Q: How do I use the Trex Groove Cutter to route non-grooved deck boards? Find Trex composite deck boards at Lowe's today. This post may contain affiliate links. All deck boards must always be installed with a 3-5mm end-to-end or end-to-width gap between boards. Between end-to-end boards, allow a 3/16-inch space. He appeared for 3 seasons on HGTV’s “The Fix,” and served as MSN’s home expert for several years. Trex and several other manufacturers, including Weyerhauser and TimberTech, combine landfill-bound plastic, wood scrap, and sawdust into low-maintenance outdoor materials that imitate the look of wood somewhat convincingly but are far superior to natural wood in their ability to stand-up against the damaging effects of sun, rain, salt air, and insects. When building your deck and railing, it is recommended that pressure treated wood be used as the framing and floor joists. Trex Hideaway Hidden Deck Fastening System: This ¼â€ self-spacing connector clip with 1-5/8” screws is designed to install between Trex grooved composite decking boards. Carbide tipped blades are suggested—the fewer teeth the better for smooth cuts. Discover … Finally, you can add the finishing touches – posts, railing, skirting, and anything else you can dream of. A few extra hours perfecting your deck frame can mean extra years on the life of your deck, so it pays to take your time. This will increase the longevity of the deck and also prevent bowing during the hottest part of the day. Page 2 AZEK® Deck/Rim Joist Covers should be installed using the same good building principals used to install wood or composite decking and in accordance with the local building codes and the installation guidelines included below. Shop composite deck boards and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com. Caulking between the composite deck boards works if sloped right. In general, first an aluminum or vinyl track is installed across the joists, and then top pieces are snapped into place. Pressure-treated lumber is typically installed without a gap since the boards will shrink when they dry, creating the appropriate spacing. TimberTech PRO™ and TimberTech EDGE™ boards must be a minimum of 1/8” to a maximum of 3/16” deck board spacing. However, if you space your joists too close together, it will be difficult to install supporting elements such as joist hangers, blocking, and flashing. From an environmental standpoint, composite decking is considered a “green” product because it is constructed with recycled materials and is very durable. The last board won’t look good if … Typical spacing for KD / Kiln Dried Decking is 1/4" for 6" boards and 3/16" for 4" boards. Without the right deck spacing, the boards may expand, cup, and buckle out of place. A power miter saw can provide very accurate, straight cuts, and a table saw with support extensions can make all types of cutting easier. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',158,'0','0']));Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. Some composite decking materials are designed to be installed with hidden fasteners. Adjust spacing between deck boards Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. Composite materials have changed drastically over the years, improving in both performance and appearance. Pressure-treated lumber is rot-resistant, not rot-proof. Our selection of marine-grade composite decking materials are a favorite of homeowners and seasoned contractors alike, and with a wide variety of accessories, railing styles, and hardware, you won’t have to look anywhere else. Certain commercial applications may require this smaller spacing, but it’s typically unnecessary for residential applications. Again, treat the material just like you would soft pine. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, marina, or golf course, you can trust that we have the most knowledge, the best products, and the highest level of service in the southeast. If you choose grooved Transcend for your deck, you have the option of using the exclusive Trex Secret Fix System. There should always be a slight gap. All deck boards must always be installed with a 6mm side-to-side gap. It is also important that all screws be secured at a 90-degree angle to the boards. Two places our … are converted into composite decking, fencing, and similar outdoor materials by the U.S.’s largest manufacturer of these materials, Trex Company. Select a bit size that is the same diameter as the screw’s inner core and take care not to go too deep into the material. So, when would you ever need to use 12 inches OC? Even the most experienced carpenters have found that when the power saw’s blade heats up, it creates slight waves along the cut line. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Your measurements and layout need to be accurate, not only for the primary deck surface but for the smaller parts, like your deck stairs. 1 Box covers 50 square feet and 1 Bucket can cover 500 square feet. Builders like composites because they are relatively easy to install–the materials are very consistent in size and quality, come in lengths up to 20 feet long, and are not prone to warping and cracking. For families with young children, these synthetic boards have the additional advantage of being splinter-free. (on center) for standard straight composite decking installation. Because it's not addressed in the codes, screw spacing is inconsequential. So, when would you ever need to use 12 inches OC? After weighing the options, you’ve decided you want to use composite material to build your deck. Spacing on a deck refers to the small edge-to-edge gap between decking boards, not the ends of the boards. Repeat the process for each board until the outside edge of the finial board is fastened with screws. How to Butt Seams A house is only as strong as its foundation, and a deck is only as strong as its frame. We are the experts in the niche of marine construction. Don has:• Over 30 years’ experience as a remodeler and builder.• Written more than 30 home improvement books.• Served as Senior Editor at Home Magazine.• Appeared as a segment host on HGTV’s “The Fix” for 3 seasons.• Been a featured expert on MSN.com, US News, and many others.• Learn more about the trusted HomeTips brand! The goal is to have about an 1/8-inch gap (the diameter of an 8d nail) between boards after the decking has dried to its equilibrium moisture content. As the composite decking heats up it not only expands but also becomes more pliable. This can make cutting and securing more difficult. December 2, 2020 Uncategorized. Decks & Docks Lumber Company supplies the marine construction industry across Florida and the southeast U.S. Composite decking can mimic the look of natural wood. amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {"type":"search","value":"cutoff saw"}; With others, it’s best to simply view them as a new material. A: The Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4” space between each decking board. For more information see our disclosures, How to Replace an Air Conditioner Capacitor or Contactor, How to Control Your Home Remodeling Costs. The distance you choose affects the maximum span, or how long your joists can be without compromising the strength of the deck frame. Once your deck’s floor joists are properly spaced, leveled, and secured, you can move on to the next step: laying down the boards. Be sure to check with the manufacturers instructions when planning the substructure of your composite deck—proper sizing and spacing of beams and joists is essential.amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; On the downside, composite decking is susceptible to stains (especially grease stains) and may fade over time. Pre-drilling pilot holes can prevent this from happening and make installation go much faster and smoother. First, it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner, safer, and less prone to moisture problems. 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. Working in the morning when the material is still cool will make your work much easier. Air dried material is typically spaced at 1/8" edge to edge. Some may fade more than others. When you build a deck, spacing and sizing are both critical. Trex Signature railing and Rod Rail are made to be installed at maximum 6' or 8' CLEAR SPAN BETWEEN POSTS. When using grooved-edge boards, our hidden deck fastening system installs between the deck boards, fastening them to the joists with no visible deck screw heads on the walking surface. Though there are building codes dictating many aspects of deck construction to insure the finished deck is safe and solid, there is no specific distance required for the spacing of screws attaching deck boards to the joists. But they last longer with far less maintenance, so this premium is offset by their durability.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',600,'0','0'])); Composites come in both solid and hollow-core versions. I sloped mine 1" on 6' On one deck I have plastic panels under it and that was a bad idea cause the mains and underside cant breath and is rotting. If the floor joists that span the length of your deck are installed too far apart, the boards on top will sag. 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). For installations where deck boards are butted end-to-end at the joist, we recommend adding an 8" block and using a Veranda hidden fastener clip at the end of each board. Quality products cost more than softwoods such as treated pine. That is unless you’re installing your deck at a 45-degree angle – in this case, 12 inches OC is recommended by most composite decking brands. A clean cut should not leave any loose material, but if you need to clean up an edge, do not use a sander. Composite decking brands also generally require 12 inches O.C.joist spacing for 45-degree or angled composite deck board applications. Spacing and Layout. by Don Vandervort, HomeTips © 1997 to 2020. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; When securing the decking, it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. HomeTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Composite decking brands like Trex and TimberTech generally have their own brand-specific installation instructions. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; But sometimes, they can be a bit unclear when it comes to a crucial component of your deck frame – joist spacing. Run String Lines to Ensure All Joists Are Level & In Plane. Don Vandervort has developed his expertise for more than 30 years, as Building Editor for Sunset Books, Senior Editor at Home Magazine, author of more than 30 home improvement books, and writer of countless magazine articles. 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. As an Amazon Associate, HomeTips earns from qualifying purchases which allows us to continue creating helpful DIY content. Whenever possible, try to avoid ripping composite decking and use full boards for your surface. 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. This fact will greatly influence how you go about working with the material to reduce waste and make your project easier. In pursuit of the perfect deck, all Trex ® decking lines come with a hidden installation option. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. The other relevant spacing number when it comes to building a deck or porch is how much room should be between the actual decking boards themselves. More than 70 percent of recycled plastic bags (over 1.5 billion of them!) You might additionally take into account the following decking features, though these can add significantly for the cost: Railings – for safety of young kids, often needed for above ground decking to stop accidental falls. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fed726c60c88d738e7784c819bb73fbc"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = "2619525011,1055398,2972638011,228013"; Your deck can begin to fail prematurely if the framing is weak. Having appropriate spacing for your deck is important to allow for everything to expand and contract when the temperature fluctuates. But to truly get the most out of your new composite deck, you have to start with a strong frame. 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