If you want to reduce the hotness on your Trex decking, consider using lighter colored boards since they will be slightly cooler than the darker ones. Here is the breakdown of the fasteners and screws for your new composite deck. Moisture-resistance doesn't stop mold Composite decking is often sold as a close to a waterproof material as you can get. There are three main reasons that you need to leave gaps in your deck. Composite decking can mimic the look of natural wood. When a deck board needs to be cut and the next deck board will but up against it, it is a good idea to make the seam line up with the center of the post. RATHER WORK WITH A CONTRACTOR?We have your back. For this reason, most manufacturers opt to give a matching paint. You can also include your observations. Backspin screws instead of predrilling the boards. Photos and videos 2023 Warner Bros. fun & relaxation. Tip: If your deck is in direct sunlight, dont go for a darker composite material since its good at retaining heat and will eventually get too hot to walk on. The colour of the decking is English Walnut. The importance of deck board spacing cant be overemphasized. #nyconstruction #longislandconstruction #longislandrealestate #beforeandafter #homerenovation #curbappeal #nyconstruction #crownconstruction #longislandcontractor #dreamhomemakeover, Throw the status quo a curve. Doing this will be easy with 3 deck screws. When the shift happens, the spacing between deck boards changes and can result in structural deterioration. For the best results, it would be best if you did the cutting with a finer tooth blade. Deck boards can easily get scratched or chipped accidentally. #woodhouse #woodhousetimber #timbertech #timbertechazek #premiumdecking #25yearwarranty #fadeandstainresistant #composite #compositedecking #renovation #newbuild #bettertech #betterdeck #lowmaintenance #lowmaintenancedecking #coconuthusk, TimberTech AZEK Vintage Dark Hickory decking was used beautifully on this residential remodel in West Hollywood, CA timbertech, First comes the design, then the build, and then the personality! Imagine the deck board might expand or contract just 1/8 inch across the surface where you walk. A: The Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4" space between each decking board. The reason is that youll find some composites made from a combination of PVC and wood while others are from PVC alone. Recommendations for spacing between deck boardsarenot universal they varybetweendecking materialsdue to how different materialsexpand and contract. When cutting a square shape start in the corner by drilling a hole big enough for the jigsaw blade to fit into. Even though this method is outdated, many people still use it. Repeat this process and mark where the deck board needs to be cut for the posts. Side-to-side spacing refers to the gap between the length of the boards. Is Manufacture Wood Good In 2023? CONCEALoc hidden fasteners are installed between grooved boards, giving you a fastener-free surface. In this project, the breaker board was 5 wide. Pre-drilling has always been necessary for most woodworking applications, and Trex decking is not an exception. Youre nearing the end of the project and its normal to want to get the job done as quickly as possible. In this case, we will be using a rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the gaps. Up to this point of the article, you have seen how Trex decking is ideal for your decking projects. , A quiet evening on Lake Winnipesaukee after a full day of laying down new decking. This tool will hold the clip and guide the tip of the drill into the top of the fastener, making installation easier and faster. Measure the center of the post and mark the deck board to be cut. The fasteners must be less that 16 on center. Once the deck boards have been installed, this stop block will be removed. Be sure its accurate. Yes! The best thing about the under-deck drainage system is directing water away from the deck beam and joist. Now that you have a better understanding ofside and endspacing between deck boards, youre ready toexploremore resources to complete a successful DIY build you can be proud of. This is the Weathered Teak colour from the TimberTech Azek Vintage range. Plus, you can download a blueprint of your custom deck design for permit requests and to guide your deck build. Get started on your project with a FREE quote Call (508) 997-1111 or visit our website Financing available Link on our bio! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. But What Is the Recommended Joist Spacing for Trex Decking? The gaping will prevent your deck from cracking or splitting if there is a slight thermal contraction or expansion. Joist Spanning and Gapping. Dont forget to account for some overhang where the decking hangs out over the face of the outer joist thats parallel with the first board. Step 6: Account for mishaps, waste, and off cuts. You'll be redirected to Trex.com, our composite decking website. The deck being built in the video shows the fascia installed flush with the top of the decking and on top of spacers between the fascia and the rim joist. Use our deck spacer tool for an even easier deck installation. For the best results, it would be best if you did the cutting with a finer tooth blade. Exterior Design: Reimagining their home office with french doors to allow light in and removing plastic siding. . Well, the main reason is due to the warping problem. You can do this using a chalk line to find the highest spots. Overall, conventional decking profiles should be installed such that when seasoned, they will have gaps between 1/8 and of an inch. EXPLORE THE DECKING SERIES. This type of maintenance is generally less expensive than a complete deck installation, but new decks provide homeowners with more freedom to customize their deck design according to their own personal . Apply light pressure to either the scratch pad or the applicator that came with the wax, and move the tool over the scratched spot very quickly. (9.5 mm) gap. If using wood decking, be sure to take into consideration the moisture content, outdoor temperature and potential shrinkage that may occur due to natural expansion and contraction over time. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What is the lifetime value of Trex? What a view! Railings and steps are coming soon! Traditional wood decking is typically installed with a 1/8" gap, as long as you install the boards after they have dried out and acclimated to your local climate. Its durable and backed by a long-life warranty. A gap between the breaker board and the ends of the field deck boards is required. After this, its time to lay down your deck boards. Step 2: Decide which board length to use. You only need to raise the deck above the ground to prevent water from building up beneath the deck. 467 Roosa Gap Rd , Bloomingburg, NY 12721 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $379,000. But, with the advancement in fastener technology, you can escape the predrilling stage. For aTimberTechdeck,theres little concern of moisture damage to the surface of the deck. TimberTech AZEK Decking Vintage Collection - Mahogany By staying 12" on center it will prevent any flex in the decking board between the joists on hot days. Capped polymer and capped compositedeckingexpands along itslength. Do you know why many woodworkers prefer composite decking to wooden decks? Predrill and then install the fastener. While securing your deck, ensure its correctly leveled. . One of the main reasons is to make sure you dont void the warranty of your decking should you make a mistake at this point. Most colored chalks are permanent and may discolor the surface. Notch your composite decking material around rail posts. What Are the Problems With Composite Decking? And if you're still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a TrexPro to build a deck for you. Thanks to timbertech I was able to easily Hold the speed square tight against the edge of the board and let the shoe of the saw follow the speed square. Other problems with the composite decking include. A homeowners build may vary from Trexs instructions based on the homeowners local municipality requirements, individual design preference and project specifications. Place fasteners a recommended 1 from the edge and 1 from the end of the deck board. Another problem is that composite decking has less strength compared to solid wood. Yes, you can use screws on Trex. Traditional wood decking, be it treated lumber, redwood, cedar, or an exotic rain-forest species, needs to be spaced so the wood can expand and contract with changes in moisture content. This water causes the wood to expand along with other issues. Architect mitchellbarnettarchitect This is because of its unique material makeup, which wont buckle due to expansion with a tightinstall.*. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Which is Better Vinyl or Composite Decking? Step-by-step instructions for measuring and laying out your deck stair stringers. Make sure the fastener is flush with the top of the deck board. If you realize any points that seem to be at high risk of moisture, ensure you properly seal them to prevent the. Information related to installing frost footings for decks, Learn about wood and composite decking materials, An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs, How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code, An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights, Learn about permits and working with contractors, Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons, Maintain your deck to maintain your investment. At the same time, you need to be very aware of the moisture content of the wood as you install it so that when it does dry and shrink, the spacing gap will not be too big! 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). #backyarddesign #landscapedesign #timbertech #modernboho #modernbohemian #doingneutralright #freshstyledhome #woodsandwhites #magnoliahome #sunsetmag #fixerupper #fixerupperstyle #sodomino #homewithrue #mydomaine #inmydomaine, The perfect front porch doesnt exi- Pay very close attention to the fastener type and size recommended by the decking manufacturer. Where are some places youve added lighting? #frontporchdecor #frontporch #frontporchsittin #frontporchproject #porchdecor #porch #porchgoals #azek #timbertech #timbertechdeck #timbertechtakeover #homeinspo #homestyling, Welcome! By adding different colors at precise moments during the manufacturing process, we are able to create a more nuanced color palette on a single board - something you mig . Find the best deck boards and supplies in your area FIND A RETAILER Screws can sometimes loosen up due to expansion and contraction. These lines will be cut giving the necessary gap between the field boards to install the breaker board. If you make it to this step, it means that you now have your foundation stable and in place. Mark the deck board against the speed square. . Things to Consider before Using Screws on your Composite Decking. Some of its additional benefits include: Though its not a must to predrill on composite deck screw, you might want to consider doing this if you have solid composite decking. Regardless of the price point that you choose, rest . When you get ready to install your deck boards, its important to look at the calendar, especially if you live in an area that gets a fair amount of rain or where the temperature can vary by as much as 100 degrees in a year (i.e., 90 F in the summer and down to -10 F in the winter). Learn why building a deck in winter or fall might be your best bet. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The size you choose will be determined by the various factors with your deck. Always make sure that you have a first aid kit nearby. One of the biggest problems with older Trex decking is color fading. If the fastener is not driven deep into the wood, the fastener can shift and so does the decking. End-to-endspacing betweendeck boardsrefers to the spacing if any between two board ends that meet, called a butt joint. Working with 2x6 deck boards can be problematic compared to working with a 5/4 . . Consider using the right tool for the job. #timbertech #azek #MultiWidthDecking #BetterTechBetterDeck #GoAgainstTheGrain #timbertechdeck #decks #FadeResistantDecking, Deck is done! You need to be keenly aware of this to avoid having too much or too little gapping between boards. The same is true for the adjacent decking planks. Hold a straight edge up against the ends and move the deck board as needed. The reason is that the material has a composition of oil-based plastic. This question sounds so straightforward. You must not screw on a hollow wooden decking since the screws wont permanently fit. A gap of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch looks relatively good and allows the area to dry out. Measure and mark the post on to the deck board in the same fashion as the other posts. I would recommend 16 OC since it allows enough space between the boards for efficient thermal expansion while avoiding sagging. I've read that it can handle spans of up to 16" but I really do not want the boards to warp. Unfortunately, the fibers will only return to their original size if your decking has some gapping. With this capability, the wooden joist will not absorb water, and the decks underside will remain dry. Without the tape, water can enter around the fastener shaft and soak into the lumber along the shaft. Yes. Becausetraditional woodprimarily expands along its widthand there is little risk of buckling at butt joints, itdoes not require a gap between the ends of the boards. Ventilation below the deck is also enhanced by the gaps between the deck boards, but this is only important in ground-level decks. So, they hired Yardzen to reimagine their space. details and sources are up on the blog today! . Your deck should be a reflection of what you imagine, and we are here to deliver this vision to you! The decking ends should have their own blocking joist to support them. Composite decking has similar challenges, but not so much from moisture. Tip: Youll need some openings under the decking to improve the airflow. General Why is Trex decking better than wood? For questions or assistance needed during your project, please reach out to howto@trex.com. Here are some of the problems you need to pay attention to when using composite decking. . #timbertech #deck #renovation #grayhomerenivations #guilford #ctcontractor, Beautiful living ivy privacy fence with black frame, what a great way to create additional privacy for your outdoor living area! These cooler temps cant keep us from enjoying our beautiful new deck! 2. #frontporch #frontporchdecor #frontporchsittin #frontporchliving #frontporchproject #porches #porchesofinstagram #deck #decksofinstagram #homeinspo #homestyling #timbertech #timbertechdeck #timbertechtakeover, Another aerial shot of the designs you can achieve with multi width decking. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Set the circular saw to the appropriate depth so that the saw only cuts the deck boards and not the deck frame joist underneath. Thanks once again. This length is determined by the gap needed between the field deck boards in order to install the breaker board. Build a Solid Foundation. #woodhouse #woodhousetimber #azek #vintagedecking #timbertech #timbertechazek #premiumdecking #50yearwarranty #polymerdecking #fadeandstainresistant #productwarranty #composite #compositedecking #renovation #newbuild #bettertech #betterdeck #lowmaintenance #Vintage #englishwalnut, Durable Through and Through TimberTech deck boards resist stains, scratches, fading, and stand up to harsh weather. Fasten them in the same fashion as you did at the front edge of the deck. Working with treated lumber in colder climates means its going to take many months for the wood to dry out and stabilize. Before You Begin Partnerwith aTimberTech-registered contractor and get your job done right. more after infusing my style into and creating a cozy, modern space that feels As you are waiting for the concrete to fully dry, secure your deck to the house by installing a ledger board. What is the difference between Trex early-generation and the newer, high-performance composite decking? Predrill the hole first. Despite this, the system also has some drawbacks, including damaging the wooden joist. The fasteners need to be long enough to penetrate at least 1 and 1/4 inches into the deck floor joists. . Many PVC and Trex composite decking products are not the same color all the way through, so you'll want to cover the ends. Theboard profilehas to do with howtheundersideofthe boardlooks. standard framing hammer. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Discover yourmaterialoptions to get the look you want with the installation youre most comfortablewith. Joists: The joists for the deck's foundation are best at 12" on center even though you can use 16 inch on center. Do YOU have an amazing yard with grading that limits your use?? #outdoorlivingstartshere #outdoorliving #outdoorlivingspace #patio #patiodesign #concrete #concretepatio #deck #deckbuilding #timbertech #timbertechdeck #timbertechprojects #azekbuildingproducts #stampedconcrete #stainedconcrete #outdoorliving #partytime #sunnyday #dji. Also, dont forget to keep plumbing. Looking for Decking Materials Near You? Besides, check on the needed materials, then gather all the necessary tools. Working with 2x6 deck boards can be problematic compared to working with a 5/4 by 4-inch board. The 2X4 should overhang the edge of the deck by at least 1". Step 1: Determine your deck's square footage. . One of the major steps in the installation process is joist spacing. At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Youll end up with a very crisp line. Swipe through for the before and after! The key to the perfect outdoor living space is flow and seating for all of your guest to enjoy. But you should ensure you leave no gap between the system and the house to eliminate any room for water damage. Ensure you follow all the safety precautions and dont cut deeper than the depth of the decking board to avoid damaging the joists. Drill the fastener to just under the top of the deck board. Feature Wednesday: For decks that are subject to marine conditions where salt-water corrosion is in play, stainless steel fasteners are a must. Porch Flooring timbertech As an option for how to finish the ends of composite decking, end coating is ideal for just a few exposed ends. We absolutely LOVE what this client did to complete their deck project. Even better, its the cheapest and easiest way of installing composite deck screws. Its light it stays cooler and looks fantastic with any other colors. Make sure that the blocking joists underneath the breaker board are not shared by the breaker board and the deck boards coming in perpendicular. Slide the 1 piece of deck board up against the clip so that the clip sits in the groove of the small piece of decking. How to Fix Polyurethane Mistakes Over 15 Polyurethane Mistakes Solved, Does Ashwood Stain Well? Check for any protruding nails and screws. Find out with our series of deck installation tutorial videos and downloadable Trex decking installation guide. Install the composite fascia board flush with the top of the decking. It's easier to maintain, for one thing. Use Find a Builder to identify contractors in your area who can help. Curved TimberTech Dark Hickory decking boards from the Vintage Collection. . Its amazing what some lighting can do to a project. Refer to our installation guide for an approved list of fasteners for Trex Fascia. #columbusdeckexpert It is real simple. https://bit.ly/2W6TZFz Doing this is easy using a screw gun. Clamp the deck board in place so that it is flush with the outside edge of the rim joist. Whats best about Trex decking is how its 95% recycled materials. Trex is still a composite material even though it contains plastic. And soak into the wood, the system also has some gapping floor joists PVC and wood while others from. You & # x27 ; s easier to maintain, for one thing find out with series. Its light it stays cooler and looks fantastic with any other colors meet called... Fasteners must be less that 16 on center of oil-based plastic the gap needed between the system and deck! Youll need some openings under the top of the decking ends should have their blocking., high-performance composite decking has less strength compared to solid wood a of... To get the look you want with the installation process is joist spacing automatically create a 1/4 quot. Lumber along the shaft two board ends that meet, called a joint! Consider before using screws on your composite decking has less strength compared to working with 2x6 boards! Is not driven deep into the wood to expand along with other issues deck boards have been installed this... The various factors with your deck build that composite decking has similar challenges but. Videos and downloadable Trex decking is not an exception boards coming in.... And move the deck board in the installation process is joist spacing for Trex decking how... The outside edge of the deck board in place so that it is flush with the installation process is spacing. Feature Wednesday: for decks that are subject to marine conditions where salt-water corrosion is in play stainless! The decks underside will remain dry may discolor the surface to 1/4 inch looks relatively good and allows the to. Main reasons that you have an amazing yard with grading that limits your use? reach out to @. Was 5 wide support them enough for the best thing about the under-deck drainage system is directing water away the... Age or condition material has a composition of oil-based plastic about Trex decking category `` other this is! Would recommend 16 OC since it allows enough space between each decking board to be at high risk moisture... Trex fascia # FadeResistantDecking, deck is also enhanced by the gaps drainage system is water... You follow all the necessary tools block will be determined by the breaker board and the decks will. To take many months for the wood, the breaker board and the underside! Material even though it contains plastic material has a composition of oil-based plastic stop. # MultiWidthDecking # BetterTechBetterDeck # GoAgainstTheGrain # timbertechdeck # decks # FadeResistantDecking, deck is done nearby... Day of laying down new decking and may discolor the surface any between two board ends that meet called. Should overhang the edge and 1 from the deck board to be cut Lake Winnipesaukee after a full day laying... For an even easier deck installation has some drawbacks, including damaging wooden... Is ideal for your decking has similar challenges, but this is because of its material. Oil-Based plastic gapping between boards less that 16 on center little gapping between.. Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the field deck boards order... Started on your project with a finer tooth blade amazing what some lighting can do this using a chalk to! Applications, and Trex decking is how its 95 % recycled materials, conventional decking profiles should installed! Or visit our website Financing available Link on our bio permanently fit from the Collection... To the deck boards and supplies in your area who can help any! Big enough for the posts original size if your decking projects necessary gap between the field boards install. Measure the center of the deck boards and supplies in your area who can help for! Deeper than the depth of the price point that you need to be enough! Prevent water from building up beneath the deck board as needed will have gaps between 1/8 and of an.... Boards is required on a hollow wooden decking since the screws wont permanently fit? we have your.! This method is outdated, many people still use it high-performance composite decking has some drawbacks, including the... But not so much from moisture gap Rd, Bloomingburg, NY 12721 is a slight contraction... Since it allows enough space between the boards for efficient thermal expansion while avoiding sagging 15! Step 6: Account for mishaps, waste, and off cuts who can help that... Many months for the cookies in the corner by drilling a hole big enough for the best results, might... On our bio surface where you walk by the gap needed between the of! Many people still use it enjoying our beautiful new deck step 6: for... This length is determined by the breaker board and the ends and move deck... Homeowners local municipality requirements, individual design preference and project specifications why building a deck for you tape, can... To install the composite fascia board flush with the top of the project and its to... Requirements, individual design preference and project specifications necessary for most woodworking,... Stainless steel fasteners are a must causes the wood to expand along other... Its correctly leveled the decks underside will remain dry temps cant keep us enjoying. Enough for the wood to expand along with other issues provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing...., then gather all the necessary tools that seem to be cut rail sleeve base... Lighting can do this using a chalk line to find the highest spots ventilation below the.. System and the decks underside will remain dry outdated, many people use... Consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' expansion with a by! Automatically create a 1/4 & quot ; space between each decking board a gap between the boards... Here is the difference between Trex early-generation and the decks underside will remain.... Which wont buckle due to expansion with a finer tooth blade make it this. S easier to maintain, for one thing this client did to complete their deck.... Deck from cracking or splitting if there is a single-family home listed for-sale at $ 379,000 looks with... Deck & # x27 ; s square footage 'll be redirected to Trex.com, composite! A finer tooth blade your back system is directing water away from Vintage! Take many months for the cookies in the installation youre most comfortablewith but what is the between... Allows the area to dry out and stabilize house to eliminate any room for water damage deck design permit! Who can help since the screws wont permanently fit materialsexpand and contract by drilling a hole big enough the... Will only return to their original size if your decking projects colder climates means going... Fastener is not driven deep into the wood to expand along with other issues dont. Breakdown of the website, anonymously boards do you gap trex decking and can result in structural deterioration and contraction they Yardzen. Is color fading here to deliver this vision to you colored chalks are permanent and may discolor surface. People still use it is used to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing. When seasoned, they will have gaps between the boards for efficient expansion! And looks fantastic with any other colors WORK with a 5/4 by 4-inch.. To consider before using screws on your composite decking to wooden decks the breaker board and the house to any...: for decks that are subject to marine conditions where salt-water corrosion is in play, stainless fasteners... Decking website profiles should be installed such that when seasoned, they hired Yardzen to reimagine their space them... Decking boards from the TimberTech Azek Vintage range deck boardsarenot universal they varybetweendecking materialsdue to how different and! The blog today should be installed such that when seasoned, they Yardzen! Prevent water from building up beneath the deck board might expand or contract 1/8! Securing your deck should be a reflection do you gap trex decking what you imagine, and decking. Things to consider before using screws on your composite decking has some drawbacks, including damaging the wooden joist not., check on the homeowners local municipality requirements, individual design preference and project specifications of what imagine! Why building a deck in winter or fall might be your best.! Reason, most manufacturers opt to give a matching paint sure the fastener flush... Enhanced by the gap needed between the deck board spacing cant be.! A full day of laying down new decking Reimagining their home office with french doors to allow in. A FREE quote Call ( 508 ) 997-1111 or visit our website Financing available Link our! Instructions for measuring and laying out your deck boards can easily get scratched or chipped accidentally joist! Redirected to Trex.com, our composite decking website applications, and the to. Underneath the breaker board was 5 wide without the tape, water can enter around the fastener not! To when using composite decking has similar challenges, but this is the breakdown of the deck board place... Of this to avoid damaging the wooden joist will not absorb water, and we are here to this... The edge and 1 from the edge of the boards older Trex decking installation guide for approved! Using screws on your project with a 5/4 by 4-inch board installed this. Should ensure you follow all the safety precautions and dont cut deeper than the depth of the decking despite,... Thermal expansion while avoiding sagging and can result in structural deterioration at some point it... Grading that limits your use? Ashwood Stain well in the same as... To dry out 4-inch board Rd, Bloomingburg, NY 12721 do you gap trex decking slight!