They'll tell you not only the proper spacing but also the screw the recommend. Rhino has independent testers, trex doesn't for their claim. To make it rock solid and universally stable for all composites, loads and patternshe would insall a joist in the middle of the 24 inch joists. In general we install our furring strips into the sheathing at a spacing of 24 on center. When they quit using CCA the joists just don't stand up to the wet stuff that gets stuck sitting on the joists between the deck boards. I know Trex advised a ventilated frame below. Place the tool on top of the deck board and tight to the outside edge. Using a speed square. We recommend using not more than 16" spacing with the 2"x6" and 12" spacing for the 5/4" planks. Big fg deal! The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Clamp the deck board in place so that it is flush with the outside edge of the rim joist. With the current decking removed, I would add a joist in-between each of those you have now. Trex decking requires far lower maintenance than wood decking, but does require some maintenance to keep it looking good throughout the years, much like washing your car. Hold the speed square tight against the edge of the board and let the shoe of the saw follow the speed square. Measure and cut the deck boards to length. references It was maybe 3/4" thick and with an open back that would provide some airflow. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. At this point, I am fairly sure I am going with a composite, just not sure which one yet - although TimberTech and Trex are the front-runners. Is this a DIY'r job or should I just pay someone? Whats really necessary? Make sure the fastener is flush with the top of the deck board. 99% of manufacturers tell you to use a pressure-treated frame acknowledging they can't make a structurally sound composite. Nor do I mean that the customers didn't have reason to band together. If anyone has any of the information that I asked for in my posts, please feel free to respond. 16 inch or more obviously creates more room for composite to sag, which it will because alot of the companies that make it are totally junk. Didn't notice that someone else had mentioned IPE`. This is after I buddied up to him. While some Downsides to composite decking, these should not dissuade you from considering this type of decking for your next project. Ok.. Completely built in to blend with your Trex deck, you will never know that they are there. Both solutions are inexpensive and straightforward to install, making them excellent choices for homeowners who are inexperienced in building or have little space. -----------------demark-Frankly, if you don't know this number, then my claim about a "bias" is all the more justified.----------------No..sorry..lol.. Multiple layers of wood are assembled into composite decking, then sealed with a sealer. 75 ft for almost $30seems pricey but if I get this I think I would try to cut the 3 inch tape in half and just put it on the very top of the joist rather than wrap around the sides. Cause: This can be due to a previously failed update operation. Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. The rim joist is 1 thick. Once all the notches have been marked on the deck board, cut the marks with a jigsaw. Start by squaring the end of the first deck board. I just moved a "temporary" step at a door entry made with Trex decking. Composite decking, which is made from a combination of wood and plastic, lasts longer than traditional wood because its less prone to rotting, splintering, and insect damage. A gap between the breaker board and the ends of the field deck boards is required. Agree to some level of financial restitution from the builder (and live with it). When installing composite decking, it is vital to ensure that you select the correct type for your home. That's not only much safer, it avoids the long reach down to install joist hangers (or the ladder work to access them from below). Not important in some cases, but it can mess up step rises in others. You are asking for problems there, i would not use 24" OC for any composite decking. If someone is interested in installing composite decking on their home, dont hesitate to contact Deck Experts! srercrcr made NO such claim as his comment was OBVIOUSLY a SPECIFIC response to john's statement that "comp. From frame to finish, Decks & Docks has everything you need to complete a composite decking project. Using the deck fastener of your choice, attach the first deck board to the deck joists at each intersection. This type of deck tends to be less expensive than other options but may not withstand weather conditions as well as others. Routing will change the unique surface of this product. | After weighing the options, youve decided you want to use composite material to build your deck. I've already stated that 12" OC is stronger than 16" OC, but 16" OC may be all that is needed in many circumstances. for commercial applications. I've seen this time and time again: a product with hundreds of thousands of units sold starts getting bad press because of a few Internet postings. Which is why I also do it on the decks that were installed many years ago - to see if I can "feel" a difference in flex. Side note: Trex is very difficult to get back up when its been warped. They must both go up to 2F, since the line for the 1F ties in to the stack separately. Overview. By holding the clip with this small piece of deck board, the clip will be straight and not move when the fastener is installed. Depending on age, you may find some joists in tough shape. This will lead to an uneven surface on your new deck. I was used more for braun than for design. When replacing the existing boards with composite decking on a deck with 24-inch frame spacing, you will only need to add joists 12 inches on center between existing joists. In instances where there is not enough room to be 1 away, it is necessary to pre-drill the deck board. The materials required for installation are scissors or a utility knife, a staple gun, and a caulking gun. Starting the longest board in the center will reduce the number of butt joints necessary in your project. Predrill and then install the fastener. home improvement and repair website. He did it again in this message.srer---Let it go, Tony.Somebody's been breathing too much sealer.-----------little b@stard. Strip the old surface, make sure the framework is free of rot, clean and well sealed, and then install your layer of Trex. Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips, More visual height is no stretch when you pick the right furniture, paint and lighting, This Charlotte, North Carolina, showhouse offers ideas for a fresh, family-friendly take on traditional design, A Streamlined, Open Look is a First Thing to Explore When Renovating a Bath, Plan ahead to prevent unsightly or unsafe transitions between floor surfaces. Before, simply being geographically disperse made it much harder to get enough members. Every single one of them is rock solid and has only required a little light cleaning (sweep cleaner on with a push broom and then hose off) every year or two to staying looking pretty much the same as the day they were installed. Apply a sealant to the surface of your composite board after it has been attached to the underlying lumber using an adhesive. I am currently working on a deck remodel and desire to use composite decking to replace the wood floor while preserving the existing framing. All deck boards must always be installed with a 3-5mm end-to-end or end-to-width gap between boards. Then you try and play the victim. They feel as solid as the day they were installed. Seems that some mentioned that as a bad idea. Well, Lefty--now I have two responses, neither answering my question, but saying, "Don't do it," so then I have to ask: Composite decking can/will/has sagged when its used with the max joist spanning widths. Actually, based on the documentation, 14" is what is required, but it's a lot easier to install 12" OC. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. The decking is heavy, the last deck was 10' wide, so i ordered all 20' and cut them since 12' is the shortest. A speed square and a circular saw can be used. Negotiate a solution with the builder before you close - you won't have any leverage afterwards. Drill two screws side-by-side every 16 to 24 inches along each plank. How many? I don't presume to know every application of every person that reads this board. Do you need special screws for Trex decking? Trex composite decking is only wrapped on three sides. A few extra hours perfecting your deck frame can mean extra years on the life of your deck, so it pays to take your time. Predrill the hole first. This is why the size of the class is so important to know (and yet, no one seems to know it). By logging into your account, you agree to our. I went ahead and installed Lowe's version of Trex. However, if you so much as thing about Trex while posting here, the result is predictably negative. For decks with 16-inch spacing, measure and mark each joist that is at 48 inches. Hellrazor: Thanks for your interest and quick response. Is that chair made of wood, metal, composite, or plastic? Sorry I didn't pursue the notification. Push the small piece of deck board tight against the clip and the full deck board. Do not indent the fastener past the top of the decking material. If you are going to use a breaker board on your deck, you will need to install a ladder joist. Like any industry, the learning curve takes time, upgrades, changes and lessons.They already have used plastic, vinyl, steel additives mixed with wood flour, splinters.. Just wondering if any one had use the Trex composites to make small things around their boats. We do not recommend routing Trex Brasilia or Trex Escapes. Experienced builders have run into this type of thing before and should have given you a heads-up. Let the hole touch each side of the corner lines that were marked for the post. Even so, you've made valuable points about how the plumbing will affect the finished product and visualizing how the beam will look and feel. Live with it (and you will be angry every time you see it) 2. *Timing is estimated for a 14'x22' deck with two workers with intermediate carpentry skills. Real nice folks on this board==========================================lol wait a minute.. a few times now.. you are the one who got nasty.. You basically tried to make an @ss out of John by claiming he's the ONLY source to call for 12 inch centers. Trex Signature is a better rail offering with 3 colors. Doing it that way would be simple and also make it rock-solid.Your way makes him rip out the joists, reinstall new ones at a new gap and he ends up with a less-stable deck for more work. Decks, Patios, Porches, Walkways, Driveways, Stairs, Steps and Docks, Composite Decking: The Advantages Over Wood. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. Attach the stop block to the rim joist with 3 exterior grade wood screws, one screw every 2 to 3 feet. I just want to be sure. Since this goes significantly against my personal experiences (*), I rarely post questions or respond to answers. Repeat the process of installing the hidden fasteners. Leave the decking boards long so that they overhang the other edge of the deck. 6 Can a groove be cut in Trex wood decking? When cutting a square shape start in the corner by drilling a hole big enough for the jigsaw blade to fit into. psf is per foot and the key is time and the longevity of the composite to maintain this rate. Deflection is a fancy word for drop. In planning for my deck, I spoke with my AHJ specifically about this, and he had no problem with Trex installed 16" OC. Also, know that getting attorneys involved becomes very expensive and it will potentially drag on for years. Let me turn your argument around for a moment: Would you build your house with 12" OC studs? Regarding sustainability and environmental friendliness, composite decking 24 on the center has few equals. A 2X12 is 1 1/2" X 11 1/4" and a 6X12 is 5 1/2" X 11 1/4". They had a class action lawsuit against them for their product. Fortunately, I think I've convinced her on this note. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". We've gone back and forth quite a lot on whether or not to remodel. The old rule when building something, do it right the first time. You are going to be investing a lot of money in the composite for this deck. Most of the time, they will be able to explain in detail what is needed in your unique circumstance. I can't speak for every state, but I know of a number of states that refer to "Uniform Construction Codes" and everybody knows exactly what they mean. 50%? I have seen piles of composite decking ripped off in under 3 years of service due to being waterlogged, flaking, fading pieces of crap. The deck is small at 12x14. For example, any apps built by the Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 toolsets can use the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. How do I replace these with the same size I have now? Again, I am not defending Trex, nor saying that they didn't have problems, that they didn't try to cover it up, and they handled well. The two 2F bathrooms are on either side of the wet wall (current kitchen's south wall) and the toilets are ~60" from the east wall. The main stack in the basement is 4" and sits ~12" inwards of the east foundation wall, and there's also a 3" branch that runs up only ~6" inwards from the foundation / basement wall studs. That is unless youre installing your deck at a 45-degree angle in this case, 12 inches OC is recommended by most composite decking brands. So all I know is that they got permits and they were inspected. Contact Deckorators Customer Service team at 800-556-8449 for commercial applications. A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Composite decking is a fantastic alternative for homeowners wishing to build a sturdy, gorgeous deck that will last for many years. One problem with the scheme is that it throws off the deck height. The drawback is that this kind of decking may weigh more than other options and not hold up to harsh weather. http://www.correctdeck.com/products/faqs/FAQinstall.htmscroll down.. ''and 12" on-center for boards installed 60 to the joists. Trex decking costs $5 to $12 per square foot for materials, plus an additional $10 to $15 per square foot if you need to build framing. However, I can't find a reference for a hard number of how many customers had issues. This tool will hold the clip and guide the tip of the drill into the top of the fastener, making installation easier and faster. A miter saw can be used if one is available. I know, Trex has come out with a 2X6 that they say will span 24". Decking manufacturers may recommend anywhere between 12 and 16 inches for commercial decks and 12 to 24 inches for residential decks. John was addressing the guy asking the question with his specific situation.srer addressed John in a rude, accusatory tone, as if 12 inch center is soooooooo wrong. At the same time, wood composites are more expensive but can be used in places that dont get too much sun or rain.Installation of composite decking. lol You had to word it that way didn't ya?With wood, composites, steel, etc.. there is deflection. Everybody talks about the extra cost of composite. Mark the deck board against the speed square. 2x4s can work for deck joists. Do not use red chalk. My advice though is don't do it. Ensure to properly trim the edges of your composite boards so they fit snugly against each other and dont have gaps or overlaps. 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