¼” may get a little too wide. Attach the stainless steel starter clip to the end of the WPC joist before starting to lay your Cladco decking boards. 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. 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. First, it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner, safer, and less prone to moisture problems. Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. 102 mm. Remember to ensure the correct joist spacing dependant on the design you choose: Preparing the area. This can sometimes cause an uneven surface. Decomposed first generation Trex decking. Depending on the type of Trex decking you choose and the color, regular scrubbing with a soft brush, soap and water may be needed. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex decking boards. Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. 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. These come with scratch pads and wax, but you can buy the products separately too. Lay a deck fabric over the earth to prevent weeds growing up through the deck. Or do you want decking for your hot tub or pool? Moving furniture or even dogs playing on the deck can cause … You must gap Trex® decking, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Make sure to stagger the butt ends of each course throughout the deck. Composite decking is soft and easily scratched. Keeping this in consideration, how do you repair scratches on Trex decking? Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. If you're conscious about the environment, Trex decking is constructed from 95% recycled materials, a combination of reclaimed timber, plastic and sawdust. FADE OR STAIN. Expert Advice, Influencer Q&A with Tastemaker Evette Rios. If you’re planning to replace old wood decking with PVC or composite, measure the deck joist spacing first. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart, which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low-maintenance decking. Little details, big difference. 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. You can peg the fabric or weigh it down with concrete or paving slabs. 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