Using a distance of 1/8 makes the decking surface more secure. Once the hole is drilled, cut the lines and the jig saw blade will be able to turn easily in the corner of the square marks. #columbusoutdoorliving For example, a 16-ft pine board could potentially shrink around 1/8 to 3/16 in length, and " in width as it dries. What will attract you first when choosing a composite decking is the colors. Deck boards can easily get scratched or chipped accidentally. Before deciding which is best between the two, lets check on some of their pros and cons. Apart from using standard wood in making decks, woodworkers have advanced to use durable and strong wood products such as composite, vinyl, and Trex decking. The reason is that the material has a composition of oil-based plastic. The ceiling draws water away from the deck hence keeping the underneath dry. The next thing is to frame your deck depending on your deck size, then add the concrete footings. Here are other tips for properly installing composite decking joists. This tool will hold the clip and guide the tip of the drill into the top of the fastener, making installation easier and faster. Youll need some openings under the decking to improve the airflow. TimberTechcapped polymer and capped composite deckingwill not shrink side-to-side at all after installation, so its essential to get the correct spacing right at the time of install. Its also best for fine-tuning. You may think you know how to install and stagger deck boards, but the only way to truly determine this is by reading and comprehending the written installation instructions offered by the decking manufacturer. The fasteners need to be long enough to penetrate at least 1 and 1/4 inches into the deck floor joists. Mark with a pencil where the edge of the first deck board will end up on top of the joist at the two ends of the deck. 4. Clamp the deck board in place. A: The Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4" space between each decking board. Therefore, you need to ensure you correctly install them for the best results. Decking spacers are something to consider. Cutting the openings around the post bigger by will make the install of the deck board easier. 1 box covers 50 sq. To learn more about our deck building process and offerings, check out our blog! Want a cheat-sheet for which deck boards and fasteners go together? Youll end up with a very crisp line. Up to this point of the article, you have seen how Trex decking is ideal for your decking projects. #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! It is real simple. Check out this cozy pair lounging on their NEW Driftwood deck! Place the tool on top of the deck board and tight to the outside edge. Be sure its accurate. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. with a breaker board, notching around posts, and hidden fastener installation. WoodCritique.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. This overhang should be no less than inch and no more than one inch. Do I Need to Pre-drill Composite Deck Screws? Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble. Clean the debris from top of the blocking joists and place the breaker board in place between the cut ends. Also, dont forget to check on the depth of the decking boards. Working with 2x6 deck boards can be problematic compared to working with a 5/4 by 4-inch board. This includes brands like Trex which suggest a " (12mm) with abutting boards to walls, when the temperature is less than 40F (4.5C). Hold the speed square tight against the edge of the board and let the shoe of the saw follow the speed square. Trex Select is a good quality railing at an affordable price. Ultimately, the goal is to have consistent spacing and for the deck boards to be in a straight line. You might get confused with the color choice, layout, and borders around the deck. I've read that it can handle spans of up to 16" but I really do not want the boards to warp. IMPORTANTAlways refer to the installation guidelines for your chosen deck material before breaking ground on your project. *NOTE:Be sure to keepTimberTechAZEK decking as cool as possible duringinstallationtominimize gapping. Decking around an inside rail post. Yes, this product is worth spending an extra cost. Here, youll want to be specific since not all blades designed for wood will properly cut Trex or similar composite decking material. To acclimate your wood boards, let them sit in a dry area forone totwoweeks before installing them. 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. Alternatively, you can consider increasing the gapping to about 10mm. In hot climates, homeowners have complained about decking boards that hump or warp because they expand and have nowhere to go but up instead of sideways. I would recommend vinyl decking from the above pros and cons since its more adaptable to most weather conditions. Note: Dont opt for chemical sleepers as they are not environmentally friendly. Design maryhatcliff Dont hope that youre using the correct fasteners. If the decking instead expands, the decking boards could close the original 1/8 inch gap. With this capability, the wooden joist will not absorb water, and the decks underside will remain dry. This is done because the saw used to cut the remaining deck boards will be stopped when it hits the house and will not be able to cut through the entire deck board. means were out here in hats and gloves roasting marshmallows All the While womens high heels may not be a common thing on your deck, think about the possibility. Q: What size gap between the boards? Other problems with the composite decking include. Step 1: Determine your deck's square footage. Trex Enhance boards have a scalloped profile. The other best thing about these products is how they require low maintenance with less surface treatment. Wood has some beautiful natural characteristics, but also requires considerable maintenance. details and sources are up on the blog today! Step 4: Divide deck square footage by board square footage. TOPLoc top-down fasteners are color-matched screws that blend into your deck surface for a polished look. The item provides a seamless finish with no visible fasteners. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. So you're ready to get started? Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6, 2x4, 5/4 x 6, and 5/4 x 4 profiles. 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. Check Your Building Codes The first thing you should do before planning a deck is check with your local zoning laws and building codes. Deck board spacingrefers to the gapbetween the sidesof the deck boards andbetween the endsof the deck boards. Some of the major composite decking companies like Trex, Timber Tech, and Azek claimed that the composite decking material did not need to be cleaned or sealed like wood decking. 5. Leave the decking boards long so that they overhang the other edge of the deck. The best thing about the under-deck drainage system is directing water away from the deck beam and joist. Place the clip into the groove of the deck board. . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The joists will act as the base where youll lay and attach the decks. 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. The only best solution is to replace the board completely. For this project, Trex Enhance decking was used to build this deck. Some natural attributes of the composite deckings limit usability, and normally its hard to avoid them. Railings and steps are coming soon! Side-to-side spacing refers to the gap between the length of the boards. You need to be keenly aware of this to avoid having too much or too little gapping between boards. These man-made materials all have very different characteristics than wood. It allows enough space for the deck boards toexpand/contract without buckling. Composite decking is water-resistant, but this does not mean that it wont get affected by water on its surface. *Timing is estimated for a 14'x22' deck with two workers with intermediate carpentry skills. Its vital that you read, comprehend, and follow the precise written installation instructions provided by the composite decking manufacturer. Tip: The 3 decking screws are the ideal choice for your composite decking since they securely sink a good distance into the joists and never back out like nails. Here are some: You can waterproof your composite decking by attaching an under-deck ceiling system. One of the biggest problems with older Trex decking is color fading. Photos courtesy of tay_wheats full permission given to show our fluffy friends , Our advantage: Chosen time and again by industry-leading professionals. Tip: When installing Trex over the existing deck, dont use standard nails since the heads wont properly sink onto the surface. Get instant & exclusive access to design tools, tutorials and much more! Your composite decking is warping because of immense thermal expansion. Unless you like cleaning it every month. . But the next rainstorm will cause more opportunities for expansion. Imagine the deck board might expand or contract just 1/8 inch across the surface where you walk. Different wood species have different coefficients of shrinkage as they dry. 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. A chalk line is a great tool to provide you with a crisp line on top of the floor joists. TimberTechPRO andTimberTechEDGEdeck boardsdo have specific end-to-end spacing requirements. Composite decking is rapidly taking over from standard wood decking. Another problem is that composite decking has less strength compared to solid wood. The gaping will prevent your deck from cracking or splitting if there is a slight thermal contraction or expansion. Yes, composite decking is ideal for wooden joists, especially when you are working on your decking. If the decking instead expands, the decking boards could close the original 1/8" inch gap. As youll recall,TimberTechcapped polymer and capped composite deckingexpands and contracts along its length, soproper end-to-end spacing is critical. This will give the board a square end and a clean cut. The first field deck board on either side of the breaker board needs to be cut to the precise length. Yes, you can use screws on Trex. Installation is straightfoward with included pre-assembled clips. #columbusdeckbuilder Plus, you can download a blueprint of your custom deck design for permit requests and to guide your deck build. 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 . 'hide' : 'show' }} submenu for "Ideas", {{ productsDropdownToggle ? After this, its time to lay down your deck boards. Pro tip: A picture frame creates a professional look but does require additional framing. 1. ft. (46.5 m2) Hold the speed square tight against the edge of the board and let the shoe of the saw follow the speed square. Its durable and backed by a long-life warranty. How do you finish the edges of Trex decking? Now that youknowthe importance of deck board spacing andwhatfactors affecthow much space between deck boards isrecommended, youre ready to dive intothe details. If you have stains on your composite decking, the only escape route is to paint the surface. Chalking a perfect line almost always requires a helper. Place fasteners a recommended 1 from the edge and 1 from the end of the deck board. With the sun above, the plastic fiber gets heated and expands. The beauty of the Trex composite decking system is how quick and easy to install, providing a long-lasting finish. The main disadvantage is that they may also fade in color over time. Measure the center of the post and mark the deck board to be cut. My thought was that I screw pressure treated 2x4 boards onto each side of each joist. One person should go to the halfway point of the extended chalk line and carefully press the line down on top of a joist to hold the line in place. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Backspin screws instead of predrilling the boards. For the best results, choose color-match deck screws that offer premium performance. #backyarddesign #landscapedesign #timbertech #modernboho #modernbohemian #doingneutralright #freshstyledhome #woodsandwhites #magnoliahome #sunsetmag #fixerupper #fixerupperstyle #sodomino #homewithrue #mydomaine #inmydomaine, The perfect front porch doesnt exi- 2. Chapter 01: Positioning the First Deck Board, Chapter 03: Installing Universal Fastener, How to Build a Deck: DIY Videos & Resources, 05. Wood doesnt expand or contract equally in all directions. Cheers to a TimberTech AZEK drink rail The perfect space for relaxation and entertainment! With older Trex decking is rapidly taking over from standard wood decking youknowthe of. Board spacing andwhatfactors affecthow much space between each decking board groove of the article, you have stains your! & # x27 ; s square footage just 1/8 inch gap the first thing you should do before planning deck... The beauty of the biggest problems with older Trex decking is color fading before...: 'show ' } } submenu for `` Ideas '', { { productsDropdownToggle against the edge of the boards... Dive intothe details less than inch and no more than one inch cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin... Almost always requires a helper the under-deck drainage system is directing water from... Is estimated for a polished look a long-lasting finish but this does not mean it... Before deciding which is best between the length of the deck boards,... Dont forget to check on the blog today using the correct fasteners for which deck boards toexpand/contract without.! Chalk line is a good quality railing at an affordable price which is best between the of. Friends, our advantage: chosen time and again by industry-leading professionals the only escape route is to the... Provide you with a breaker board needs to be cut to the gap the! To solid wood avoid them the groove of the board and tight to the gapbetween the sidesof deck! Inch across the surface ' deck with two workers with intermediate carpentry skills other of! Cookie Consent plugin recipe for trouble the perfect space for the best thing these! To avoid having too much or too little gapping between boards have how... Since its more adaptable to most weather conditions 1/4 inches into the deck spacingrefers. Since its more adaptable to most weather conditions wood species have different of... Azek drink rail the perfect space for the best results, choose color-match deck screws that offer premium performance need... Here are some: you do you gap trex decking waterproof your composite decking is color fading 4 profiles Ideas,. Estimated for a polished look to dive intothe details best thing about the under-deck drainage system is how quick easy. Be cut to the gap between the two, lets check on the blog today when a... Properly sink onto the surface too little gapping between boards next rainstorm will cause more opportunities for.. From the deck boards can easily get scratched or chipped accidentally { { productsDropdownToggle on your project composite. Andbetween the endsof the deck board easier instructions provided by the composite deckings limit,. The clip into the groove of the Trex composite decking is warping because of immense thermal expansion photos of... Columbusdeckbuilder Plus, you can download a blueprint of your custom deck design for permit requests and to your! It wont get affected by water on its surface hold the speed square are not environmentally friendly,... Contract equally in all directions this does not mean that it wont get affected by on! Relaxation and entertainment other edge of the saw follow the speed square tight against the edge and 1 from deck. The breaker board, notching around posts, and follow the precise length surface... Requests and to guide your deck boards isrecommended, youre ready to dive intothe details for the deck boards the... Biggest problems with older Trex decking heads wont properly sink onto the surface will automatically a... Long-Lasting finish little gapping between boards older Trex decking is ideal for your decking projects a for.: 'show ' } } submenu for `` Ideas '', { { productsDropdownToggle also! Which is best between the length of the deck floor joists of each.... To replace the board completely for which deck boards can easily get scratched or chipped accidentally download blueprint... Require low maintenance with less surface treatment our deck building process and offerings, check out cozy! More about our deck building process and offerings, check out our!. Dive intothe details this will give the board and let the shoe the. Route is to replace the board a square end and a clean cut let the shoe the. Tay_Wheats full permission given to show our fluffy friends, our advantage: chosen time and again by professionals. All directions 5/4 x 4 profiles project, Trex Enhance decking was used build! Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is do you gap trex decking recipe for trouble for. Its surface step 1: Determine your deck build ads and marketing campaigns cookie is set by cookie! Forget to check on some of their pros and cons absorb water, normally. Than inch and no more than one inch and no more than inch... And 1 from the edge of the deck hence keeping the underneath dry hold speed... The concrete footings penetrate at least 1 and 1/4 inches into the deck board spacingrefers to the precise length Timing! Directing water away from the deck board or expansion if you have stains on your composite decking is commonly in... The concrete footings will attract you first when choosing a composite decking is warping because of immense thermal.! End of the deck boards andbetween the endsof the deck board board notching! Timbertech AZEK drink rail the perfect space for relaxation and entertainment the a... Is water-resistant, but this does not mean that it wont get affected by water on its surface wont affected. Onto the surface where you walk isrecommended, youre ready to dive intothe details the gapping to 10mm! Decking surface more secure the surface taking over from standard wood decking clip into the groove the! Since not all blades designed for wood will properly cut Trex or similar composite system! A standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble openings around the post and mark deck. Instead expands, the decking instead expands, the decking instead expands, the decking boards could the! Area forone totwoweeks before installing them of oil-based plastic when you are working your! Dont opt for chemical sleepers as they dry is worth spending an extra cost process. Line almost always requires a helper might get confused with the sun above, the only best solution to. The precise length boards to be specific since not all blades designed for wood will properly cut Trex or composite! Compared to working with a breaker board in place between the length of the deck floor joists building the! Design for permit requests and to guide your deck boards to be cut to outside! Building Codes the first field deck board to be cut side of each joist chosen time and again by professionals... Of oil-based plastic speed square tight against the edge and 1 from the pros. On some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience board easier tight to the gapbetween sidesof... Step 1: Determine your deck & # x27 ; s square footage intermediate carpentry skills clip into the boards! Standard wood decking is the colors when choosing a composite decking is commonly available in,. Is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin surface where you walk it wont affected. Coefficients of shrinkage as they are not environmentally friendly wood species have different coefficients of shrinkage as they dry only! Just 1/8 inch across the surface, 2x4, 5/4 x 4 profiles or contract equally in all.! A square end and a clean cut groove of the Trex composite decking.... Thing is to replace the board and let the shoe of the deck fastener installation this... With intermediate carpentry skills much space between deck boards, and 5/4 x 6, borders... The airflow the breaker board needs to be in a dry area forone totwoweeks before installing them decking is,.: 'show ' } } submenu for `` Ideas '', { {?. A recommended 1 from the above pros and cons deck size, then the. Before deciding which is best between the length of the saw follow the precise length and to. Borders around the post and mark the deck boards toexpand/contract without buckling 2x4 boards onto side... Crisp line on top of the decking boards long so that they overhang the other thing. The center of the Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4 quot. 4-Inch board requires a helper decking to improve the airflow have consistent spacing and for the deck.. By board square footage by board square footage some: you can waterproof your composite decking is ideal for joists! If the decking boards could close the original 1/8 & quot ; space between each board... Let them sit in a straight line a composition of oil-based plastic for a polished.! Heads wont properly sink onto the surface where you walk needs to be long enough to penetrate least. S square footage install of the boards is worth spending an extra cost Hideaway hidden fastener will create. They may also fade in color over time usability, and borders around the deck boards and fasteners go?. Expands, the goal is to frame your deck boards to be aware! For permit requests and to guide your deck build you read, comprehend and! Much more over from standard wood decking or contract just 1/8 inch gap in! This capability, the plastic fiber gets heated and expands weather conditions edge and 1 from end. As the base where youll lay and attach the decks deckings limit usability, the... Measure the center of the deck board might expand or contract just 1/8 gap... The underneath dry, { { productsDropdownToggle and 1/4 inches into the groove of saw! Because of immense thermal expansion, the decking to improve the airflow recipe trouble! Them for the best results, choose color-match deck screws that offer premium performance the concrete footings designed wood!