Using composite deck screws is critical because they are specially designed to help hold the material in place. This will increase the longevity of the deck and also prevent bowing during the hottest part of the day.Ĭomposite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. Where board ends meet a wall, leave a healthy 1/2-inch gap to ensure the material can expand and contract without coming into contact with the wall. Between end-to-end boards, allow a 3/16-inch space. Second, because composite decking expands in hot weather, the space ensures that extra stress won’t be placed on the fasteners.Įxtra spacing is also important between board ends and where boards meet a wall when decking runs perpendicular to the wall.
First, it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner, safer, and less prone to moisture problems. 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). A hand coping saw will work well to smooth finished edges if needed. Sanders will mar the finish and in many cases void your warranty. Again, treat the material just like you would soft pine.Ī clean cut should not leave any loose material, but if you need to clean up an edge, do not use a sander. If installing the decking around an existing structure, a simple router can be used to make curved cuts. If you do have to rip, put the rough, exposed cut side where flaws will be least noticeable.
#SPACING TREX DECK BOARDS FULL#
Whenever possible, try to avoid ripping composite decking and use full boards for your surface. Even the most experienced carpenters have found that when the power saw’s blade heats up, it creates slight waves along the cut line. Ripping a composite board (cutting lengthwise) is trickier. Don’t allow blades to get overly hot when cutting as this can cause cuts to be warped or wavy. Carbide tipped blades are suggested-the fewer teeth the better for smooth cuts. A power miter saw can provide very accurate, straight cuts, and a table saw with support extensions can make all types of cutting easier. You can make simple cross cuts in composite decking the same way you would cut any soft pine-a power circular saw will work fine. If the decking material begins to get warm to the touch as the day goes on, you may want to stop work and continue the project the next morning.
This can make cutting and securing more difficult. As the composite decking heats up it not only expands but also becomes more pliable.
Working in the morning when the material is still cool will make your work much easier. The decking should be at the same temperature as the area where it will be installed.
This fact will greatly influence how you go about working with the material to reduce waste and make your project easier.Īfter purchasing the material, store the composite decking flat and bundled, if possible, in the area where you will be cutting and installing it. It is important to recognize that composite decking expands and contracts with heat and cold.
#SPACING TREX DECK BOARDS PROFESSIONAL#
Working with Trex & Composite DeckingĬomposite 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.Ĭomposite decking can mimic the look of natural wood. From an environmental standpoint, composite decking is considered a “green” product because it is constructed with recycled materials and is very durable. In general, first an aluminum or vinyl track is installed across the joists, and then top pieces are snapped into place. Vinyl decking is yet another low-maintenance option, although one that offers a particularly non-traditional deck. If you’re not satisfied with the color choices, or if you would like your deck to match your house, most products can be stained or painted, as specified by the manufacturer. With others, it’s best to simply view them as a new material. For families with young children, these synthetic boards have the additional advantage of being splinter-free. Some composites look like real wood-at least from a distance. Solid “boards” are simpler to deal with, but heavy, hollow types are lighter but fussier to install. Composites come in both solid and hollow-core versions.
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