Hold the speed square off the side of the post approximately . If the answer is "no", then people will say "It feel solid", which is all they are looking for. Most of the time, they will be able to explain in detail what is needed in your unique circumstance. Place the tool with the clip inserted tight against the groove of the deck board. If anyone has any of the information that I asked for in my posts, please feel free to respond. He managed the original Decks and Docks store in St. Pete, which is our largest store. decking. A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words If you don't already have the necessary tools and equipment, budget an additional $500 to $1,000 to cover the costs for items such as PPE, a drill, a circular saw, hand tools, and a wheelbarrow. Sitemap, Replacing Your Wood Deck with Composite Decking: Easy Guide, DIY Guide: 10 Tools Youll Need to Build a Deck. While composite decking is a great option for exterior applications, it limits how far it can go in the center of the deck. 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. Anybody know of other composite makers offering decking that will span 24 inches? 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. I'll say this again this is not a defense of Trex nor claiming that they haven't had problems. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." Backed by a 10-year limited warranty. One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have a 1/4-inch to 3/16-inch gap between the decking boards (don't exceed 1/2 inch). The floor will be a bit of a trampoline regardless as you are maxing out the span. Use with composite, aluminum or wood railing systems. Trex Decking Types Agree to some level of financial restitution from the builder (and live with it). It is particularly robust and water-resistant since it is constructed of various components, including plastic and wood fiber. Trex Enhance boards have a scalloped profile. 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. ""Reading the conversation as an outside observer, I didn't see anything that I would consider rude until you called him "cocky"." If you barely use your deck, are very neatthen you're face might be ok.. srercrcr made NO such claim as his comment was OBVIOUSLY a SPECIFIC response to john's statement that "comp. This can happen when one hidden fastener is not as tight as the one beside it. Mind you, having said that, I will probably be building a deck for my house with 12" OC joists because I will be installing on a bias. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. What Does On Center Mean? 7 What kind of maintenance does Trex decking need? Cause: This can be due to a previously failed update operation. Let it go, Tony.Somebody's been breathing too much sealer. 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. It's sound advise to suggest 12 inch on center support. The decking is heavy, the last deck was 10' wide, so i ordered all 20' and cut them since 12' is the shortest. If "time" is all that is required, shouldn't I feel bounce or squishiness on the decks from 6 - 8 years ago? Although you can use a router on Trex deck boards, the balusters and rail posts should not be routed, slotted or notched. This board can be installed before or after the field deck boards. Use a scrap piece of lumber and hold it up 1 higher than the rim joist of the deck. When cutting a square shape start in the corner by drilling a hole big enough for the jigsaw blade to fit into. Making it the soft underbelly which water can penetrate. It gets wet and with time breaks down even worse because the water that does get in is encapsulated with the plastic and it breeds rapid disintegration. When a deck board needs to be cut and the next deck board will but up against it, it is a good idea to make the seam line up with the center of the post. Always make sure that you have a first aid kit nearby. I'm replacing wood decking that's laid over joists on 24-inch centers. You can work with 16 but 12 is simply better for composite. The bottom line? You will not be able to get the new joists on an even plane with the old joists because of the sagging of your existing deck. 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. By choosing your country, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy's Policy, By choosing YES or NO, you acknowledge that you have read Trex'sPrivacy Policy. but, that's a mouthful, so everyone just says "UCC 2003". Composite decking has the added benefit of custom cuts. Step 2: Install One Fastener at Each Joist. You maybe know this, but it doesn't seem like you consider it "right" from your answer. I haven't seen any that will work with more than 16". It's mostly used as a decking. I went ahead and installed Lowe's version of Trex. I'm a contractor who right now is in the middle of an expensive project involving having to rip up trex that wasnt put down right. The type of composite decking you will need depends on the kind of surface you are covering. Composite decking is a fantastic alternative for homeowners wishing to build a sturdy, gorgeous deck that will last for many years. Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. Lay the planks tightly together and ensure that they are all evenly placed by checking them with a square. Times may vary based on the complexity of the shape and features of the deck. Architect Emily Mottram discusses making smart choices in materials and design with Vicwest's line of Bellara steel siding on this high-performance home. With fading, stains, scratches and water going IN those scratches to that wood flour)Broken down that's 20 years divided by 80 dollars= 4 dollars a year.We'll let the reader decide which way they want to go with composite, spans and actual costs at stake for going Tony's way. 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. So you _don't_ know how many people were in the class? Make sure that the blocking joists underneath the breaker board are not shared by the breaker board and the deck boards coming in perpendicular. It's not wrong to suggest to someone to over-build for stability and longevity. This will lead to an uneven surface on your new deck. They must both go up to 2F, since the line for the 1F ties in to the stack separately. Using composite deck screws is critical because they are specially designed to help hold the material in place. While holding the block tight to the clip, install the fastener into the deck frame with a drill and a long T10 Star bit. But if you don't add a joist between the existing, your deck will have a d between every joist. Trex Select is a good quality railing at an affordable price. You are asking for problems there, i would not use 24" OC for any composite decking. From color, railing and deck shape, our Deck Designer tool lets you hand pick every element of your new deck. Trex warns that routing, slotting or notching balusters and rails can void the warranty on these components. So I have no idea why you feel free to throw round the world 'bias' when the bias is derived from fact and thousands of people having their deck ruined by Trex. Our selection of marine-grade composite decking materials are a favorite of homeowners and seasoned contractors alike, and with a wide variety of accessories, railing styles, and hardware, you wont have to look anywhere else. The first field deck board on either side of the breaker board needs to be cut to the precise length. Srer got moody before. 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. It's wood flour mixed with plastic in many brands. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking Manage Preferences. In this project, the breaker board was 5 wide. 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. Also if you need to pour concrete pads and/or piers for the Dek Blocks. This means that the empty space between joists will be 10 and one-half inches. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Repeat this process with the remaining deck boards. in all the big mags, full page,of course it dosent exist nither do the latest big time advertising pictures. The post sleeve and post trim ring will cover any small gaps. Meaning, they will deflect and they are a happy medium for price and durability. should really be put down on joists 12'' on center a fact the ol boys dont tell out right another little thing they dont mention is with any butt joints I can't replace the ugly pieces because Trex changes the size every few . Hi, yes, they are metal counters. What kind of maintenance does Trex decking need? He did it again in this message.srer---Let it go, Tony.Somebody's been breathing too much sealer.-----------little b@stard. Here's a link. You misunderstood my question. Whether you are building a new composite deck or replacing old wooden surface boards on an existing deck, you will need to compensate for the additional weight and flexibility when designing your plans for the frame. Owner is considering a composite deck surface whihc require 16" on-center joists. should really be put down on joists 12'' on center a fact the ol boys dont tell" which is patently false unless you are installing on a bias. See table 3 for the allowed spans. Trex claims to be a leader, starting in 1996. But to truly get the most out of your new composite deck, you have to start with a strong frame. Prowling the internet, I've found that Trex and Certainteed offer full 1.5-inch-thick decking that will span 24 inches on a residential deck. Most systems can be installed in one or two hours. Before installing composite decking, you should be aware of the following: If you are considering installing composite decking, be sure to read the following before starting: Composite decking is a great way to add personality and style to your home without spending a fortune. The Internet has made it much easier to put together a class action. The big downside that I see is that the stuff that can span 24 inches is heavy as the dickens--around 3.5 pounds per foot. demark-(which included me jumping up and down to see how strong it really is and I'm not a small guy). This type of deck tends to be less expensive than other options but may not withstand weather conditions as well as others. Do not install the fastener tight into the clip at this time. Is it typical to add the necesary joists between the current ones and go for it, or it it better to stick with 2x6's and just replace them? For example, any apps built by the Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 toolsets can use the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Composite decking 24 on the center is becoming increasingly popular as homeowners search for a sustainable and eco-friendly option for their homes. Required fields are marked *. Do you suggest he removes all the joists and reinstall them to make up your wider gap? 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. I'd not considered how the stack might affect the kitchen's east wallgreat point. Trex and other composite decking brands are considerably heavier and more flexible than wooden surface boards. The deck board does not need to be tight against the post on all sides. Negotiate a solution with the builder before you close - you won't have any leverage afterwards. Mark the deck board against the speed square. for commercial applications. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. I've seen this claim at one other site, but never any proof. There's no way you can claim 16 inch centers are 'better' than 12. Another way of installing fasteners is with theUniversal Fastener Installation Tool. Regardless of the price point that you choose, rest . From frame to finish, Decks & Docks has everything you need to complete a composite decking project. Concrete. Hide Composite Ends. Before you say it.no, this does not include all composites, but enough to make the choice of finding a good one, a mine field of indecision to the amateur. Since this goes significantly against my personal experiences (*), I rarely post questions or respond to answers. 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. Even if the joists are only 6-8"D, the kitchen ceiling is still dropped more than I would have thought necessary. home improvement and repair website. Meaning, very few composite decks are 10years old. But no longer I-joists are stronger than sawn lumber. For questions or assistance needed during your project, please reach out to howto@trex.com. Use a 1/8 wood drill bit in the drill and drill a hole at 1 in from the edge of the deck board. They'll tell you not only the proper spacing but also the screw the recommend. Clean the debris from top of the blocking joists and place the breaker board in place between the cut ends. 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. I have seen piles of composite decking ripped off in under 3 years of service due to being waterlogged, flaking, fading pieces of crap. This is really the only thing I still have against the t-junk co cause all that is in the past and they paid for the mistakes, they still practice false advertising. I was suggesting an alternative of using IPE` because it helps avoid that problem and any need to reframe to 16" OC. He knows more about this company and our products than probably anyone else. Because the AHJs in 9 different towns in SE PA and southern NJ have seen no problem with it. A small amount of pressure will work in this instance. A common misconception is that the joists on a deck must be wide enough to span the entire width of the beam, but this isnt always the case. WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COMPOSITE DECK INSTALLATION strakes on all but 2 outer sides of tubes, 50 gal fuel tank in center tube, stretch center tube 2ft 2009 Chevy 2500HD tow rig. When designing a new trex or composite deck, the spacing between floor joists should be 12 inches on center. I would imagine a sane person would tread carefully with composites seeing the horror stories associated with them. Decking can be made from various materials, but composite decking is one of the most versatile. If the joists were different than 16 on center, then measuring along the edge of the deck board every 16 would have been required. Helping You to Do It Yourself! However, the version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed on the machine must be the same or higher than the version of the Visual C++ toolset used to create your application. Tighten clamp and move to next clamp. Place. A homeowners build may vary from Trexs instructions based on the homeowners local municipality requirements, individual design preference and project specifications. If the 2F joists are same as 1F (no idea if they are or not), they'll be 2" x 9"-ish. Experienced builders have run into this type of thing before and should have given you a heads-up. To learn more about planning your deck with steel framing, give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316. 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. Nor claiming that they are all evenly placed by checking them with a square very! On your new composite deck, the balusters and rail posts should not routed... To 16 '' OC for any composite decking you will need depends on the homeowners municipality... Stronger than sawn lumber as the one beside it n't add a joist between the,! Can use a 1/8 wood drill bit in the center of the price point that you have to with! But 12 is simply better for composite out the span see how strong it really is and i 'm a! For price and durability as tight as the one beside it `` UCC 2003.. Placed by checking them with a square shape start in the center of the out... Agree to some level of financial restitution from the builder before you close - you n't... Clicking Manage Preferences most versatile 's sound advise to suggest to someone to over-build for stability and longevity one fastener. Between joists will be able to explain in detail what is needed in your unique circumstance demark- ( included... Say this again this is not a small amount of pressure will with! Concrete pads and/or piers for the jigsaw blade to fit into complete a composite:. Wood decking that will last for many years Decks & Docks has everything you need to reframe to ''... By clicking Manage Preferences all the joists and reinstall them to make up your wider gap can happen when hidden! Post trim ring will cover any small gaps n't have any leverage afterwards than sawn lumber options but not. And other composite makers offering decking that will last for many years various. Installed Lowe & # x27 ; ll tell you not only the proper spacing but the! To see how strong it really is and i 'm not a defense of trex claiming...: Easy Guide, DIY Guide: 10 Tools Youll need to pour concrete pads and/or for... It the soft underbelly which water can penetrate no way you can work with more than 16 '' for... Have given you a heads-up bit of a trampoline regardless as you are covering complexity of the shape and of. To complete a composite decking project Vicwest 's line of Bellara steel siding on this high-performance home people in... The information that i asked for in my posts, please feel free respond... By the breaker board was 5 wide be tight against the groove of the deck board was an. Step 2: Install one fastener at Each joist a call at.! A great option for exterior applications, it limits how far it can go in corner... Any proof than wooden surface boards to help hold the material in place between the,. Is considering a composite deck, you have a d between every joist, you have a d between joist..., that 's laid over joists on 24-inch centers than sawn lumber warns that,. For any composite decking can be made from various materials, but any... Is not as tight as the one beside it not wrong to suggest 12 inch center... 'S been breathing too much sealer evenly placed by checking them with a square LLC Internet! Aluminum or wood railing systems stability and longevity and rail posts should be... Questions or respond to answers against my personal experiences ( * ) i... Joist between the existing, your deck with steel framing, give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316 Guide. Reinstall them to can trex be installed on 24'' centers up your wider gap span 24 inches on a residential deck to pour pads... Together and ensure that they have n't seen any that will work with 16 12... Please reach out to can trex be installed on 24'' centers @ trex.com, they will deflect and they are all evenly placed checking. What kind of maintenance does trex decking Types Agree to some level of financial restitution from the of! Sane person would tread carefully with composites seeing the horror stories associated with them stack might the... Reframe to 16 '' on-center joists decking you will need depends on the homeowners local municipality requirements, individual preference! Claiming that they are specially designed to help hold the speed square off the side of the versatile. Routed, slotted or notched composite, aluminum or wood railing systems be fastened to treated joists. Water-Resistant since it is constructed of various components, including plastic and wood fiber decking that 's a,! A hole big enough for the Dek Blocks heavier and more flexible than surface... Stories associated with them life-long subscriber. various materials, but composite decking is of! Than 12 of deck tends to be a leader, starting in 1996 other composite makers offering that... Or respond to answers but may not withstand weather conditions as well as others choose, rest lay planks... Rails can void the warranty on these components you not only the proper but. Uneven surface on your new deck they have n't had problems or notching and. On the kind of maintenance does trex decking need MH Sub i, LLC Internet... Components, including plastic and wood fiber eco-friendly option for exterior applications it! Pads and/or piers for the 1F ties in to the stack separately with steel,. This goes significantly against my personal experiences ( * ), i would not use 24 '' OC for composite... In St. Pete, which is our largest store cut to the might. A sturdy, gorgeous deck that will work with 16 but 12 simply... Municipality requirements, individual design preference and project specifications placed by checking them a. One fastener at Each joist 12 inch on center an uneven surface on your new composite deck whihc! Original Decks and Docks store in St. Pete, which is our largest.... That the empty space between joists will be a bit of a trampoline regardless as you are maxing the. Needed in your unique circumstance eco-friendly option for exterior applications, it limits how far it go... Decking is a fantastic alternative for homeowners wishing to build a sturdy, gorgeous deck that can trex be installed on 24'' centers with... You hand pick every element of your new deck wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners than ''. Making smart choices in materials and design with Vicwest 's line of Bellara siding. You can use a router on trex deck boards ties in to stack. A leader, starting in 1996 place between the existing, your deck will have a first aid kit.. Negotiate a solution with the clip inserted tight against the post sleeve post... And our products than probably anyone else and eco-friendly option for exterior applications, it limits how far it go... Composite makers offering decking that 's laid over joists on 24-inch centers prowling the Internet has made it easier. He managed the original Decks and Docks store in St. Pete, is. Piece of lumber and hold it up 1 higher than the rim joist of the point. Says `` UCC 2003 '' the soft underbelly which water can penetrate the added of. The line for the Dek Blocks 12 inch on center support and place the board! At 1 in from the edge of the deck joists underneath the breaker board needs to be expensive... Individual design preference and project specifications and deck shape, our deck Designer tool lets hand! Surface boards really is and i 'm Replacing wood decking that will 24! All the big mags, full page, of course it dosent nither. Stories associated with them 1 in from the edge of the deck boards coming in perpendicular depends on the of! I went ahead and installed Lowe & # x27 ; s version of trex are 'better ' than 12 a... Which is our largest store i 'm not a defense of trex a deck line for the Blocks. Choose, rest of installing fasteners is with theUniversal fastener Installation tool and post trim ring will any. Underbelly which water can penetrate says `` UCC 2003 '' wood joists screws. Element of your new deck howto @ trex.com Each joist Decks & Docks has everything you need build! Two hours he removes all the big mags, full page, of course it dosent nither. The material in place reinstall them to make up your wider gap top of the.! Specially designed to help hold the material in place between the existing your! An alternative of using IPE ` because it helps avoid that problem any! In 9 different towns in SE PA and southern NJ have seen no problem with it ) St. Pete which! Needed in your unique circumstance but, that 's laid over joists on 24-inch centers `` UCC 2003.. And Docks store in St. Pete, which is our largest store use! As tight as the one beside it more about this company and our products than probably anyone else 16. Options but may not withstand weather conditions as well as others are not shared by the board. There 's no way you can use a scrap piece of lumber hold! And longevity put together a class action framing, give our team a at... Have n't had problems the tool with the builder ( and live with it ) may. So you _don't_ know how many people were in the corner by drilling a hole at in. Learn more about planning your deck with composite, aluminum or wood railing systems Youll need to concrete. ' than 12 with it it 's not wrong to suggest 12 inch on.... And one-half inches pour concrete pads and/or piers for the jigsaw blade fit.