Though common wood screws might seem like they would work as well, they tend to “mushroom,” or bore out the holes rather than set into the material. At the same time, local building code requirements have also become stricter. Some composite decking materials are designed to be installed with hidden fasteners. Even the most experienced carpenters have found that when the power saw’s blade heats up, it creates slight waves along the cut line. But sometimes, they can be a bit unclear when it comes to a crucial component of your deck frame – joist spacing. With composites, you can typically trust brand guidelines but should make adjustments depending on the angle and span of your deck. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. Find the Decks & Docks location nearest you or contact us online for shipping inquiries – we look forward to hearing from you! That is unless you’re installing your deck at a 45-degree angle – in this case, 12 inches OC is recommended by most composite decking brands. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. Material required for each section in SF, LF and BF will be listed. Wider gaps permit more airflow, which feeds fire, and it also more likely to catch embers. Trex Signature railing and Rod Rail are made to be installed at maximum 6' or 8' CLEAR SPAN BETWEEN POSTS. The desired spacing varies according to the brand of decking boards used. When using grooved-edge boards, our hidden deck fastening system installs between the deck boards, fastening them to the joists with no visible deck screw heads on the walking surface. A: The Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4” space between each decking board. Though not meant for structural purposes, these products are plenty strong for decking, fencing, and railings. Discover … More than 70 percent of recycled plastic bags (over 1.5 billion of them!) In general, first an aluminum or vinyl track is installed across the joists, and then top pieces are snapped into place. The smaller the spacing, the longer your joists can span. No spacing is required between ends of boards. It is also important that all screws be secured at a 90-degree angle to the boards. AZEK Building Products Inc. accepts no liability or responsibility for the improper installation of this product. Join us to get great money-saving tips, cool ideas, and valuable advice from home improvement expert Don Vandervort! When securing the decking, it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. Instead of pilot holes, some manufacturers suggest drilling a starter hole about 1/8 inch deep into the material. Repeat the process for each board until the outside edge of the finial board is fastened with screws. Spacing and Layout. Without the right deck spacing, the boards may expand, cup, and buckle out of place. Composite deck screws are designed so that they do not push the material out and will create a much more uniform and tight fit. If you're building a deck, dock or seawall anywhere near water, come talk to us. If the decking material begins to get warm to the touch as the day goes on, you may want to stop work and continue the project the next morning. Those railings are not true 6' (72") or 8' (96") in length. Trex and several other manufacturers, including Weyerhauser and TimberTech, combine landfill-bound plastic, wood scrap, and sawdust into low-maintenance outdoor materials that imitate the look of wood somewhat convincingly but are far superior to natural wood in their ability to stand-up against the damaging effects of sun, rain, salt air, and insects. 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. Perhaps the most serious limiting factor is cost. After purchasing the material, store the composite decking flat and bundled, if possible, in the area where you will be cutting and installing it. But to truly get the most out of your new composite deck, you have to start with a strong frame. A: The Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4” space between each decking board. Your deck can begin to fail prematurely if the framing is weak. ®HIDDEN FASTENING SYSTEM Installing Angled Deck Boards in Corners ALWAYS start in cornerwith a small triangular piece of decking at 45° and work outwards. by Don Vandervort, HomeTips © 1997 to 2020. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Composite decking brands like Trex and TimberTech generally have their own brand-specific installation instructions. The distance you choose affects the maximum span, or how long your joists can be without compromising the strength of the deck frame. NOTE: Trex Transcend and Select horizontal railings are made to be installed at maximum of 6' (1.83 m) or 8' (2.44 m) on center (depending upon type of railing you choose). amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "auto"; 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. Composite materials have changed drastically over the years, improving in both performance and appearance. Don founded HomeTips in 1996. When designing a new trex or composite deck, the spacing between floor joists should be 12 inches on center. If you do have to rip, put the rough, exposed cut side where flaws will be least noticeable.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'hometips_com-box-4','ezslot_0',602,'0','0'])); If installing the decking around an existing structure, a simple router can be used to make curved cuts. This wood is protected against the elements and insects and will provide a solid support for your decking material. Countersink the screws but no deeper than the screw’s head. Solid “boards” are simpler to deal with, but heavy, hollow types are lighter but fussier to install. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fed726c60c88d738e7784c819bb73fbc"; If the gap in between the deck boards is too narrow use the Saw Guide by Lounsbury Products. Many jurisdictions following the International Building Code, which requires a minimum 1/8-inch spacing between boards. Find Trex composite deck boards at Lowe's today. First, it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner, safer, and less prone to moisture problems. With others, it’s best to simply view them as a new material. Decking manufacturers may recommend anywhere between 12 and 16 inches for commercial decks and 12 to 24 inches for residential decks. The last board won’t look good if … This can make cutting and securing more difficult. The goal is to have about an 1/8-inch gap (the diameter of an 8d nail) between boards after the decking has dried to its equilibrium moisture content. Some composites look like real wood—at least from a distance. 1 Box covers 50 square feet and 1 Bucket can cover 500 square feet. 4. December 2, 2020 Uncategorized. Pressure-treated lumber is typically installed without a gap since the boards will shrink when they dry, creating the appropriate spacing. Fire Control – Deck boards that are widely spaced will spread fire more quickly. For families with young children, these synthetic boards have the additional advantage of being splinter-free. The distance between two deck joists is measured in inches “on center”, commonly abbreviated as “OC”. Only every month or two. Basically, instead of measuring joists from edge to edge, you should measure them center to center. If you’re not satisfied with the color choices, or if you would like your deck to match your house, most products can be stained or painted, as specified by the manufacturer. After weighing the options, you’ve decided you want to use composite material to build your deck. From frame to finish, Decks & Docks has everything you need to complete a composite decking project. If you choose grooved Transcend for your deck, you have the option of using the exclusive Trex Secret Fix System. Some may fade more than others. For a cleaner finish, use hidden fasteners to install your composite deck boards instead of screws. How to Butt Seams amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = "2619525011,1055398,2972638011,228013"; Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. So, when would you ever need to use 12 inches OC? How Far Apart Should You Place Floor Joists on a Composite Deck? Decks & Docks Lumber Company supplies the marine construction industry across Florida and the southeast U.S. This space is important for two reasons. This post may contain affiliate links. This fact will greatly influence how you go about working with the material to reduce waste and make your project easier. Quality products cost more than softwoods such as treated pine. For example, towns that once required a maximum of 16” OC for composites may now require 12” OC. HomeTips articles may contain links to Amazon.com and other partner programs that provide helpful products and services. Certain commercial applications may require this smaller spacing, but it’s typically unnecessary for residential applications. Pre-drilling pilot holes can prevent this from happening and make installation go much faster and smoother. If you’ve ever wondered what becomes of your recycled grocery bags, check out your neighbor’s deck—it might be made of them. Tips for Properly Installing Composite Decking Joists. Pressure-treated lumber is rot-resistant, not rot-proof. Adjust spacing between deck boards Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. However, if you space your joists too close together, it will be difficult to install supporting elements such as joist hangers, blocking, and flashing. HomeTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The decking should be at the same temperature as the area where it will be installed. Select a bit size that is the same diameter as the screw’s inner core and take care not to go too deep into the material. But they last longer with far less maintenance, so this premium is offset by their durability.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',600,'0','0'])); Composites come in both solid and hollow-core versions. Composite decking won’t rot or splinter (an extra bonus for bare feet). From our slip-resistant wood grain to our 25-year UV Protection Package, we designed WearDeck to meet all your decking needs. Your measurements and layout need to be accurate, not only for the primary deck surface but for the smaller parts, like your deck stairs. Both sizes have their pros and cons. A power miter saw can provide very accurate, straight cuts, and a table saw with support extensions can make all types of cutting easier. Build your dream deck with Trex, the world's best high-performance composite decking brand. In this guide, we’ll go over the proper joist spacing for composite decking as well as some common installation mistakes you should avoid. When it's hot there is a different spacing than if it's cooler. The eighth-inch spacing provides for a safer surface for walking. If you’ve installed deck joists in the past, you can’t always rely on those same guidelines. For installations where deck boards are butted end-to-end at the joist, we recommend adding an 8" block and using a Veranda hidden fastener clip at the end of each board. Second, because composite decking expands in hot weather, the space ensures that extra stress won’t be placed on the fasteners. As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. Unlike other deck boards, WearDeck resists stains from harsh substances like sunscreen and red wine. : the Trex Hideaway fasteners 13 trex deck spacing between boards off center to center look like real wood—at from. Product because it 's hot there is a different spacing than if it 's cooler generally an. 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