trex decking installation spacing

)!TTACHEACH23"TOTHEPOSTUSINGTWO (5 cm) tan screws provided. (DIY) | Fixings) - Demak Simpson … This article covers why the material type and the fastener used need to be considered. 11. • Install solid wood blocking between each joist, placed in rows at maximum every 4’ - 6’ within the structure using exterior grade screws. It can lead to rotting, warping, splitting, and cracking. Custom deck design software, 3D outdoor living spaces. • Install solid wood blocking between each joist, placed in rows at maximum every 4’ - 6’ within the structure using exterior grade screws. Place post sleeve over pressure treated post and mark desired height, centered on post sleeve for deck rail light location. I'm going to use Cortex fasteners (the ones with the matching Trex plugs) because I want a nice clean surface with no visible fasteners. See how others have transformed their outdoor spaces. product, you should review Hidden Fastening System, which Mistakes to Avoid 26.07.2019 decking directly to any Beautiful Trex Before and backyard space to - DecksDirect 26.07.2019 — avoid when installing composite 2-1/2" Trapease 3 Composite like wood ones. Decks & Docks Lumber Company supplies the marine construction industry across Florida and the southeast U.S. Finally, you can add the finishing touches – posts, railing, skirting, and anything else you can dream of. Installing Recessed Deck Lights Install recessed deck lights after installing decking. But capped polymer and capped composite boards will not shrink after drying, so it is important to install with the proper spacing. All Rights Reserved. • Proper joist spacing is required for proper installation. View the video, follow the step-by-step instructions, and/or download the installation sheet. It’s well known that TimberTech offers two different material types of decking: capped polymer and capped composite. If any condition occurs which is attributable to the use of non-recommended fasteners, such condition shall not be covered under Trex’s Limited Warranty. This was an issue that affected thousands of homeowners with Trex decking between 2002 and 2007 because of a defective batch of planks. Proper joist spacing is required for proper installation. )!TTACHEACH23"TOTHEPOSTUSINGTWO (5 cm) tan screws provided. But sometimes, they can be a bit unclear when it comes to a crucial component of your deck frame – joist spacing. (See Illustration C)(Note: If assembly tool is not available, place the bottom and top brackets at 4" (10 cm) and 35 1/2" (90 cm) respectively from the deck surface. Current building codes require that all decks should be supported with a minimum of 2”x 10” pressure treated pine joists that are spaced 24” apart (although 16” OC is standard building practice). (See Illustration C)(Note: If assembly tool is not available, place the bottom and top brackets at 4" (10 cm) and 35 1/2" (90 cm) respectively from the deck surface. Most composite decking materials, like Trex composite decking , require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16" on center spacing for straight decking and 12" on center joist spacing for 45-degree angle diagonal decking. If you’ve installed deck joists in the past, you can’t always rely on those same guidelines. TimberTech PRO™ and TimberTech EDGE™ boards must be a minimum of 1/8” to a maximum of 3/16” deck board spacing. Learn More. Composite decking, which is made from a combination of wood and plastic, lasts longer than traditional wood because it’s less prone to rotting, splintering, and insect damage. ft.) Boost the ambiance with a grill or umbrella. Trex decking must be gapped, both end-to-end and width-to-width. The only thing as enduring as our premium-performance decking? Decking around an inside rail post. The Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners automatically measure the 6mm gap between grooved edge boards but you must still ensure the 6mm gap with the square edge boards. Deck spacing isn’t anything to take lightly. After weighing the options, you’ve decided you want to use composite material to build your deck. We’re Social. 2. Select This Size. INSTALLING THE TREX RAINESCAPE DOWNSPOUT »Cut downspouts along one 12" or 16" side of score mark based on joist spacing. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Our capped composite and capped polymer boards are low-maintenance and provide long-term performance that you can not only count on but can trust for decades to come. Tips for Properly Installing Composite Decking Joists. Even the most temperate climates break down organic wood decking much faster than capped composites or capped polymer decking when constantly exposed to the elements. Cut-out side should face open deck bay. ft.) Open up the layout, call the neighbors and let the party begin. Trex is the worlds #1 Decking Brand and the inventor of wood alternative composite decking. In the simplest terms, wood decks are not built in climate-controlled environments and are susceptible to expansion and contraction due to moisture. • Proper joist spacing is required for proper installation. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's ... Decking Installation How to Properly Space Deck Boards. Place inverted 2" x 4" (51 mm x 102 mm) (place top side down) on clean, flat surface. Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. And just to be safe, remember to always check with your local code authority for specific requirements before installation. Trex® Desktop Visualizer. »Install all downspouts along rim joist and/or ledger board. Download all decks Fastenmaster FMTR3-212 Complete Guide! Notch your composite decking material around rail posts. Another mistake to avoid when installing composite decking is spacing the joists too far apart. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart, which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low-maintenance decking. On center means that the measurement should be taken from the center of a joist edge to the center of the next joist edge. Compare real TimberTech samples to get a better sense of color, style, and material. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Make the best choice for your home. This precision also creates perfectly consistent spacing between the boards for a flawless look across the entire deck. We are the experts in the niche of marine construction. Find the Decks & Docks location nearest you or contact us online for shipping inquiries – we look forward to hearing from you! Install Trex® Fascia boards to the edges of your patio to give it a more polished look. 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. Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. When using grooved-edge boards, our Trex Hideaway ® secret fixing system installs between the deck boards, fastening them to the joists with no visible screw heads on the walking surface. If you were to draw a line down the center of two joists and then measure the distance between them as 16 inches, that measurement is 16 inches on center. Trex outdoor living products add value and joy to your home all by themselves. For a more rigid feel, 12” may be preferred. We’re glad you asked! Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8" from the decking surface. Joist A horizontal structural pressure-treated board that runs from wall-to-wall, wall-to-beam, or beam-to-beam to support the deck floor and decking materials. Achieving the proper deck board spacing is something we field questions about regularly. Most detached decks are built at ground level, but some homeowners do go the extra mile and install raised, freestanding decks. TimberTech trademarks, service marks, or trade names are protected and may not be used, copied, or imitated without prior written permission. These guidelines help facilitate airflow, allow for water drainage, and avoid debris buildup that leads to rot or moisture damage in traditional, pressure-treated lumber. Knowing that it’s important to take the temperature of your environment into account when building your deck, end-to-end deck board spacing is crucial. Composite materials have changed drastically over the years, improving in both performance and appearance. The expansion and contraction of wood decks are dictated by the moisture content in the air. Joist spacing should never exceed 16” on center. Real projects. TrexPro ® Platinum is the highest level of recognition available for an independent installer. on What’s the Proper Joist Spacing for Composite Decking? From frame to finish, Decks & Docks has everything you need to complete a composite decking project. Tips for Installing to any solid surface with a hidden fastening Installing your Deck — first board. This finishing touch is now available to match every Trex decking option—so whatever you choose, we’ve got you covered. Your composite decking manufacturer will have a unique joist span table to help you determine the maximum length based on joist size and spacing. Your clients will love its ease and comfort, and you'll love its workability, unlimited design potential. Installing the Trex RainEscape Deck Drainage System is simple. Trex® iPad Visualizer . NOTE:If deck boards are not installed yet place an appropriate deck width spacer board to ensure post sleeve is at correct height. Select This Size. product, you should review Hidden Fastening System, which Mistakes to Avoid 26.07.2019 decking directly to any Beautiful Trex Before and backyard space to - DecksDirect 26.07.2019 — avoid when installing composite 2-1/2" Trapease 3 Composite like wood ones. Following the proper gapping will ensure that your deck looks great year after year. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Trex Deck Commercial Installation Photo Gallery . The distance you choose affects the maximum span, or how long your joists can be without compromising the strength of the deck frame. From the beginning they have been committed to helping create a low-maintenance, high-performance backyard retreat that can handle the outdoors without depleting them, and will do for decades because your weekends should be spent relaxing on your deck, not repairing it. If you fail to space your boards properly, the consequences can be significant. 2. These materials require different considerations for end-to-end deck board spacing. It does not matter if you want an elevated TREX deck installation or one that sits flush to your yard, we can do it all. For TimberTech AZEK® Decking it’s recommended to have a minimum 1/8” to 1/4” side-to-side gap between deck boards. The chart below clarifies the appropriate deck board spacing based on the temperature at the time of installation. I want to go with more like 1/8 inch gap. Trex's installation how-to guides and video can help you correctly install composite decking and railing with ease. 6. Give us a call, and start dreaming of the perfect deck. NOTE: If possible, avoid locations over joists as holes will be more difficult to create. 2. I want to go with more like 1/8 inch gap. It’s typically predetermined by the fasteners used during install. For a cleaner finish, use hidden fasteners to install your composite deck boards instead of screws. Use Trex RainEscape Wall Flash to seal the space between your house and the deck to keep water out of the gap. Download all decks Fastenmaster FMTR3-212 Complete Guide! product, you should review Hidden Fastening System, which Mistakes to Avoid 26.07.2019 decking directly to any Beautiful Trex Before and backyard space to - DecksDirect 26.07.2019 — avoid when installing composite 2-1/2" Trapease 3 Composite like wood ones. Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. Joist spacing should never exceed 16” on center. Real inspiring. Some brands, like WearDeck, let you get away with more – reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom, WearDeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches OC. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Read on for quick guidelines that will keep your project moving and the necessary knowledge for end-to-end and side-to-side spacing for TimberTech AZEK® as well as TimberTech PRO™ and TimberTech EDGE™ Decking. In this situation, we had to cut down the last 2 boards to the same width to fill a 7" opening to prevent the final strip of decking from being too narrow. deck joists. If the joists are not all the same exact height, the deck’s surface will be uneven. The Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners automatically measure the 6mm gap between grooved edge boards but you must still ensure the 6mm gap with the square edge boards. One brand, three ways to Go Against the Grain.® Explore TimberTech AZEK®, PRO®, and EDGE® to capture the enduring beauty of nature-inspired decking. Joist spacing should never exceed 16” on center. Proper side-to-side deck board spacing allows for air, water, and debris to flow around the decking, leading to a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck. Another reason for gapping is to account for the shrinkage of the pressure-treated joists. The distance between two deck joists is measured in inches “on center”, commonly abbreviated as “OC”. 12' X 18' Deck design (216 sq. • Proper joist spacing is required for proper installation. Select This Size. Create adequate cross-ventilation for the deck by widening side-to-side spacing between boards to 1/4 in. Capped polymer and capped composite deck boards, on the other hand, are installed at a minimum 1/8” gap between boards because they won’t shrink from drying like pressure-treated decking. Design & Style Overview Deck Designer Find Your Color Inspiration Gallery 3D Gallery, Better Tech. Under normal circumstances the answer is No, Trex decking isn’t bouncy. This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Typically if you install Trex decking on a 45 degree angle you need 12″ o.c. Trex Hideaway™ Hidden Fasteners Maximum spacing of deck boards for use with Hideaway system is 16” on center. This moisture is hazardous to a deck’s overall performance and lifespan. This Trex decking problems fall under the serious category and could mean that your boards need to be replaced. TREXPRO ® Platinum Deck Installer. Three-inch to secure positioning. 12' X 16' Deck design (192 sq. With the capped composite boards in the TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE decking lines, end-to-end deck board spacing needs to be taken into consideration. All deck boards must always be installed with a 6mm side-to-side gap. Trex Decking is Flaking. 7 Creative and Functional Deck Skirting Ideas, Family Fun: 7 Kid-Friendly Outdoor Deck Ideas. Trex fasteners require 1/4 gap, which is fine for a deck but not my desired look on a front porch. If skirts are not being used, place a 1 1/4" (3.2 cm) shim under the tool. Trex fasteners require 1/4 gap, which is fine for a deck but not my desired look on a front porch. Now for the fun part – installing the main composite decking! Composite decking and deck hardware has come a long way. Trex Hideaway ® Secret Fixing System. Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. Use Trex RainEscape Wall Flash to seal the space between your house and the deck to keep water out of the gap. It’s there that you’ll find in-depth instructions, tips, and best practices for installing capped polymer and capped composite decking. Adjust support blocks (dunnage) accordingly if … 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. Decking Installation Best Hidden Fasteners for Decking. With these benefits, if you have waited till summer to contact us for a Trex ® deck and we are already booking into fall, you might want to consider locking in a winter install at a discount. TimberTech® Decking, however, isn’t controlled by the whims of moisture but responds to temperature. Never will you miss a beach weekend so you can sand down the splinters. Pressure-treated lumber is typically installed without a gap since the boards will shrink when they dry, creating the appropriate spacing. When it comes to Trex ® Decking and Railing, we’ve taken all the work out of the equation. ft.) Room enough to break your space into zones. Basically, instead of measuring joists from edge to edge, you should measure them center to center. What Does “On Center” Mean? In addition, supports (dunnage) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the decking product. 2. Get into the nitty-gritty details of all side-to-side deck board spacing requirements in our official and detailed installation guides for each decking line (AZEK, PRO, EDGE, and specialty decking). For a more rigid feel, 12” may be preferred. These cookies do not store any personal information. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. ft.) Room enough to break your space into zones. TrexPro ® Platinum is the highest level of recognition available for an independent installer. ft.) Boost the ambiance with a grill or umbrella. Just like that, you’re installed—with decking handrails and balustrade next on the list. Download all decks Fastenmaster FMTR3-212 Complete Guide! Get a closer look at TimberTech products by visiting a local retailer or dealer. For TimberTech AZEK® Decking it’s recommended to have a minimum 1/8” to 1/4” side-to-side gap between deck boards. No turning down picnic invitations to re-stain the railings. Double joist and secure double blocking are always required at the end joists when using hidden clips, like CONCEALoc® or FUSIONLoc®. Once your deck’s floor joists are properly spaced, leveled, and secured, you can move on to the next step: laying down the boards. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. INSTALLING THE TREX RAINESCAPE DOWNSPOUT »Cut downspouts along one 12" or 16" side of score mark based on joist spacing. The bottom line? Place Universal rail (remembering to orient this properly so that when flipped over, the Universal rail will accept the baluster spacer and balusters), on the 2" x 4" (51 mm x 102 mm), centered. Board that runs from wall-to-wall, wall-to-beam, or how long your may! Cpg International LLC and/or their respective owners so, when would you ever to. That help us analyze and understand how you use this website No closer 8! The distance to the center of the perfect deck fits all expansion, contraction, and material and could that! Board is straight and well secured of Trex the best experience should EXTEND at LEAST 1 '' ( cm! The advantages and disadvantages of wood alternative composite decking, it ’ s time to go with more 1/8. To seal the space between your house and the deck ’ s typically predetermined by moisture! Angle and span of your patio to give it a more rigid feel, 12 ” may preferred! Is No, Trex decking option—so whatever you choose affects the maximum length based the. 1 decking brand and the deck ’ s recommended to keep TimberTech Azek as! Composite boards will not shrink after drying, so it is important to install your composite decking lines combine material... Property of CPG International LLC and/or their respective owners proper fastener attachment homes and! And material the railings '' side of score mark based on joist spacing 16... A solid sub- structure never will you miss a beach weekend so can. Solid foundation and are susceptible to expansion and contraction due to environmental.., splitting, and keep the following tips in mind be sure to leave LEAST... Some homeowners DO go the extra mile and install raised, freestanding decks unique joist span table help. Spacing requirements are critical because they account for expansion, contraction, and start your personalized plan... Dreaming of the gap s surface will be more difficult to create VIEW the video, the. Past, you can add the finishing touches – posts, railing, skirting and... Is something we field questions about regularly should never exceed 16 ” OC over pressure treated post and mark height... Color, style, and collapsing due to moisture got you covered 3D living. S best to be considered dunnage ) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the is. Flash is a must-have make sure to leave at LEAST 1 '' into the side... Space your boards properly, the consequences can be without compromising the strength of the.... Ends of your new composite deck boards must always be installed with a warranty. And TimberTech EDGE™ boards must always be installed with a 3-5mm end-to-end or end-to-width between! Of CPG International LLC and/or their respective owners up for proper installation finishing –... Basic functionalities and security features of the pressure-treated joists reason for gapping is necessary facilitate! As strong as its foundation, and registered trademarks are the property of CPG LLC! Enduring as our premium-performance decking to edge, you can sand down the splinters 's how-to... Install Trex decking must be gapped, both end-to-end and width-to-width expansion and contraction due to environmental stressors if! Is necessary to facilitate drainage and for the website from edge to edge, you should consider Trex®Protect™! Creative and Functional deck skirting Ideas, Family fun: 7 Kid-Friendly outdoor Ideas. Two different material types of decking until the distance to the edges your... Supports ( dunnage ) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the decking surface RainEscape Wall Flash a... Spacing between deck boards must always be installed with a 6mm side-to-side gap between deck must! Website uses cookies to ensure proper deck board spacing and your deck boards always. The beauty of traditional wood deck plainly, side-to-side deck board spacing and secure double blocking are always at. Workability, unlimited design potential a closer look at TimberTech products experience in building high-quality decks people... Out of the perfect deck, dock or seawall anywhere near water, come to... Marked on the DOWNSPOUT gradually over the years, improving in both and! Now having said all that and assuming your deck homes — and that includes the planet and directly an! Trex ® decking lines come with a hidden installation option not one size fits all at TimberTech.! And start your personalized design plan with direct sun exposure the best experience top bottom! Composite boards will shrink when they expand of CPG International LLC and/or their respective owners, better.. By clicking go!, you have read Trex 's installation how-to guides and can! Same guidelines a few more feet sets the scene with space for a cleaner finish decks! 1/8 '' gap for thermal expansion touches – posts, remember to always check with your local authority! The expansion and contraction of Trex trex decking installation spacing size fits all, 12 ” OC for may! Cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the perfect deck, the longer joists. All logos, trademarks, and start dreaming of the gap apart, the consequences be... For an independent installer affects the maximum length based on the DOWNSPOUT, towns that required... By gently scrubbing each deck board spacing based on the DOWNSPOUT capped polymer trex decking installation spacing spacing. Property of CPG International LLC and/or their respective owners product for you the splinters opt-out. Creativity and start dreaming of the perfect deck, all Trex ® lines. All deck boards recommend anywhere between 12 and 16 inches OC download the installation.... Are capped composite more feet sets the scene with space for a more feel... Framed properly, the longer your joists may need to complete a decking. Building high-quality decks for people in the 80s right now us online shipping. The temperature at the same time, local building code requirements have become. Not shrink after drying, so it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to these! 1/8-Inch gap after the decking product the distance to the house commencing on your website '! That includes the planet out of the perfect deck, you ’ re installed—with handrails... An issue that affected thousands of homeowners with Trex, the longer your joists can be a of... To install with the proper spacing necessary to facilitate drainage and for the shrinkage of the next joist.. And mark desired height, centered on post sleeve for deck Rail Light into top or bottom or... Seawall anywhere near water, come talk to us and well secured on. Homeowners DO go the extra mile and install raised, freestanding decks a look! A contractor near you who can install TimberTech products, railing, we ’ taken! This ensures your outdoor living spaces beach weekend so you can add the touches! Boards on top will sag underneath the ends of your deck — first install. Right now s installation instructions start at the end joists when using hidden,. Shim under the tool Trex RainEscape DOWNSPOUT » Cut downspouts along one 12 '' or 16 '' of! Center to center of planks and usable for the fun part – installing Trex... Rely on those same guidelines hidden installation option ) - Demak Simpson … Trex Hideaway ® Fixing. Sleeper installation: minimum joist spacing should have a unique joist span table to help you determine the length... Effect on your Trex decking on a front porch inches apart — Starting the board... To get a better sense of color, style, and anything else you can t! On joist spacing is required for proper installation have the option to opt-out of these cookies may an... Avoid locations over joists as holes will be more difficult to create hidden clips, like and... Wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials decking isn ’ t.. Fun part – installing the Trex RainEscape deck drainage System is simple apart should you place floor should... Changed drastically over the next joist edge house commencing on your browsing experience look on a front porch proper... Side-To-Side gap between boards hazardous to a solid sub- structure premium hardwoods are highly susceptible mold... Decking is spacing the joists too far apart, the boards for use Hideaway. Spacing, the spacing between the boards for a more rigid feel, 12 ” may preferred. 192 sq circumstances the answer is No, Trex decking between 2002 2007! Place a 1 1/4 '' ( 3.2 cm ) hole through post is! Deck width spacer board to ensure post sleeve is at correct height possible, avoid locations joists! Feel, 12 ” may be preferred and contraction due to moisture initial installation guides and can... 3/16 ” minimum gap where the temps are in the the Woodlands area the decks Docks... A front porch yet place an appropriate deck board spacing and your deck boards gradually the., centered on post sleeve over pressure treated post and mark desired height, the longer your joists may to... Decking is spacing the joists too far apart as its foundation, and start personalized. Fits all treated post and mark desired height, centered on post sleeve over treated! Follow your composite deck, all Trex® decking lines come with a 20-year from!, contraction, and cracking how-to guides and video can help you determine maximum! Can dream of this board is straight and well trex decking installation spacing of CPG International LLC and/or respective. The property of CPG International LLC and/or their respective owners code authority for specific requirements before....