How to Build a Deck Using Trex Decking Material

What kind of decking lasts 25 years, never has splinters, resists rot, keeps its original finish and is workable with ordinary tools? The answer is composite decking, and Trex is the brand that started it all. Heavier and more flexible than real wood products, Trex cuts, drills and screws with ease. Unlike wood, Trex is consistent in dimension and density, making installation a simple matter of screwing it in place. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Concrete mix
  • Lagbolts
  • Joist hangers
  • Treated lumber for posts, joists, stair frame
  • Stair stringers and treads
  • Drill
  • 1 5/8-inch screws
  • Chalk line
  • Circular saw
Show More

Instructions

  1. Preparation and Framing

    • 1

      Choose a deck plan with clear, concise drawings, a complete materials list and understandable instructions. Trex offers designs at its website. Its Deck Designer also provides custom diagrams and material lists.

    • 2

      Set the posts in position--one every 4 to 8 feet--and attach outside framing with lagbolts at the height specified in your plan. If using post holes, add 1/2 bag of concrete per post.

    • 3

      Attach joists, using joist hangers and spacing joists every 12 or 16 inches for adequate support.

    • 4

      Build stairs before laying decking so you don't need to climb a ladder to reach the deck. Frame the stairs with treated lumber. Precut stringers and treads are available in a variety of lengths at lumber yards. Be sure stair rails are well attached, and use framing posts set in concrete wherever possible for added stability.

    Add Decking and Rails

    • 5

      Start at a corner of the deck and lay four or five runs of decking to create a work platform. Move onto the deck as you go. Use two screws per joist. Pre-drill countersunk pilot holes, and use your drill clutch for correct screw depth.

    • 6

      Maintain a 1/4-inch gap between rows and board ends to allow for drainage and frame shrinkage. Stagger board ends for strength. The ends must overlap joists by a minimum of 1 inch for proper attachment.

    • 7

      Lay full decking pieces whenever possible and let the excess hang over the edge of the deck. Use a chalk line to mark the edge straight across, and cut the overhang with a circular saw.

    • 8

      Install railings on all edges where the deck height is more than 10 inches, and on all sides of pool decks. Use Trex trim to cover joints and gaps.

Tips & Warnings

  • Trex is heavier than wood, so have extra help when moving the decking boards. Use Hideaway hidden fasteners from Trex to avoid screw holes.

  • Avoid sanding; it causes discoloration and may void warranty

Related Searches:

References

Resources

Comments

You May Also Like

  • What Is Frame Spacing for Trex Decking?

    Basic deck parts include the ledger and band around the perimeter, floor joists across the middle, and surface boards for flooring. Frame...

  • How to Install Trex Deck Posts

    Trex is the brand name of a decking system whose components are made of a composite of recycled plastic and wood, and...

  • How to Use T-Rex Motorcycle Stands

    A vital tool in a motorcycle racer or mechanic's arsenal, T-Rex Racing's motorcycle stands are designed to lift the bike either partially...

  • How to Build 8X16 Trex Deck

    Trex is a brand of decking boards that are made from recycled materials. These come in a variety of styles, colors and...

  • Trek 830 Mountain SHX Specifications

    The Trek Bicycle Corporation first started as a bike frame manufacturer in 1976, but two years later, the Wisconsin-based company began offering...

  • How to Estimate the Screws for Trex Decking

    An important item required for assembling a deck is the fasteners used to hold the decking down. This is even more important...

  • How to Build Stairs

    Building stairs can be a daunting project for even an experienced builder. However, building a straight stairway to a porch or deck...

  • How to Clean Trek Deck Materials

    Although composite decking is marketed as virtually maintenance free, over long periods of time outdoor decks made of composite tend to get...

  • How to Install Trek Decking

    Trek decking is a composite decking made mostly of plastic that is molded into deck boards. This type of decking requires no...

  • How to Lay Trex Decking

    According to the Trex.com, Trex decking materials have "the natural beauty of wood, but leave behind the rotting and splintering." It is...

  • How to Build a Deck With Trex

    If you're considering a deck for around your pool or for a gazebo or patio, Trex offers one of the best surface...

  • Trex Decking Specifications

    Trex decking is a type of composite deck created by the Trex Company. The company started in 1996 and is headquartered in...

  • How do I Replace Deck Boards With Trex Decking?

    Replacing your existing deck's boards with Trex offers more than a facelift. Trex decking is an attractive alternative building material invulnerable to...

  • How to Cut Trex Decking

    Trex decking boards--made of wood and plastic fibers--have the appearance of wood but won't splinter like wood, according to Trex.com. The manufacturer...

  • How to Install Trex Decking

    Trex is an attractive and low-maintenance composite decking product. It is made from reclaimed and recycled items such as sawdust, pallets and...

  • About Trex

    Trex is a line of products used by builders and homeowners who want an alternative to wood for their home building projects....

  • How to Build Steps for a Deck

    You don't have to necessarily rely on contractors or other "professionals" to build a trusty set of deck steps. By reading/following these...

  • DIY How to Install Trex

    Trex products are a "green" alternative to harvested wood products. The products are manufactured from recycled plastics including grocery bags, drink containers,...

  • How to Clean Trex Deck Materials

    Trex deck materials are a composite of recycled wood and plastic, including sawdust and plastic grocery bags. The combination protects the decking...

Related Ads

Featured