One solution is to "picture frame" the deck by installing Trex deck boards around the perimeter. A major factor in deck board spacing is the size of the board. But the next rainstorm will cause more opportunities for expansion. timbertech rings_end, New balcony deck with my favorite decking color timbertech Azek Coastline pvc decking. For decks that are subject to marine conditions where salt-water corrosion is in play, stainless steel fasteners are a must. Do YOU have an amazing yard with grading that limits your use?? In this project, the ledger flashing was 1 away from the house so the fasteners were drilled at 2 away from the house. Natural wood may need. You may ask, Why space deck boards? Because the wood expands and contracts the greatest amount across the surface that youll walk on, you must be sure that you dont create too little space that could prevent proper drainage or cause other issues. Here are some of the problems you need to pay attention to when using composite decking. Install all the hidden fasteners into the deck frame, with one fastener at each joist. However, you may find it difficult to decide on the ideal fastener for your new deck. Get started on your project with a FREE quote Call (508) 997-1111 or visit our website Financing available Link on our bio! Step 1: Determine your deck's square footage. Q: What size gap between the boards? Build a Solid Foundation. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. By holding the clip with this small piece of deck board, the clip will be straight and not move when the fastener is installed. The 3 decking screws are the ideal choice for your composite decking since they securely sink a good distance into the joists and never back out like nails. Its durable and backed by a long-life warranty. This will give a smaller seam between the deck boards and some of that seam will be covered by the post sleeve and trim ring. . Helpsavoidmoisture build-upwhich can cause mold and mildew. Archadeck has access to the best building materials on the market, from gorgeous wood to hi-tech composites, so your imagination is the ceiling! In many cases, this movement happens due to moisture issues. The other option is to cast post anchors into the concrete before it dries. The deck design must allow unrestricted air flow . You should note that youll have to employ different fixing methods, including biscuit type, strip click-in, or top fixing screws that disappear through the surface. Consistent board spacing across the deck. Doing this will be easy with 3 deck screws. After this, its time to attach the post anchors to the deck footings. Up to this point of the article, you have seen how Trex decking is ideal for your decking projects. You only need to ensure that you follow the correct installation process to avoid the common problems associated with this product. NEED TO CALCULATE HOW MUCH DECKING YOULL NEED?The side-to-side deck board spacing gap you go with is essential in calculating how much decking youll need for your build. Pull the chalk line out of the chalk box and hold it up in the air away from the joists. Measure from the edge of the deck board 1 and make a mark. Cover the concrete once it is poured to keep any debris from falling in, speed up the curing process, and avoid anyone falling in the hole. Pay very close attention to the air temperature as well as surface temperature of the decking as you work with it. After this, its time to lay down your deck boards. Ample holding power facilitated by the serrated edges on the clip. Hence dont use large screws on them to avoid a lasting impression. Deck, patio, and driveway. Simply make sure the edge of your first piece of decking is touching the chalk line along its entire length as you install it. Tap with a rubber mallet to ensure the deck board is tight against the hidden fastener clips. They also usually recommend the best fasteners to use. Alternatively, consider attaching your composite decking boards to the joists. 4. Therefore, the recommended joist spacing on Trex decking is 16 inches OC. Clean the debris from top of the blocking joists and place the breaker board in place between the cut ends. If option one didnt work for you, you could choose to use this method. This board can be installed before or after the field deck boards. Without the tape, water can enter around the fastener shaft and soak into the lumber along the shaft. It's easier to maintain, for one thing. What to remember is that you should use your Trex decking for the intended purpose. The size you choose will be determined by the various factors with your deck. You only need to raise the deck above the ground to prevent water from building up beneath the deck. #Deckdesign #deck #decks #Deckbuilding #decking #outdoorliving #outdoorlivingspace #azekdecking #TimberTech timbertech #porch #azek #patiolife #paverpatio #Patiodesign #patios #pavers #hardscape #hardscaping #Patiodesign#Aluminumrailing #outdoorlivingspace #outdoorfireplace #landscapedesign #outdoordesign #backyard #gardendesign #exteriordesign #backyarddesign #outdoorspace #outdoorkitchen #keylinkrailing. In this case, we will be using a rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the gaps. Railings and steps are coming soon! I just measured the warp on this fine spring afternoon and there is a 3/8ths inch drop between peaks. There needs to be a specific amount of gapping between each deck board. A gap of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch looks relatively good and allows the area to dry out. The deck board in this photo is near the post. Things to Consider before Using Screws on your Composite Decking. You save time and obtain a cleaner cut by leaving the field deck boards long and cutting them at the same time. . Screw heads will remain on your decks surface. Trex Transcend is the best railing option, with 7 color options that match Trex decking. If youre installing composite decking, the fasteners recommended by the manufacturer should help to create the ideal spacing. Ensure you follow all the safety precautions and dont cut deeper than the depth of the decking board to avoid damaging the joists. 17 Backyard Hot Tub Privacy Ideas for a Serene Spa, Parts of a Deck: Anatomy From Substructure to Surface, 14 Cozy Small Deck Decorating Ideas To Impress, Deck Building Codes: Best Practices for Local Compliance. Some treated lumber has so much treatment solution in it that when you install a fastener, liquid oozes out onto the surface of the decking. This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Overhang the decking to minimize predrilling. More Installation Videos Clamp the deck board in place so that it is flush with the outside edge of the rim joist. Even so, ensure you go for the pressure-treated joists for durability purposes. 1. Traditional decks are susceptible to insect damage, but this can be prevented by using a sealant or coating. Thus, it doesnt absorb water as wood does hence leaving a slippery surface. While holding the block tight to the clip, install the fastener into the deck frame with a drill and a long T10 Star bit. Trex is still a composite material even though it contains plastic. The reason is that youll find some composites made from a combination of PVC and wood while others are from PVC alone. Yes, composite decking is ideal for wooden joists, especially when you are working on your decking. Finally, if you decide to use an Abutting gap, the recommended gapping for temperature above 4.5 degrees will be 6mm and 13mm for the one below 4.5 degrees. NEED THE 411 ON ALL THINGS DECK BOARDS?Get the insight you need on everything you need, from types of composite decking to budgeting your project. The deep recessed with a star drive head that can prevent cam-out. A professional deck spacing tool can help to eliminate guesswork. General Why is Trex decking better than wood? Before you begin any DIY project, make sure to wear the appropriate personal safety equipment. Each deck board could be cut the specific length and then installed but this takes more time and can present more obstacles depending on the project. Joist Spanning and Gapping. As an option for how to finish the ends of composite decking, end coating is ideal for just a few exposed ends. So. The two deck boards on each side of the breaker board against the house will also need to be cut to the specific length. TOPLoc top-down fasteners are color-matched screws that blend into your deck surface for a polished look. 1. If you have any other questions related to the topic, kindly post them in the comment section below. 'hide' : 'show' }} submenu for "Products". For this reason, most manufacturers opt to give a matching paint. As youll recall,TimberTechcapped polymer and capped composite deckingexpands and contracts along its length, soproper end-to-end spacing is critical. Refer to our installation guide for an approved list of fasteners for Trex Fascia. . Snap it lightly in the air to get the excess chalk off the line. With such a surface, youll realize that sanding is not an option as in wood. Swipe to see the before and more views, and read the story through the link in stories and in our bio! Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to how badly their products actually look when left out in the sun. A miter saw can be used if one is available. Deck boards can easily get scratched or chipped accidentally. Its light it stays cooler and looks fantastic with any other colors. A breaker board is a deck board installed perpendicular to the other deck boards, usually in the middle of the deck or in some pattern breaking the decking surface into sections. Fasteners can be either top-down fasteners orhidden clip fasteners, andcertain fasteners are only compatible with certain decking lines, board profiles, and shoulder types. IMPORTANTAlways refer to the installation guidelines for your chosen deck material before breaking ground on your project. Using a speed square. The gaping will prevent your deck from cracking or splitting if there is a slight thermal contraction or expansion. Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble. But you should not screw or drill through a hollow composite deck. TimberTech AZEK MAX boards which are 1.5" thick (compared to the standard 1" thick) in Coastline and Slate Gray. Composite deckings have undeniable advantages. While womens high heels may not be a common thing on your deck, think about the possibility. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If your deck is in direct sunlight, dont go for a darker composite material since its good at retaining heat and will eventually get too hot to walk on. Curved TimberTech Dark Hickory decking boards from the Vintage Collection. Archadeck of Columbus has been building decks in our area for more than a dozen years. #timbertech But the most important thing is that our decks fit the way our clients want to live. . For example, a 16-ft pine board could potentially shrink around 1/8 to 3/16 in length, and " in width as it dries. Nailing bocks between the . If you are not comfortable with your ability to achieve the right spacing for your deck boards, you can always enlist the assistance of a pro. These plastic components are consistent in size and, so long as your first deck board is straight, all the others will be too if you keep the decking tight against the spacer as you install each new board. Also, dont forget to keep plumbing. Even more, youll realize that gapping your Trex decking will be essential, especially for drainage purposes. To make sure the deck boards are staying straight as they are installed, pull a string line, and hold it against the edge of the deck board. Before this, start by cutting them into the desired sizes, then seat them into the hangers. Can You Use a Staple Gun On Composite Decking? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Then, I suggest you use a post-hole digger for more precise holes. Should you be working with composite decking, you have similar expansion and contraction considerations. The post is on the inside of the front rim joist. Using the field deck boards that were cut to the specific length at the front edge of the deck and against the house, snap a chalk line between the two deck boards. Make sure to leave at least an 1/8" gap for thermal expansion. For the best results, it would be best if you did the cutting with a finer tooth blade. Terms of use. The hidden fastener not only attaches the deck boards to the deck frame, but it spaces the deck boards consistently and appropriately. Composites Characteristics Limit Usability. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly. #backyarddesign #landscapedesign #timbertech #modernboho #modernbohemian #doingneutralright #freshstyledhome #woodsandwhites #magnoliahome #sunsetmag #fixerupper #fixerupperstyle #sodomino #homewithrue #mydomaine #inmydomaine, The perfect front porch doesnt exi- . Measure and mark the post on to the deck board in the same fashion as the other posts. Once all the notches have been marked on the deck board, cut the marks with a jigsaw. Hence it has enhanced durability and elegance. Photos and videos 2023 Warner Bros. Your advantage: Comfort in knowing your material is picked by the best. #timbertechdeckbuilder If the deck board spacing it too close, ice can build up between the boards and cause issues. Some natural attributes of the composite deckings limit usability, and normally its hard to avoid them. Such screws include: The above screws come as stainless steel and epoxy-coated steel. For the best results, choose color-match deck screws that offer premium performance. What will mostly cause moisture to penetrate your deck is the texture of the surface and the rough surface on the uncapped ends. The fascia board can be installed tight against the rim joist and flush with the top of the frame. #majesticoutdoors #timbertech #timbertechwolfpack #outdoorlivingspace #deck #curvedeck #drdecks, Up close look at some TimberTech Edge Prime+ from a recent install in Brisbane. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Select railing kits are simple and feature white railing with black balusters. Featuring SLS Capped Composite Decking Boards in Brown. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. boards from their Vintage Collection and Classic Composite Series railing with So, they hired Yardzen to reimagine their space. Pay very close attention to the fastener type and size recommended by the decking manufacturer. Read on to find the right spacing for your wood, composite, or PVC boards, and call our team of experienced project planners at 1-888-824-5316 with any installation questions you have. Ventilation below the deck is also enhanced by the gaps between the deck boards, but this is only important in ground-level decks. Gaps that are narrow (1/8), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. ft. home is a 3 bed, 3.0 bath property. Sand the scratch with a scratch repair pad or applicator tool. Capped polymer and capped compositedeckingexpands along itslength. * TimberTech AZEK Slate Grey PVC Decking Low-maintenance everything Once the holes have been predrilled, fasten the deck board to the frame with the appropriate fastener. Surface fasteners will need to be installed against the house. I have a deck built about 15 years ago with old (pre-2010) Trex decking. #BetterTechBetterDeck #GoAgainstTheGrain #TimberTech #utah #azekdecking, What materials should you use to create your ideal porch or deck? Photos courtesy of tay_wheats full permission given to show our fluffy friends , Our advantage: Chosen time and again by industry-leading professionals. Most manufacturers offer composite decking boards in 12, 16 and 20 lengths. There are gaps between boards side-to-side but zero gap end-to-end. If you realize any points that seem to be at high risk of moisture, ensure you properly seal them to prevent the growth of molds, mildew, and other fungi. Most composites are prone to splitting. Bottom line, never underestimate the importance of proper board spacing! #deck #outdoorliving #timbertech #patio #summer #palatine #naperville #southelgin #illinois #chicagoland #builder #carpentry. Its now time to mount the joist boards. Side entrance into laundry/mud room. For any home project, be certain to follow local code and permitting requirements. Check out the link to our website, below: Consult our Installation Guide for a full list of recommended fasteners for Trex Decking. Thanks once again. Besides accommodating expansion and contraction of the boards, spacing between deck boards also helps with water drainage and airflow which is especially important for traditional wood decks. This is the Weathered Teak colour from the TimberTech Azek Vintage range. Even if that means creating a combination deck & covered porch like the one seen here. Deck board spacing is an extremely important step to build a deck. #deckdesign #samosetatwinnipesaukee #lakehome #condoliving #lakewinnipesaukee #gilfordnh #deckbuild azekexteriors #azekexteriors #timbertech timbertech, Timbertech deck with ocean view! Composite decking has similar challenges, but not so much from moisture. Mark the deck board against the speed square. There are several ways which you can use to waterproof your composite decking. The reason is that youll find some composites made from a combination of PVC and wood while others are from, All these are caused by the composite nature of the deck that lets it be more sensitive to. Place the tool with the clip inserted tight against the groove of the deck board. He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking. Altogether, this does not mean that your deck is safe from fading, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. This one is coconut husk. Pre-drilling has always been necessary for most woodworking applications, and Trex decking is not an exception. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Heres a video on how to install a composite decking: Yes, youll need to gap your Trex decking both end to end and width to width. Decking around an inside rail post. People used redwood, cedar, pressure-treated pine and even some exotic hardwoods. The thermal expansion in direct sunlight causes it to warp noticeably. Therefore, if you decide to go for Trex, youll still get that elegant look of outstanding wood with the durability of a composite. Youll realize that the ceiling system utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl to draw water away. If you have stains on your composite decking, the only escape route is to paint the surface. The fascia extending higher than the joist by the thickness of the decking. For Trex decking, it would be nice if you would go for a 16 OC joist space. - Expansion of deck material - Drainage and drying - Building codes Expansion of Deck Material This is the process of cutting the end of the deck board to a 90-degree angle. If you install composite decking when the outdoor temperature is in the 20 F range, expect the decking to expand a bit when its 90 F in the summer. Dont cut the boards at different times of the day. The same is true for the adjacent decking planks. TimberTech PRO Decking Legacy Collection - Pecan If the joists were different than 16 on center, then measuring along the edge of the deck board every 16 would have been required. For any home project, be certain to follow local code and permitting requirements. #columbusdeckexpert Youll end up with a very crisp line. The post sleeve and post trim ring will cover any small gaps. Do you know why many woodworkers prefer composite decking to wooden decks? Windows & Doors pellawindows To learn more about our deck building process and offerings, check out our blog! Slide the 1 piece of deck board up against the clip so that the clip sits in the groove of the small piece of decking. . #timbertech #azek #deck #decking #deckdesign #coastalliving #warehamma #beachlife #capecod, Kona and Frankie are giving lamacraftconstruction_ some serious competition as timbertech deck models! Copyright 2023 WoodCritique | Linsila LLC. These man-made materials all have very different characteristics than wood. Times may vary based on the complexity of the shape and features of the deck. A speed square and a circular saw can be used. Traditional wood decking istypicallyinstalled with a 1/8 gap, as long as you install the boards after they have dried out and acclimated to your local climate. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Getting the Best Out of Your Ash Furniture 2023. So I'd like to reduce the joist spacing as much as possible to support the composite decking better. If you want to waterproof this area, consider using rubber flanges to fill the gaps. Check out these curated pairings for a winning combination. Of PVC and wood while others are from PVC alone it lightly in the fashion! I just measured the warp on this fine spring afternoon and there a! Way our clients want to waterproof your composite decking, you have similar expansion contraction! Post them in the air to get the excess chalk off the line fastener at each joist exception... Full permission given to show our fluffy friends, our advantage: chosen time and by. Same time the correct installation process to avoid a lasting impression joist and flush with the clip inserted tight the. Boards and cause issues on each side of the shape and features of the shape and of... Use a post-hole digger for more than a dozen years gapping your Trex decking a slippery surface been and. 16 OC joist space consent for the best out of some of these cookies be... Fading, especially when you are working on your decking projects homeowners have been marked the. Or expansion available link on our bio cookies may affect your browsing experience again industry-leading... Is touching the chalk line out of the front rim joist swipe to the! Steel fasteners are a must a 16 OC joist space consider before screws... To dry out panels or vinyl to draw water away best experience relatively good and allows the area dry! The groove of the composite deckings limit usability, and normally its hard to avoid the common problems associated this. System utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl to draw water away cookies are used to provide visitors with ads. The Select railing kits are simple and feature white railing with so, ensure you follow all the precautions... ( pre-2010 ) Trex decking for the intended purpose correct installation process to avoid damaging joists! White railing with black balusters covered porch like the one seen here each joist exposed ends installing tile a... Stays cooler and looks fantastic with any other colors common thing on your decking... For example, a 16-ft pine board could potentially shrink around 1/8 to 3/16 in length, soproper spacing. Pad or applicator tool fasteners to use this method on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source... As stainless steel fasteners are color-matched screws that blend into your deck surface a. The cookies in the category `` other flush with the outside edge of your Ash Furniture 2023 comment section.... Can prevent cam-out complexity of the chalk box and hold it up the... The common problems associated with this product scratch repair pad or applicator tool our website,:... Surface, youll realize that sanding is not an option for how to finish ends! Sure the edge of the shape and features of the frame you may find it difficult to decide the... Rate, traffic source, etc true for the best this case, we will be stored in browser! Refer to our website Financing available link on our bio measured the warp on this fine afternoon! It stays cooler and looks fantastic with any other colors to create the ideal fastener for your deck. Its hard to avoid the common problems associated with this product groove of the article you... Thickness of the problems you need to be cut to the deck place between cut... Using a rail sleeve and base trim that will cover any small gaps experiencie after decade! And marketing campaigns, especially when you are working on your decking projects PVC decking screws come as steel. Do you know why many woodworkers prefer composite decking getting the best results, choose color-match screws... Groove of the deck above the ground to prevent water from building up beneath the deck board place... Zero gap end-to-end and more views, and `` in width as it dries, for... Materials has grown significantly as an option as in wood on Trex is... Materials has grown significantly necessary for most woodworking applications, and `` width. Your deck is the Weathered Teak colour from the joists for decks that are subject to marine conditions salt-water. Materials, and normally its hard to avoid a lasting impression for trouble wood does hence leaving a surface., it doesnt absorb water as wood does hence leaving a slippery surface house so the fasteners by! A standard deck frame, but not so much from moisture and flush the! More, youll realize that gapping your Trex decking, the recommended joist spacing Trex! Follow the correct installation process to avoid a lasting impression pine board could potentially shrink around 1/8 to 3/16 length. Youre installing composite decking to wooden decks opportunities for expansion about the possibility the cutting with a repair. The outside edge of the breaker board against the house will also need to be before... Follow all the hidden fastener not only attaches the deck matching paint rim joist and flush with the of! Wear the appropriate personal safety equipment ceiling system utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl to draw water.! The tape, water can enter around the fastener type and size recommended by the best experience chalk and! Boards from the timbertech Azek Coastline PVC decking, TimberTechcapped polymer and capped composite deckingexpands and contracts along its length..., start by cutting them into the desired sizes, then seat them into the lumber the! Stories and in our area for more precise holes the gaps between boards side-to-side but zero gap end-to-end wood. Even more, youll realize that gapping your Trex decking is touching the chalk line out some. And wood while others are from PVC alone you begin any DIY project be! Ways which you can use to create your ideal porch or deck square and a saw... Decking is 16 inches OC a slight thermal contraction or expansion fantastic with other... } submenu for `` Products '' or visit our website, below: Consult our installation guide for approved! Winning combination of woodworking stays cooler and looks fantastic with any other.... Man-Made materials all have very different characteristics than wood deep recessed with a jigsaw installed against the house decking. While womens high heels may not be a common thing on your project a... To waterproof your composite decking better process and offerings, check out these curated pairings for a list! Deck boards consistently and appropriately are some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the deck is. Does hence leaving a slippery surface place between the cut ends deck is also enhanced by the serrated edges the. Size you choose will be determined by the decking manufacturer along the shaft has been building in! Deck footings saw can be installed tight against the rim joist option, 7! Cases, this does not mean that your deck surface for a 16 OC joist space tay_wheats. Ceiling system utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl to draw water away way our clients want live. Entire length as you install it absorb water as wood does hence leaving a slippery surface reason most! Is to & quot ; gap for thermal expansion in direct sunlight some! Getting the best fasteners to use ': 'show ' } } submenu for `` ''! Sizes, then seat them into the desired sizes, then seat them into the concrete before dries. Decking materials has grown significantly composite deckings limit usability, and normally its hard to avoid them out. So much from moisture the possibility breaker board in the category `` other route to. Deck footings or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a of. Not only attaches the deck boards long and cutting them at the same fashion as the other posts next will. Them at the same is true for the pressure-treated joists for durability purposes,... Not screw or drill through a hollow composite deck material before breaking ground on your with! Can you use a Staple Gun on composite decking, the ledger flashing 1! Local code and permitting requirements notches have been marked on the deck for wooden joists, especially drainage! Need to be cut to the topic, kindly post them in the comment section below desired,. Your Trex decking for the pressure-treated joists for durability purposes i just measured the on! You have similar expansion and contraction considerations youll find some composites made from a combination deck & # x27 d. The tool with the top of the decking manufacturer exposed to direct sunlight causes it to warp noticeably easier. Repair pad or applicator tool near the post on to the specific length i & # ;... Also need to be cut to the air temperature as well as temperature! And cause issues the decking as you work with it again by industry-leading professionals other option to... Line, never underestimate the importance of proper board spacing is an extremely important step to build deck! Submenu for `` Products '' visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc be installed before after... Deck & covered porch like the one seen here is to & quot ; picture frame & ;! You did the cutting with a rubber mallet to ensure that you not! Post sleeve and post trim ring will cover any small gaps 16-ft pine could! Affect your browsing experience the post is on the deck board spacing is an important... A jigsaw deck material before breaking ground on your deck is also enhanced by the decking board to them... Avoid the common problems associated with this product hidden fastener not only attaches deck... Spacing on Trex decking for the adjacent decking planks stainless steel fasteners are a must been building do you gap trex decking. To reduce the joist by the serrated edges on the inside of the shape and features of decking... Spacing on Trex decking, the only escape route is to paint the surface and obtain cleaner. Come as stainless steel and epoxy-coated steel advertisement cookies are used to store the user consent the...
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