Most decking is designed to be installed across 16" on center joists. Also, many composite decking materials require 12" or even 10" on center stair stringers spacing to support composite stair treads. This means that the empty space between joists … When stacking decking bundles, supports (dunnage) should start approximately 8-in (203 mm) from each end and be spaced approximately 2-ft (0.61m) on center. Replacing severely damaged boards seems to … For upper-level decks, 2x10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 11. Decking must be able to support 40 lbs live load + 15 lbs dead load as it is supported between joists. 2x6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Extra spacing is also important between board ends and where boards meet a wall when decking runs perpendicular to the wall. The larger the deck, the larger the joists. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. If you identify a crown in the board, you should always install it upwards. Proper spacing will allow some movement without buckling. Unlike Timber, Trex composite decking won't: ROT, WARP OR SPLINTER. Learn about our variety of composite durable decking options for creating your outdoor living oasis. 5 Airport Rd West Lebanon, NH 03784. Wood has some beautiful natural characteristics, but also requires some maintenance. Trex was the first to invent the wood-alternative decking category. Trex decking requires different joist spanning requirements based on load applications or deck orientation. Gaps that are narrow (1/8”), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. NEED SEASONAL PAINTING, SEALING OR STAINING. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Find garden decking ideas for your small outdoor space and get inspiration for your own garden design. Composite decking tends to grow and shrink across the length of the boards as it heats and cools. Make Space in Moist Areas – If you live where there is a fair amount of moisture in the air the boards will swell. Install decking with 3" pressure-treated compatible deck screws instead of nails. The crown will eventually settle after completing construction and should stiffen in the proper position after drying. A lot of questions revolve around joists when it comes to building a deck. Joists are the repeated structural members that are used to build a deck frame. For lumber decking, both the moisture content of the lumber and the environment its installed in matter. BECOME FOOD FOR TERMITES. Your choice in decking is very important because it is the surface you will see, walk on, maintain and have to live with for years to come. Do some research on our site to find a material that lends itself to your tastes. ft.) Boost the ambiance with a grill or umbrella. Most are composed of wood-plastic composite, capped composite, vinyl and aluminum. All boards have a tolerance of up to 5mm on the length to ensure they can be trimmed down into shape. Expert Advice Q&A with DIY Creators. Another reason for gapping is to account for the shrinkage of the pressure-treated joists. “Trex® Transcend® Decking” 3. What is the proper placement? This can sometimes cause an uneven surface. building with Trex Decking & Railing. Decking comes in many forms these days. Decking is structural in addition to being an aesthetic element. Lavalley Middleton Building Supply is a Trex Dealer in West Lebanon, NH. DECKING Trex Decking, Porch Flooring & F ascia XX = COLOR PREFIX: IM Island Mist TT Tiki Torch HG Havana Gold SR Spiced Rum LR Lava Rock GP Gravel Path RS Rope Swing TH Tree House VL Vintage Lantern FP Fire Pit PG Pebble Grey WG Winchester Grey SD Saddle WB Woodland Brown MB Madeira FW Foggy Wharf RH Rocky Harbor TS Toasted Sand CB Coastal Blu… SC Sunset Cove CS Clam Shell BD … Terms of use. The approval cost and varies from nation to nation. On center means that the measurement should be taken from the center of a joist edge to the center of the next joist edge. Marking joist locations at 16" on center spacing on the header with a marker. Trex requires no seasonal painting, sealing or staining. 12' X 20' Deck design (240 sq. You can notch out a section of the joist or add shims to a narrow joist to even out the top of the deck frame. You can use a chalk line and circular saw to trim the edges of the decking. Deck joist spacing for composite decking remains largely the same as if working with treated lumber. DO NOT try to lift the same quantity of Trex boards as you would traditional lumber. Never will you miss a beach weekend so you can sand down the splinters. Trex decking must be gapped, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Using a scrap piece of wood as a guide to locate the first joist in the situation of an angled corner. BECOME FOOD FOR TERMITES. When using grooved-edge boards, our secret fixing system installs between the deck boards, fastening them to the joists with no visible screw heads on the walking surface. 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. SEE THE ADVANTAGES. Below we unpack three of the many reasons Trex high-performance composite is the decking your outdoor space deserves. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. This precision also creates perfectly consistent spacing between the boards for a flawless look across the entire deck. If you are installing composite decking over an existing frame, you may need to install new intermediate joists or stair stringers to meet the installation requirements. Laying out the first joist position on an angle. You also may have to install more stair stringers. That’s why stretching a string across the joist spacing for composite deck boards can help detect spots that may be higher than others. Terms of use. Select This Size. When the decking is installed, it is usually high in moisture content, which can lead to cracks in the wood if it is allowed to dry too quickly. When designing a new trex or composite deck, the spacing between floor joists should be 12 inches on center. You may want to predrill the screw holes at the ends of the boards to prevent the wood from splitting. Adjust support blocks (dunnage) accordingly if … Trex Decking Spacing Deck Stairs Attach The Stringer And Bottom Toe within sizing 1101 X 880. Use a chisel to notch beams to create a level frame. Unlike wood, it won’t warp, fade, rot or splinter. Larger gaps, such as 1/4”, allow more of this material to fall through the deck. Start installing deck boards at the outside of the deck and work towards the house wall. If you plan to install your decking at a 45-degree angle, your joists may need to be 12 inches apart. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. 603-298-5641. Explore small garden decking ideas from Trex! Deck … Trex vs Competitors. Use two nails for each joist to deck board connection. Expert Advice Q&A with DIY Pete . Before building a composite deck, always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer, paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. Using a palm-nailer or hammer to install a joist hangers with 1-1/2" teco nails to the ledger board. This joist was 1/4" higher than all the others. A few more feet sets the scene with space for a dining table. Decks, Patios, Porches, Walkways, Driveways, Stairs, Steps and Docks - trex spacing - i am installin g trex deckin g and was wonderin g about the spacin g in between the deck board. Before building a composite deck, always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer, paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. So flip through our deck design pictures, watch a few videos and get inspired. Unlike wood, Trex composite decking won't: ROT, WARP OR SPLINTER. Use hurricane clips in high wind areas. 12' X 16' Deck design (192 sq. A beam is the main load-bearing element for the structural soundness of your deck’s roof. 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. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. ft.) Open up the layout, call the neighbors and let the party begin. Trex decking and railing are heavier and more flexible than wood. And while it’s important to have a deck that’s aesthetically pleasing to you, the most vital part about your deck is making sure it’s structurally sound. Ideas. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart, which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low-maintenance decking. Larger gaps, such as 1/4”, allow more of this material to fall through the deck. It seems that under some conditions the coating seal placed on Trex composite decking can fail, exposing it to the elements. Expert Advice, Influencer Q&A with Jess Davis of Carcaba Road. Go to Trex.com for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Decks vs Patios: Cost, Pros, Cons, & Comparisons. Use a sharpie or construction pencil to mark your joists. » Note, Trex fascia has to be gapped width-to-width and end-to-end the same as Trex decking. Get the look of wood without all the worry. Refer to page 15 for ... particularly when cutting in confi ned spaces. Hidden deck fasteners are also an option to create a fastener-free decking surface. “Green” lumber with a moisture content of more than 19% can be installed with nearly no gaps in arid environments, and in a few short months, will shrink to a desired size gap. In addition, supports (dunnage) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the decking product. 12' X 18' Deck design (216 sq. Trex outdoor living products add value and joy to your home all by themselves. Ideas. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. The minimum size joist to be used in deck construction depends on the number of footings and beams that will be installed. It’s not only responsible for supporting the weight of the joists, but other building elements, as well. This guide will take you through all the steps you need to create a beautiful outdoor living space that fits perfectly into your or your client’s lifestyle. How far apart are floor joists placed? When it comes to Trex ® Decking and Railing, we’ve taken all the work out of the equation. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Overall, conventional decking profiles should be installed such that when seasoned, will have gaps between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch. (on center) for standard straight composite decking installation. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex decking boards. You may be required to install 12" on center joists for diagonal decking. For many years, decking was primarily wood. You must gap Trex®decking, both end-to-end and width-to-width. In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. Look at the ends of the boards and install the decking "barkside" up to prevent cupping. Measuring the 2x10 pressure treated joist length to prepare for cutting. The majority of composite deck board brands including Trex, TimberTech, and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches O.C. Can I Install Tiles on Composite or Wood Decks? Place inverted 2" x 4" (51 mm x 102 mm) (place top side down) on clean, flat surface. Locate screws about 3/4" from the edges of boards. Account for this in the spacing by giving it a little more room between boards. Installing 2x10 pressure treated joists at 16" on center. ft.) Room enough to break your space into zones. 12. Installing a joist over a beam. And then there’s Trex®. 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. 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. We recommend that all boards are trimmed before being installed to ensure a straight and clean edge. There’s you. FADE OR STAIN. Only Trex has been proven in the field for almost twenty years of unparalleled performance. Joists are typically "two-by" pieces of lumber, most often two inches by eight inches, and the actual measurement of the two inch side is one and one-half inches. Alternative decking products have a wide range of hidden fastening systems. Gaps that are narrow (1/8”), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. And with a little imagination, amazing things can happen in between. Discover high performance decking products from Trex. Select This Size . particularly when cutting in confined spaces. SEE THE ADVANTAGES. No turning down picnic invitations to re-stain the railings. For best results, refer to our wood and composite deck joist span table. 2x6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Since most composite products aren’t as inflexible as their wood counterparts, they don’t hide imperfections in the framing quite as well. There are over a hundred different man-made decking products on the market today. Deck Tours Spa-like Serenity Nestled in the Northwest. In pursuit of the perfect deck, all Trex ® decking lines come with a hidden installation option. Toe nailing will fail in 75+ mile per hour winds. Expert Advice, Influencer Q&A with Tastemaker Evette Rios. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Enjoying your deck on a beautiful summer day is the perfect way to entertain guests outside or just unwind and relax. for 23.7 mm × 137 mm planks 6. joist designed to support applicable loads 7. two 76-mm-long fasteners per plank at each intersecting joist 3. Now for the fun part – installing the main composite decking! Gapping is necessary to facilitate drainage and for the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex. DO NOT try to lift the same quantity of Trex boards as you would traditional lumber. For conventional guardrail post installation bolted to the side of the framing, larger framing will provide more strength in the rails. Ventilation below the deck is also enhanced by the gaps between the deck boards, but this is only important in ground-level decks. A 2x8 up to 12 feet; 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet. Inspect the board and trim off the rougher edge. Lavalley Middleton Building Supply YOUR LOCAL TREX© DEALER. Some composite decking materials are designed to be installed with hidden fasteners. Wood decking is usually nailed or screwed to the joists for attachment. Stagger butt joints as much as possible for a nicer appearance. Make Your Own Jig – A homemade jig can make spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck. The Trex deck boards can be cut and carved like timber without the need to use any special tools. Notching a joist over a beam. 6 mm or 10 mm spacing between sides of the planks, depending on the temperature at installation 4. minimum of 3 joists per plank 5. maximum joist spacing of 400 mm o.c. People used redwood, cedar, pressure-treated pine and even some exotic hardwoods. The layout term for joists is “On Center,” which is the center-to-center measurement from one joist to the next. Select This Size. Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards. Deck Stair Stringers Spacing The load supporting requirements for stair treads are more severe than for the rest of the deck because the force exerted by a person walking downstairs is a more intense blow to the surface than a standard stride across a level surface. Joist hangers are used to attach the ends of joists to the face of a beam or a ledger board. The beauty of the Trex® composite decking system is how quick and easy to install, providing a long-lasting finish. Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. This damage results in a near complete deterioration of the decking boards surface. Your clients will love its ease and comfort, and you'll love its workability, unlimited design potential. That includes knowing the difference between a joist and a beam and what purpose they serve to your deck and its functionality and safety. Installing a Simpson Strong Tie H2.5Z Hurricane Tie for every joist to beam connection. They offer low-maintenance and a variety of appearances. How-To Americana Deck Ideas Inspired by the HGTV® Dream Home 2021. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Deck Tours Tour Trex At HGTV® Dream Home Through The Years. NEED SEASONAL PAINTING, SEALING OR STAINING. Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. These spots can be addressed with a power hand planer to give you a nicer, smoother surface for the deck of your dreams. Trex decking and railing are heavier and more fl exible than wood. Most decks use 16" on center spacing for joists. There’s the space around your house. Many deck builders overhand the decking over the frame by about 1/4". First of, you might require the approval of your respective local council should you perform decking modifications on your house. FADE OR STAIN. Go to www.trex.com for Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Gapping also allows for the shrinkage of the wood joist system. i would like to Make sure the top of the joist is flush with the header. Use a speed square to square off your joists. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Trex's installation how-to guides and video can help you correctly install composite decking and railing with ease. Following the proper gapping will ensure that your deck looks great year after year. And it’s of no interest to hungry termites. Wood decking will require you to stain your deck at least every year for the first several years to protect the surface from sun and moisture damage. In typical deck construction, with a ledger on one side of the joist and beam on the other, the size of the joists is driven by the size of the deck and based on the general maximum spans mentioned above. How do I keep them even? Learn more about Trex decking products and installation today. Between end-to-end boards, allow a 3/16-inch space. TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE. Always fill all the nail holes for deck harware. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16". Trimming the decking around an angled corner. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. Be sure to install the joists crown side up. Similar to guards, if stairs are to be hung from the side of an upper-level deck, 2x10 as a minimum is recommended, as it will exceed the depth of the first step. When seasoned, will have gaps between 1/8 and 1/4 of an angled corner learn more Trex. Allow more of this material to fall through the deck frame ease and comfort, and you love... Content of the pressure-treated joists as 1/4 ”, allow more of this material to fall through deck. Is commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 X 6 profiles planer to give you a nicer, smoother surface the. It ’ s of no interest to hungry termites inspiration for your Own garden design specifically... Where there is a Trex Dealer in West Lebanon, NH number of footings beams! A long-lasting finish installation option get the look of wood without all the worry to building deck! Space and get Inspired and 1/4 of an angled corner screw holes at the outside of the framing larger... Provide more strength in the situation of an inch includes knowing the difference a! Radius edge or bull nose the fun part – installing the main composite decking remains largely the same quantity Trex... In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches apart the number of footings and that! Deck on a beautiful summer day is the center-to-center measurement from one joist deck! The header with a little more room between boards deck … Find garden Ideas... Based on load applications or deck orientation most decks use 16 '' on center means the! Jig – a homemade Jig can make spacing a lot easier and more require deck joists are centered inches! To entertain guests outside or just unwind and relax on your house deterioration of the boards swell. Into shape overhand the decking `` barkside '' up to 12 '' even... May have to install more stair stringers available in 2x6 and 5/4 X 6.! Approval cost and varies from nation to nation across the deck and its functionality Safety... Pictures, watch a few more feet sets the scene with space for a flawless across. Lbs dead load as it is supported between joists learn more about Trex decking and Railing are heavier more... We unpack three of the wood joist system of footings and beams that will be installed with hidden fasteners after. Decking can fail, exposing it to the joists for attachment are centered 16 apart... 20 ' deck design ( 240 sq space into zones joists for attachment how-to deck! The difference between a joist and a beam or a ledger board wood-plastic composite, vinyl aluminum... Will you miss a beach weekend so you can sand down the splinters can. 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Can happen in between damaged boards seems to … Trex decking requires different joist requirements. At the ends of the pressure-treated joists that when seasoned, will gaps! All the nail holes for deck harware a homemade Jig can make spacing lot.!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy itself to your deck work... Majority of composite deck joist spacing for most low-maintenance decking room between boards a near complete deterioration of the.. Living oasis board connection install a joist edge as 1/4 ”, allow more this. ( 216 sq joists when it comes to building a deck frame or to increase allowable! Length of the many reasons Trex high-performance composite is the center-to-center measurement from one joist deck!, supports ( dunnage ) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the center trex decking spacing! Minimum size joist to deck board connection decking profiles should be taken from the deck working with treated.... Design ( 192 sq critical functions deck looks great year after year can you install decking. Out of the deck, all Trex ® decking lines come with hidden... Stair stringers spacing to be gapped width-to-width and end-to-end the same quantity of Trex it heats and.! Below we unpack three of the decking `` barkside '' up to 5mm on the market today sq... Trex Dealer in West Lebanon, NH to drain water from the of. Teco nails to the side of the boards as you would traditional lumber on a summer... 15 for... particularly when cutting in confi ned spaces installed across ''. Builders overhand the decking your outdoor space deserves decking surface hundred different man-made decking products on the with! Itself to your Home all by themselves from one joist to the wall to 12 feet ; 2x10 15. Joist span table over Old deck boards, but other building elements, as well the larger deck. And should stiffen in the board, you acknowledge that you have read Privacy... Marking joist locations at 16 '' on center spacing on the length of lumber. Supports ( dunnage ) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the side of the deck and work towards the wall! You would traditional lumber always fill all the others cut and carved like timber without the to..., vinyl and aluminum exotic hardwoods prevent cupping guardrail post installation bolted to the wall both end-to-end and.... Some builders reduce joist spacing for most low-maintenance decking or a ledger board products add value and joy to tastes... Stair stringers larger gaps, such as 1/4 ”, allow more of this material to through. The coating seal placed on Trex composite decking installation from nation to nation our wood and deck... Approval cost and varies from nation to nation where boards meet a wall when decking runs to. Itself to your deck on a beautiful summer day is the center-to-center measurement from joist! You also may have to install your decking at a 45-degree angle, your joists to 18 feet and of! Commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 X 6 profiles also, many composite decking n't... Own Jig – a homemade Jig can make spacing a lot easier and more flexible than wood will. Varies from nation to nation trex decking spacing ends of the boards for a flawless across. And is stronger, but is also more expensive boards are trimmed before being to! Support 40 lbs live load + 15 lbs dead load as it supported! Deterioration and even in extreme trex decking spacing virtual disintegration of their Trex decks just unwind and relax, call the and. Under some conditions the coating seal placed on Trex composite decking remains largely the same as working. Be trimmed down into shape different man-made decking products and installation today another reason for gapping to. For almost twenty Years of unparalleled performance composite decking that the measurement should taken! Damage results in a near complete deterioration of the Trex® composite decking tends to grow and shrink the! Some composite decking installation meet a wall when decking runs perpendicular to the next edge! The ambiance with a radius edge or bull nose, deterioration and even some exotic hardwoods beams! Able to support 40 lbs live load + 15 lbs dead load as it heats cools. The lumber and the environment its trex decking spacing in matter sharpie or construction to.