The average composite decking will expand and contract 3/16" over a 16' board. Its amazing what some lighting can do to a project. Altogether, this does not mean that your deck is safe from fading, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. A speed square and a circular saw can be used. For the best results, it would be best if you did the cutting with a finer tooth blade. You only need to ensure that you follow the correct installation process to avoid the common problems associated with this product. DecksDirect is your deck project guide - we believe in planning decks that will not only look great today, but last for years to come with minimal maintenance. 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 other option is to cast post anchors into the concrete before it dries. Do you leave a gap between composite deck boards? When using Trex decking without the grooved edge, a router bit will be needed to create a groove at each joist. Consult our Installation Guide for a full list of recommended fasteners for Trex Decking. Explore ourDeck Building Resource Centerfor more DIY installation insight with easy-to-follow videos, step-by-step installation guides, and more helpful considerations to guide your build. The wood may also contract after it dries out. This will show if there is any wave in the deck board. match the aesthetic of the rest of our home using their Weathered Teak deck 610-209-1815 This should reduce the gap from 16" on center to 13" on center. Trex composite decking also does some things that wood can't. Trex fasteners go in between deck boards, keeping the walking surface smooth and . Plus, you can download a blueprint of your custom deck design for permit requests and to guide your deck build. Ample holding power facilitated by the serrated edges on the clip. Measure from the edge of the deck board 1 and make a mark. Overhang the decking to minimize predrilling. Repeat this process with the remaining deck boards. Gaps that are narrow (1/8), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. This durable shell resists wear, fading and the growth of mold and mildew, while improving the cosmetic quality of the wood grain and further reducing maintenance to a simple soap-and-water process. Also, dont forget to keep plumbing. If you want to waterproof this area, consider using rubber flanges to fill the gaps. 3 bedroom 3 bath 1300sq ft upstairs & additional space downstairs for potential in-law space, lady/man cave . The reason is that youll find some composites made from a combination of PVC and wood while others are from PVC alone. The best decision will be to go for a lighter color or a mixture of colors. Discover yourmaterialoptions to get the look you want with the installation youre most comfortablewith. TimberTech PRO Decking Legacy Collection - Pecan Joists: The joists for the deck's foundation are best at 12" on center even though you can use 16 inch on center. Thank you for reading this article to this point. Cover the concrete once it is poured to keep any debris from falling in, speed up the curing process, and avoid anyone falling in the hole. For instance, a wet composite surface is not safe, especially on pool sides. Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. Composite decking expands and contracts due to temperature changes, rather than changes in moisture. Thanks once again. There are over a hundred different man-made decking products currently on the market. Place the clip into the groove of the deck board. Once the deck boards have been installed, this stop block will be removed. Consult the Trex Installation Guide for specific gapping needed on the project during the day of installation. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Thus, its not necessary to predrill before screwing. The key to the perfect outdoor living space is flow and seating for all of your guest to enjoy. 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. What is the Difference Between Trex and Composite Decking? Mark both sides of the post with the use of a speed square. Most composite deckings come with gaps between them. Therefore, you can consider going for a seamless and smooth design. . Q: What size gap between the boards? 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 . For the best results, it would be best if you did the cutting with a finer tooth blade. One of the major steps in the installation process is joist spacing. Do this at intervals of 15.24 cm apart. #raleighnc #durhamnc #carync #compositedecking #decks, Morning coffee anyone? Clamp the deck board in place so that it is flush with the outside edge of the rim joist. 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. Also a nice privacy wall to keep your space private from neighbors!!! Alternatively, consider attaching your composite decking boards to the joists. Hence it has enhanced durability and elegance. The gaping will prevent your deck from cracking or splitting if there is a slight thermal contraction or expansion. You should note that the above gapings are as per the surrounding temperature. 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! Is Manufacture Wood Good In 2023? Featuring SLS Capped Composite Decking Boards in Brown. In such cases, youll want to replace either a joist or two. The most common types of decking material expand and contract in different directions: Traditional woodexpands along itswidth. Deck boards can easily get scratched or chipped accidentally. 4. 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. Yes! Which is better for a New Composite Deck, a Fastener, or a Screw Deck? This is because of its unique material makeup, which wont buckle due to expansion with a tightinstall.*. You can do this using a GTape joist protector to cover such areas. Using a distance of 1/8 makes the decking surface more secure. Make sure the fastener is flush with the top of the deck board. No Way. These man-made materials all have very different characteristics than wood. Ignoring the proper installation guidelines for both can ruin the build before you even get started. Its light it stays cooler and looks fantastic with any other colors. #woodhouse #woodhousetimber #azek #vintagedecking #timbertech #timbertechazek #premiumdecking #50yearwarranty #polymerdecking #fadeandstainresistant #productwarranty #composite #compositedecking #renovation #newbuild #bettertech #betterdeck #lowmaintenance #weatheredteak #vintage #petfriendlydecking #p5sliprating, New composite deck for our wonderful clients in Redding. Before building your deck, ensure you have a solid decision on where you want to place it. . This tool will hold the clip and guide the tip of the drill into the top of the fastener, making installation easier and faster. Since most composite decking materials are dense, installing them using screws can sometimes be difficult. The first deck board on a deck build should be positioned on the front rim of the deck, depending on how the fascia is going to be installed. I wouldn't recommend composite decking on ground level decks under 36". Youll end up with a very crisp line. Door stain - Dark Walnut on mahogany Consider using the right tool for the job. Before deciding which is best between the two, lets check on some of their pros and cons. You may not realize it, but the fasteners you use to attach your deck boards have an impact on the spacing. For instance, if your deck has warped, it means that the same has happened to the joists. It even becomes worse if you live in areas with high humidity. Product- timbertech #outdoorliving #decks #utah #warriorbuilt #groundscrew #timbertech #outdoors #summer #beautiful #outdoorcomfort #customfit, This Timbertech Azek deck offers lots of entertainment space above and below. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Your advantage: Comfort in knowing your material is picked by the best. But you should ensure you leave no gap between the system and the house to eliminate any room for water damage. Do I Need to Pre-drill Composite Deck Screws? Joining MDF Boards In 5 Easy Steps, How to Use Mineral Spirit On Wood- 5 Ways to Safely Use Mineral Spirit. #columbusoutdoorliving 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. The fasteners must be less that 16 on center. Its vital that your first deck board be installed in a straight line. Doing this is as easy as using waterproof wood to raise the deck. But these tools are not universal. The success of your deck build begins with the proper joist spanning and gapping. If you realize any points that seem to be at high risk of moisture, ensure you properly seal them to prevent the growth of molds, mildew, and other fungi. Yes, you can use screws on Trex. 1 box covers 50 sq. Design aesthetic: California casual with neutrals, purples, and greens The 2x6 is going to expand and contract more because theres more wood or composite decking in play. Also, its not recommended to use butt joints on composite decking due to the significant thermal movement. Stretch the chalk line across the joists and hold it on the two pencil marks. It allows enough space for the deck boards toexpand/contract without buckling. In many cases, this movement happens due to moisture issues. The two deck boards on each side of the breaker board against the house will also need to be cut to the specific length. We love incorporating lighting on our projects to help set them apart. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Youre nearing the end of the project and its normal to want to get the job done as quickly as possible. It helps to prevent splitting the end of the boards. Ensure you follow all the safety precautions and dont cut deeper than the depth of the decking board to avoid damaging the joists. The width varies by brand and style and can range from one to two inches thick and four to six inches wide. Start the saw and follow the chalk line continuously to the house. Copyright 2023 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Yes, you can do this but ensure you adhere to the necessary precautions. (You hear that, snowy weather? ) Can You Use a Staple Gun On Composite Decking? Install the breaker board after the field deck boards for an easier installation and cleaner lines. More Installation Videos ft. home is a 3 bed, 3.0 bath property. Even though this material is known for its water resistance, it doesnt mean that you have fully escaped the issue with mold growth. Composite decking has similar challenges, but not so much from moisture. Its now time to get rid of any screws that you had used before. Notch your composite decking material around rail posts. In instances where there is not enough room to be 1 away, it is necessary to pre-drill the deck board. There are several ways which you can use to waterproof your composite decking. Traditional wood, especially treated lumber, can have a very high moisture content as it might have just come from the treatment plant. Want to learn more about our design process and other FAQs? You will likely discover a difference in dimension as much as one-quarter of an inch. You need to be keenly aware of this to avoid having too much or too little gapping between boards. Yes, youll want to be very keen on the types of screws you use. Step 6: Account for mishaps, waste, and off cuts. more after infusing my style into and creating a cozy, modern space that feels Do YOU have an amazing yard with grading that limits your use?? You must not screw on a hollow wooden decking since the screws wont permanently fit. Bottom line, never underestimate the importance of proper board spacing! Installing Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners, Vendor and Customer Code of Conduct and Ethics. You should note that youll have to employ different fixing methods, including biscuit type, strip click-in, or top fixing screws that disappear through the surface. Step 2: Decide which board length to use. . The same is true for the adjacent decking planks. Setup the kiddie pool on the #timbertech deck shade spot, of course! Now that the work is complete, it's time to enjoy all this added entertainment space! Also snap a chalk line on the other side of the breaker board. For aTimberTechdeck,theres little concern of moisture damage to the surface of the deck. #BetterTechBetterDeck #GoAgainstTheGrain #TimberTech #utah #azekdecking, What materials should you use to create your ideal porch or deck? Most manufacturers offer composite decking boards in 12, 16 and 20 lengths. It does not store any personal data. Pro tip: A picture frame creates a professional look but does require additional framing. This is a direct result of boards not being properly spaced and can easily be prevented by adhering to the written installation instructions provided by the decking manufacturer. Composite Fascia Installation Tips. This question sounds so straightforward. Therefore, you cant be very sure of the water resistivity on composite deckings, even for those within boards on the same deck. You'll be redirected to Trex.com, our composite decking website. Keep your space private from neighbors!!!!!!!!! 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Timbertech # utah # azekdecking, what materials should you use to create your ideal porch deck... & amp ; additional space downstairs for potential in-law space, lady/man cave planks... Should note that the same has happened to the surface of the rim joist the grooved edge a. The job never underestimate the importance of proper board spacing you will likely discover a Difference in as... Goagainstthegrain # timbertech deck shade spot, of course installation guidelines for both can ruin the build you! Fantastic with any other colors will be removed is picked by the serrated edges on the two pencil marks use. Your advantage: Comfort in knowing your material is known for its resistance!