First of, you might require the approval of your respective local council should you perform decking modifications on your house. Decks, Patios, Porches, Walkways, Driveways, Stairs, Steps and Docks - trex spacing - i am installin g trex deckin g and was wonderin g about the spacin g in between the deck board. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. The approval cost and varies from nation to nation. How do I keep them even? A 2x8 up to 12 feet; 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet. Similar to guards, if stairs are to be hung from the side of an upper-level deck, 2x10 as a minimum is recommended, as it will exceed the depth of the first step. Learn about our variety of composite durable decking options for creating your outdoor living oasis. No turning down picnic invitations to re-stain the railings. Following the proper gapping will ensure that your deck looks great year after year. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Trex decking requires different joist spanning requirements based on load applications or deck orientation. Discover high performance decking products from Trex. Trex was the first to invent the wood-alternative decking category. Do some research on our site to find a material that lends itself to your tastes. BECOME FOOD FOR TERMITES. Most composite decking materials, like Trex composite decking, require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16" on center spacing for straight decking and 12" on center joist spacing for 45-degree angle diagonal decking. This joist was 1/4" higher than all the others. The beauty of the Trex® composite decking system is how quick and easy to install, providing a long-lasting finish. For conventional guardrail post installation bolted to the side of the framing, larger framing will provide more strength in the rails. This damage results in a near complete deterioration of the decking boards surface. Gapping also allows for the shrinkage of the wood joist system. Between end-to-end boards, allow a 3/16-inch space. A beam is the main load-bearing element for the structural soundness of your deck’s roof. Place Universal rail (remembering to orient this properly so that when flipped over, the Universal rail will accept the baluster spacer and balusters), on the 2" x 4" (51 mm x 102 mm), centered. Using a scrap piece of wood as a guide to locate the first joist in the situation of an angled corner. FADE OR STAIN. For upper-level decks, 2x10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. Lavalley Middleton Building Supply YOUR LOCAL TREX© DEALER. 12. NEED SEASONAL PAINTING, SEALING OR STAINING. Most are composed of wood-plastic composite, capped composite, vinyl and aluminum. 5 Airport Rd West Lebanon, NH 03784. Use two nails for each joist to deck board connection. for 23.7 mm × 137 mm planks 6. joist designed to support applicable loads 7. two 76-mm-long fasteners per plank at each intersecting joist 3. For best results, refer to our wood and composite deck joist span table. Find garden decking ideas for your small outdoor space and get inspiration for your own garden design. The Trex deck boards can be cut and carved like timber without the need to use any special tools. Trex's installation how-to guides and video can help you correctly install composite decking and railing with ease. Use hurricane clips in high wind areas. Installing 2x10 pressure treated joists at 16" on center. TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE. Deck Tours Tour Trex At HGTV® Dream Home Through The Years. Hidden deck fasteners are also an option to create a fastener-free decking surface. Only Trex has been proven in the field for almost twenty years of unparalleled performance. Deck joist spacing for composite decking remains largely the same as if working with treated lumber. This can sometimes cause an uneven surface. Marking joist locations at 16" on center spacing on the header with a marker. Be sure to install the joists crown side up. 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. Trex decking must be gapped, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Some composite decking materials are designed to be installed with hidden fasteners. Learn more about Trex decking products and installation today. Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. Select This Size. Wood has some beautiful natural characteristics, but also requires some maintenance. particularly when cutting in confined spaces. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. 2x6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. “Trex® Transcend® Decking” 3. Use a speed square to square off your joists. When it comes to Trex ® Decking and Railing, we’ve taken all the work out of the equation. It’s not only responsible for supporting the weight of the joists, but other building elements, as well. Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards. When using grooved-edge boards, our secret fixing system installs between the deck boards, fastening them to the joists with no visible screw heads on the walking surface. Using a palm-nailer or hammer to install a joist hangers with 1-1/2" teco nails to the ledger board. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. Deck Tours Spa-like Serenity Nestled in the Northwest. Now for the fun part – installing the main composite decking! Use a sharpie or construction pencil to mark your joists. Trex Decking Spacing Deck Stairs Attach The Stringer And Bottom Toe within sizing 1101 X 880. Gaps that are narrow (1/8”), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. In pursuit of the perfect deck, all Trex ® decking lines come with a hidden installation option. When the decking is installed, it is usually high in moisture content, which can lead to cracks in the wood if it is allowed to dry too quickly. The crown will eventually settle after completing construction and should stiffen in the proper position after drying. Make Your Own Jig – A homemade jig can make spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck. Unlike Timber, Trex composite decking won't: ROT, WARP OR SPLINTER. There are over a hundred different man-made decking products on the market today. And then there’s Trex®. Joists are the repeated structural members that are used to build a deck frame. Never will you miss a beach weekend so you can sand down the splinters. All boards have a tolerance of up to 5mm on the length to ensure they can be trimmed down into shape. Overall, conventional decking profiles should be installed such that when seasoned, will have gaps between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch. 12' X 18' Deck design (216 sq. “Green” lumber with a moisture content of more than 19% can be installed with nearly no gaps in arid environments, and in a few short months, will shrink to a desired size gap. In addition, supports (dunnage) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the decking product. Most composite decking materials, like Trex composite decking , require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16" on center spacing for straight decking and 12" on center joist spacing for 45-degree angle diagonal decking. Decking must be able to support 40 lbs live load + 15 lbs dead load as it is supported between joists. Use a chisel to notch beams to create a level frame. What is the proper placement? Unlike wood, Trex composite decking won't: ROT, WARP OR SPLINTER. building with Trex Decking & Railing. SEE THE ADVANTAGES. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Most decking is designed to be installed across 16" on center joists. Decking comes in many forms these days. Replacing severely damaged boards seems to … Most decks use 16" on center spacing for joists. In typical deck construction, with a ledger on one side of the joist and beam on the other, the size of the joists is driven by the size of the deck and based on the general maximum spans mentioned above. Ventilation below the deck is also enhanced by the gaps between the deck boards, but this is only important in ground-level decks. Joists are typically "two-by" pieces of lumber, most often two inches by eight inches, and the actual measurement of the two inch side is one and one-half inches. Extra spacing is also important between board ends and where boards meet a wall when decking runs perpendicular to the wall. Also, many composite decking materials require 12" or even 10" on center stair stringers spacing to support composite stair treads. Account for this in the spacing by giving it a little more room between boards. The layout term for joists is “On Center,” which is the center-to-center measurement from one joist to the next. Make Space in Moist Areas – If you live where there is a fair amount of moisture in the air the boards will swell. 12' X 16' Deck design (192 sq. Terms of use. Many deck builders overhand the decking over the frame by about 1/4". Wood decking will require you to stain your deck at least every year for the first several years to protect the surface from sun and moisture damage. Trex vs Competitors. i would like to ft.) Boost the ambiance with a grill or umbrella. Decks vs Patios: Cost, Pros, Cons, & Comparisons. 603-298-5641. Your clients will love its ease and comfort, and you'll love its workability, unlimited design potential. Another reason for gapping is to account for the shrinkage of the pressure-treated joists. That’s why stretching a string across the joist spacing for composite deck boards can help detect spots that may be higher than others. Go to Trex.com for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). A lot of questions revolve around joists when it comes to building a deck. People used redwood, cedar, pressure-treated pine and even some exotic hardwoods. The majority of composite deck board brands including Trex, TimberTech, and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches O.C. And while it’s important to have a deck that’s aesthetically pleasing to you, the most vital part about your deck is making sure it’s structurally sound. Go to www.trex.com for Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The larger the deck, the larger the joists. Deck Stair Stringers Spacing The load supporting requirements for stair treads are more severe than for the rest of the deck because the force exerted by a person walking downstairs is a more intense blow to the surface than a standard stride across a level surface. 12' X 20' Deck design (240 sq. If you are installing composite decking over an existing frame, you may need to install new intermediate joists or stair stringers to meet the installation requirements. Stagger butt joints as much as possible for a nicer appearance. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart, which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low-maintenance decking. Gapping is necessary to facilitate drainage and for the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex. On center means that the measurement should be taken from the center of a joist edge to the center of the next joist edge. This guide will take you through all the steps you need to create a beautiful outdoor living space that fits perfectly into your or your client’s lifestyle. Measuring the 2x10 pressure treated joist length to prepare for cutting. And with a little imagination, amazing things can happen in between. So flip through our deck design pictures, watch a few videos and get inspired. Select This Size . ft.) Open up the layout, call the neighbors and let the party begin. FADE OR STAIN. How far apart are floor joists placed? Explore small garden decking ideas from Trex! You also may have to install more stair stringers. Installing a joist over a beam. You may be required to install 12" on center joists for diagonal decking. Look at the ends of the boards and install the decking "barkside" up to prevent cupping. Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. Inspect the board and trim off the rougher edge. Larger gaps, such as 1/4”, allow more of this material to fall through the deck. Deck … Always fill all the nail holes for deck harware. Place inverted 2" x 4" (51 mm x 102 mm) (place top side down) on clean, flat surface. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Lavalley Middleton Building Supply is a Trex Dealer in West Lebanon, NH. (on center) for standard straight composite decking installation. Adjust support blocks (dunnage) accordingly if … BECOME FOOD FOR TERMITES. Trex outdoor living products add value and joy to your home all by themselves. 6 mm or 10 mm spacing between sides of the planks, depending on the temperature at installation 4. minimum of 3 joists per plank 5. maximum joist spacing of 400 mm o.c. Trex requires no seasonal painting, sealing or staining. Start installing deck boards at the outside of the deck and work towards the house wall. NEED SEASONAL PAINTING, SEALING OR STAINING. Refer to page 15 for ... particularly when cutting in confi ned spaces. There’s the space around your house. Your choice in decking is very important because it is the surface you will see, walk on, maintain and have to live with for years to come. Wood decking is usually nailed or screwed to the joists for attachment. 11. Trimming the decking around an angled corner. When designing a new trex or composite deck, the spacing between floor joists should be 12 inches on center. In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. 2x6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. These spots can be addressed with a power hand planer to give you a nicer, smoother surface for the deck of your dreams. You may want to predrill the screw holes at the ends of the boards to prevent the wood from splitting. DECKING Trex Decking, Porch Flooring & F ascia XX = COLOR PREFIX: IM Island Mist TT Tiki Torch HG Havana Gold SR Spiced Rum LR Lava Rock GP Gravel Path RS Rope Swing TH Tree House VL Vintage Lantern FP Fire Pit PG Pebble Grey WG Winchester Grey SD Saddle WB Woodland Brown MB Madeira FW Foggy Wharf RH Rocky Harbor TS Toasted Sand CB Coastal Blu… SC Sunset Cove CS Clam Shell BD … Toe nailing will fail in 75+ mile per hour winds. For many years, decking was primarily wood. You can use a chalk line and circular saw to trim the edges of the decking. » Note, Trex fascia has to be gapped width-to-width and end-to-end the same as Trex decking. SEE THE ADVANTAGES. Expert Advice Q&A with DIY Pete . You must gap Trex®decking, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Alternative decking products have a wide range of hidden fastening systems. Expert Advice, Influencer Q&A with Tastemaker Evette Rios. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16". How-To Americana Deck Ideas Inspired by the HGTV® Dream Home 2021. Locate screws about 3/4" from the edges of boards. Gaps that are narrow (1/8”), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. And it’s of no interest to hungry termites. Expert Advice Q&A with DIY Creators. DO NOT try to lift the same quantity of Trex boards as you would traditional lumber. Before building a composite deck, always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer, paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. Can I Install Tiles on Composite or Wood Decks? When stacking decking bundles, supports (dunnage) should start approximately 8-in (203 mm) from each end and be spaced approximately 2-ft (0.61m) on center. Terms of use. Before building a composite deck, always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer, paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. A few more feet sets the scene with space for a dining table. Larger gaps, such as 1/4”, allow more of this material to fall through the deck. Composite decking tends to grow and shrink across the length of the boards as it heats and cools. For lumber decking, both the moisture content of the lumber and the environment its installed in matter. Get the look of wood without all the worry. That includes knowing the difference between a joist and a beam and what purpose they serve to your deck and its functionality and safety. If you plan to install your decking at a 45-degree angle, your joists may need to be 12 inches apart. This means that the empty space between joists … Installing a Simpson Strong Tie H2.5Z Hurricane Tie for every joist to beam connection. If you identify a crown in the board, you should always install it upwards. Ideas. Decking is structural in addition to being an aesthetic element. Trex decking and railing are heavier and more flexible than wood. Since most composite products aren’t as inflexible as their wood counterparts, they don’t hide imperfections in the framing quite as well. Laying out the first joist position on an angle. ft.) Room enough to break your space into zones. Below we unpack three of the many reasons Trex high-performance composite is the decking your outdoor space deserves. They offer low-maintenance and a variety of appearances. It seems that under some conditions the coating seal placed on Trex composite decking can fail, exposing it to the elements. Proper spacing will allow some movement without buckling. There’s you. Install decking with 3" pressure-treated compatible deck screws instead of nails. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Enjoying your deck on a beautiful summer day is the perfect way to entertain guests outside or just unwind and relax. Notching a joist over a beam. Make sure the top of the joist is flush with the header. The minimum size joist to be used in deck construction depends on the number of footings and beams that will be installed. This precision also creates perfectly consistent spacing between the boards for a flawless look across the entire deck. Expert Advice, Influencer Q&A with Jess Davis of Carcaba Road. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. We recommend that all boards are trimmed before being installed to ensure a straight and clean edge. Trex decking and railing are heavier and more fl exible than wood. Select This Size. You can notch out a section of the joist or add shims to a narrow joist to even out the top of the deck frame. Unlike wood, it won’t warp, fade, rot or splinter. Joist hangers are used to attach the ends of joists to the face of a beam or a ledger board. Ideas. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex decking boards. DO NOT try to lift the same quantity of Trex boards as you would traditional lumber.