How to Install Trex Deckings
Trex decking, a composite material made of recycled wood and plastic fibers, offers a wide range of colors and textures that do much more than simulate traditional wood decking. The lasting durability, low maintenance and ease installing Trex decking make it not only a good investment for home improvement, but also for the environment. The method for installing Trex decking follows a standard procedure, whether you are using the hidden fastener system or surface-mount screws. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Power screwdriver
- 1-inch grooved-edge Trex deck boards
- Trex hidden fasteners
- Trex start/stop clips
- Rubber mallet
Instructions
-
-
1
Install Trex start/stop clips along the top of the deck ledger board, aligning a clip with the center line of each deck joist. Using a power screwdriver and the screws provided, attach each clip by screwing straight down through the clip's screw hole into the ledger board.
-
2
Lay the first row of Trex deck boards perpendicular to the deck joists, approximately 1 inch from the row of installed start clips.
-
-
3
Cut the ends of the Trex deck boards with your saw as needed so that each end joint meets at the center of a deck joist. This maintains full support for the end joints. This method must be used at all end joints over the entire deck.
-
4
Secure the first row of Trex decking boards to the start/stop clips by pushing the side groove in the deck board against the start clip, using sufficient force to snap the end of the clip into the groove. A rubber mallet can be used to help tap the boards fully into place.
-
5
Center one Trex hidden fastener on each deck joist. Install each fastener by inserting its clip into the grooved edge of a previously installed deck board. Then screw the provided screw at a 45-degree angle through the fastener hole and into the joist. Apply pressure to the top of the deck board as the fastener is being installed to make certain the deck board fits tightly to the top of the joists.
-
6
Spread out the next line of Trex deck boards and repeat Steps 2 through 5 to complete the installation of the decking.
-
7
Secure the final line of Trex deck boards by inserting a start/stop clip into the edge groove of each deck board, at the center line of each joist. Screw the provided screws at a 45-degree angle through the clip’s screw hole and into the joist.
-
8
Secure the deck fascia board to the deck's perimeter joists using 2-inch decking screws. Make sure the top of the fascia board meets the top surface of the Trex decking to hide the deck clips.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Decking screws can also be used instead of hidden fasteners to secure both standard and grooved Trex decking boards. Drive each screw at a 90-degree angle to the board, keeping the head flush with the decking surface. Make sure to keep a minimum spacing of 1/4 inch between the decking boards.
To maintain the structural support of Trex decking, it is recommended to stagger the end joints at least 32 inches apart. Deck joist spacing should not exceed 16 inches on center.
