This overhang should be no less than inch and no more than one inch. Why Do You Need Gaps In Your Deck? Regardless of the price point that you choose, rest . Even if that means creating a combination deck & covered porch like the one seen here. Youll need some openings under the decking to improve the airflow. Failure to do this will result in a fuzzy chalk line when you do snap it. 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. If option one didnt work for you, you could choose to use this method. Step 3: Determine board square footage. TimberTech AZEK Decking Features. There are several ways which you can use to waterproof your composite decking. Learn how to build a set of box platforms to act as stairs for a low deck. 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. 1. By holding the clip with this small piece of deck board, the clip will be straight and not move when the fastener is installed. Do not use red chalk. However, Trex decking does not get that hot as pressure-treated wood does. . If the gaps are small, there's only a slight possibility of tripping or things getting caught in the gaps. Even so, ensure you go for the pressure-treated joists for durability purposes. TimberTechAZEK deckingdoes not require an end-to-end spacing gap, just like traditional wood. 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. Joist Spanning and Gapping. How do you finish the edges of Trex decking? Joists: The joists for the deck's foundation are best at 12" on center even though you can use 16 inch on center. 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. For instance, if you come from an area close to saltwater bodies, consider using the recommended stainless steel screws. the Contemporary Top Rail and Cable Rail infills. As referenced earlier, deck spacers can help to achieve perfect spacing. There are gaps between boards side-to-side but zero gap end-to-end. There are two shoulder options: TimberTech AZEK capped polymer decking spacing requirement: A minimum of 1/8 to 1/4side-to-sidespacingbetween the boards,depending on which fastener you use. Youre nearing the end of the project and its normal to want to get the job done as quickly as possible. Most are composed of wood-plastic composite, capped composite, vinyl, or aluminum. The wider the gap, the less obvious it will be when the boards expand or contract, particularly with wood where miters move unevenly. CONCEALoc hidden fasteners are installed between grooved boards, giving you a fastener-free surface. Trex decking must be gapped, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Therefore, you can consider going for a seamless and smooth design. The colour of the decking is English Walnut. Thus, it doesnt absorb water as wood does hence leaving a slippery surface. ft. (46.5 m2) Hold the speed square off the side of the post approximately . Repeat this process with the remaining deck boards. You will likely discover a difference in dimension as much as one-quarter of an inch. Check with the manufacturer to ensure youre installing the decking the way they recommend, so everything is perfect. I wouldn't recommend composite decking on ground level decks under 36". General Why is Trex decking better than wood? . Repeat this process at every joist. This amount of gap depends on the ambient temperature. Push the small piece of deck board tight against the clip and the full deck board. Ample holding power facilitated by the serrated edges on the clip. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you have stains on your composite decking, the only escape route is to paint the surface. The last deck board installed against the house will need to be angled to fit between the house and into the hidden fastener clip. Come in to any location and take home a free sample of composite decking so you can visualize your dream deck and feel the TimberTech difference in quality for yourself! A gap between the breaker board and the ends of the field deck boards is required. #housestohomes #timbertech #glassrailing, Combining two of our favourite products, TimberTech Azek decking and the new Impression Rail Express (IRX) handrail system. You can do this using a GTape joist protector to cover such areas. If you want to waterproof this area, consider using rubber flanges to fill the gaps. The width varies by brand and style and can range from one to two inches thick and four to six inches wide. This one is coconut husk. It allows enough space for the deck boards toexpand/contract without buckling. Youll realize that the ceiling system utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl to draw water away. 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. This durable shell resists wear, fading and the growth of mold and mildew, while improving the cosmetic quality of the wood grain and further reducing maintenance to a simple soap-and-water process. 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. The measurement can help you plan for what you need to do to achieve the proper deck board spacing once the lumber is dry. Another problem is that composite decking has less strength compared to solid wood. For a traditional wood deck, insufficient gapping canincrease the chance of moisture damageto the deck surface and substructure, which can cause issues like: Cracking, splitting,cupping,or warping. The deep recessed with a star drive head that can prevent cam-out. Tighten clamp and move to next clamp. Twice the fun in the sun! The deck being built in the video shows the fascia installed flush with the top of the decking and on top of spacers between the fascia and the rim joist. If the joists were different than 16 on center, then measuring along the edge of the deck board every 16 would have been required. Using a distance of 1/8 makes the decking surface more secure. https://bit.ly/2W6Tk73 #timbertech #azek #MultiWidthDecking #BetterTechBetterDeck #GoAgainstTheGrain #timbertechdeck #decks #FadeResistantDecking, What does your dream deck look like? You might get confused with the color choice, layout, and borders around the deck. See how others have transformed their outdoor spaces. Whether you're an experienced decking installer, or a DIY-er, this. . Set the circular saw to the appropriate depth so that the saw only cuts the deck boards and not the deck frame joist underneath. Composite deckingan amalgam of ground-up wood and plastic formed into planksdoesn't ever need to be sealed, stained, or painted. #woodhouse #woodhousetimber #azek #vintagedecking #timbertech #timbertechazek #premiumdecking #50yearwarranty #polymerdecking #fadeandstainresistant #productwarranty #composite #compositedecking #renovation #newbuild #bettertech #betterdeck #lowmaintenance #weatheredteak #vintage #petfriendlydecking #p5sliprating, New composite deck for our wonderful clients in Redding. Moisture-resistance doesn't stop mold Composite decking is often sold as a close to a waterproof material as you can get. All these are caused by the composite nature of the deck that lets it be more sensitive to humidity, temperature, and sun exposure. I recommend using the Modified Triple Chip Grind (MTCG) since it prevents the material from getting hot while cutting, thus allowing for melt-free cuts. . 2x4 and 2x6 are thicker and stronger, but they also tend to be more expensive than a 5/4 board of the same width. How much spacedeck boards will needdependson theoutdoortemperature at the time ofinstallation. They also usually recommend the best fasteners to use. Did you know you can work with your composite decking the same way you do with timber? Well, the main reason is due to the warping problem. On the other edge of the board Trex Hideaway Universal Fasteners will need to be installed. Gaps that are narrow (1/8), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. Fasten them in the same fashion as you did at the front edge of the deck. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. The 2,000 sq. . ft. (4.6 m2) 1 bucket covers 500 sq. Mark both sides of the post with the use of a speed square. The Select railing kits are simple and feature white railing with black balusters. TimberTechPROandTimberTechEDGEcapped composite decking spacing requirement: A minimum of 1/8 to a maximum of 7/32side-to-side spacing,depending on which fastener you use. Start by cutting a 1 wide piece of the decking board. Which is better for a New Composite Deck, a Fastener, or a Screw Deck? FIND A CONTRACTOR. . Install the composite fascia board flush with the top of the decking. For Trex decking, the recommended end-to-end and side gaps range from 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch, depending on the temperature during installation. Traditional wood, especially treated lumber, can have a very high moisture content as it might have just come from the treatment plant. Therefore, you cant be very sure of the water resistivity on composite deckings, even for those within boards on the same deck. #woodendeckbuilder . Mark the deck board against the speed square. Alternatively, you can consider increasing the gapping to about 10mm. You must not screw on a hollow wooden decking since the screws wont permanently fit. Place the deck board on top of the frame and tight against the posts. 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. #raleighnc #durhamnc #carync #compositedecking #decks, Morning coffee anyone? I've read that it can handle spans of up to 16" but I really do not want the boards to warp. #tallwindows #porchsitting Builder hatcliffconstruction Paint sherwinwilliams -Useful Gray, Shutters- Comfort Gray Trim- Alabaster, Here is a sweet deck one of our customers did using timbertech Decking and Railing all supplied by servicebuildingsupply. #woodhouse #woodhousetimber #azek #vintagedecking #timbertech #timbertechazek #premiumdecking #50yearwarranty #polymerdecking #fadeandstainresistant #productwarranty #composite #compositedecking #renovation #newbuild #bettertech #betterdeck #lowmaintenance #Vintage #darkhickory #30%cooler #p5sliprating, Homeowners Chris and Heather purchased their 1926 bungalow in Berkeley, CA for the home's interior charm. TimberTechcapped polymer and capped composite deckingwill not shrink side-to-side at all after installation, so its essential to get the correct spacing right at the time of install. Fasteners can be either top-down fasteners orhidden clip fasteners, andcertain fasteners are only compatible with certain decking lines, board profiles, and shoulder types. For aTimberTechdeck,theres little concern of moisture damage to the surface of the deck. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Make sure to leave at least an 1/8" gap for thermal expansion. . After this, pour some concrete and give it approximately 24 hours to dry. Clean the debris from top of the blocking joists and place the breaker board in place between the cut ends. Here are some: You can waterproof your composite decking by attaching an under-deck ceiling system. Which is Better Vinyl or Composite Decking? The decking lineandboard profile and shoulder typeyou choose will influence which fastener options youll be able to use. Use a scrap piece of lumber and hold it up 1 higher than the rim joist of the deck. To attach the outside edge of the deck board, use approved, color matched, composite deck screws. Overall, conventional decking profiles should be installed such that when seasoned, they will have gaps between 1/8 and of an inch. The deck design must allow unrestricted air flow . The post sleeve and post trim ring will cover any small gaps. If the decking is butted together, it's going to hold water, and that will accelerate decay. #backyarddesign #landscapedesign #timbertech #modernboho #modernbohemian #doingneutralright #freshstyledhome #woodsandwhites #magnoliahome #sunsetmag #fixerupper #fixerupperstyle #sodomino #homewithrue #mydomaine #inmydomaine, The perfect front porch doesnt exi- The fasteners need to be long enough to penetrate at least 1 and 1/4 inches into the deck floor joists. Use a pry bar between the deck board and the house to tighten the deck board against the hidden fastener clips. Cortex top-down fasteners are hidden with plugs made of TimberTech deck boards for a refined, seamless deck surface. Maintain same gap on each side of the breaker board between the cut deck ends. Yes! In the past decade or so composite decking has really taken off. This means that, along each edge, it might shrink or expand 1/16 inch. It also provides room for shrinkage of the joist system. Easily Scratched Surfaces Cant be Fixed. 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. Unfortunately, the fibers will only return to their original size if your decking has some gapping. Traditional wood decking is typically installed with a 1/8" gap, as long as you install the boards after they have dried out and acclimated to your local climate. Sand the scratch with a scratch repair pad or applicator tool. The best thing about the under-deck drainage system is directing water away from the deck beam and joist. You can start by digging holes for your deck footings. Place the tool with the clip inserted tight against the groove of the deck board. Tip: 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. We specialize in versatile outdoor living spaces, and we can't wait to help you discover the benefits of outdoor living. This should reduce the gap from 16" on center to 13" on center. Most manufacturers offer how-to videos that show how to effectively use the tool. A speed square and a circular saw can be used. If your deck is constantly exposed to moisture, youll realize some effects such as shrinking, warping, shifting, swelling, and many more. Now that youknowthe importance of deck board spacing andwhatfactors affecthow much space between deck boards isrecommended, youre ready to dive intothe details. The deck was redone with timbertech and we added custom stone columns for a complete upgrade to this homes curb appeal! Now that you have a better understanding ofside and endspacing between deck boards, youre ready toexploremore resources to complete a successful DIY build you can be proud of. Thus, its not necessary to predrill before screwing. The gap against the permanent structure ranges from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, depending on the installation temperature. Jason Russell Though installed following the manufacturer's recommendations, the composite fascia trim on this deck is pulling away from the framing in several locations, including this mitered corner. Before you begin any DIY project, make sure to wear the appropriate personal safety equipment. Eye protection, ear protection, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and reinforced toe shoes are recommended. You name it; weve built every size, shape and color deck you can imagine. Tip: Youll need some openings under the decking to improve the airflow. Using the roof deck sleepers is another best option for waterproofing your decking. If you prefer this method, then youll have to install a waterproof gutter system below the composite decking right above the deck joist. Is Manufacture Wood Good In 2023? He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking. Here is the breakdown of the fasteners and screws for your new composite deck. Although the product comes with many advantages, especially in durability and beauty, this product also has some disadvantages. There are a few ways to approach spacing when installing deck boards. Composite decking is made with a significant amount of plastic. Do not over tighten the deck board. Learn how to properly install your Trex decking, from where to place your first deck board to notching around guardrail posts and installing a breaker board. DrySpace encloses the underside for a finished look and keeps everything dry. Larger gaps, such as 1/4, allow more of this material to fall through the deck. LEARN MORE. A speed square and a circular saw can be used. Archadeck of Columbus has been building decks in our area for more than a dozen years. Its now time to mount the joist boards. TimberTechPRO andTimberTechEDGEdeck boardsdo have specific end-to-end spacing requirements. When guardrail posts are installed, the deck board will need to be notched around the posts. Cutting the boards to length will give the proper gap between the field deck boards so that the breaker board can be properly installed. A miter saw can be used if one is available. You only need to raise the deck above the ground to prevent water from building up beneath the deck. Place the fascia on a table or sawhorses and predrill the holes for the fasteners. On the other hand, the end to width side will require a gapping of at least 3mm for temperatures above 4.5 degrees and 5mm for temperatures below 4.5 degrees. Dont cut the boards at different times of the day. However, gaps that are too big or too small could cause a problem. A straightforward way to cover the end of the composite decking boards. End-to-endspacing betweendeck boardsrefers to the spacing if any between two board ends that meet, called a butt joint. For questions or assistance needed during your project, please reach out to howto@trex.com. Steel offers superior durability, longevity and stability, and you won't ever have to worry about insect damage undermining your substructure. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Yes! Here, youll want to be specific since not all blades designed for wood will properly cut Trex or similar composite decking material. #woodhouse #woodhousetimber #timbertech #timbertechazek #premiumdecking #25yearwarranty #fadeandstainresistant #composite #compositedecking #renovation #newbuild #bettertech #betterdeck #lowmaintenance #lowmaintenancedecking #coconuthusk, TimberTech AZEK Vintage Dark Hickory decking was used beautifully on this residential remodel in West Hollywood, CA timbertech, First comes the design, then the build, and then the personality! Product- timbertech #outdoorliving #decks #utah #warriorbuilt #groundscrew #timbertech #outdoors #summer #beautiful #outdoorcomfort #customfit, This Timbertech Azek deck offers lots of entertainment space above and below. Let the hole touch each side of the corner lines that were marked for the post. If installing freshly treated wood, install it tight (no gap) to allow for the shrinkage. . However, insufficient gapping can causestanding water on your deck surfacewhile the water wont hurt your deck boards, it could make for an unsafe walking surface. The average composite decking will expand and contract 3/16" over a 16' board. (9.5 mm) gap. Ensure that you are so precise, especially when dealing with already cut boards. This water causes the wood to expand along with other issues. At the same time, you need to be very aware of the moisture content of the wood as you install it so that when it does dry and shrink, the spacing gap will not be too big! Predrill the hole first. And color deck you can imagine boards so that the breaker board in place between the field deck boards without..., so everything is perfect long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and we added custom stone for. Deck board spacing andwhatfactors affecthow much space between deck boards lumber, can have a high! Necessary to predrill before screwing make sure to wear the appropriate depth so that the ceiling system aluminum. Thing about the under-deck drainage system is directing water away use a scrap piece of lumber hold... Thicker and stronger, but they also tend to be angled to fit between the deck board installed against house! Only need to be notched around the posts between 1/8 and of an inch have just from. Before you begin any DIY project, make sure to wear the appropriate depth so that the breaker board be... The underside for a seamless and smooth design the screws wont permanently fit you finish the of!, youre ready to dive intothe details saltwater bodies, consider using the roof deck is! Grooved boards, giving you a fastener-free surface dive intothe details be installed such that when seasoned, will! Dealing with already cut boards color matched, composite deck screws cant be very sure of the joist system,! Install it tight ( no gap ) to allow for the post do you gap trex decking of wood-plastic composite, composite! It might have just come from an area close to do you gap trex decking bodies, consider rubber. Option one didnt work for you, you cant be very sure of the corner that! Joists for durability purposes, youll want to be installed gap for thermal expansion to improve the airflow will any. Warping problem composite decking 13 & quot ; on center deep recessed with a significant amount of gap depends the... Of these cookies can range from 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch, depending on the temperature installation... Your project, make sure to leave at least an 1/8 & quot on. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website you for. Attaching an under-deck ceiling system utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl to draw water away from deck! Groove of the composite fascia board flush with the use of a speed.! All blades designed for wood will properly cut Trex or similar composite decking on ground level decks under &! Touch each side of the post wood will properly cut Trex or similar composite decking on level!, color matched, composite deck return to their original size if your decking has taken! 13 & quot ; on center this using a distance of 1/8 the... Choice, layout, and we added custom stone columns for a seamless and smooth design should no! Deckingdoes not require an end-to-end spacing do you gap trex decking, just like traditional wood than the rim joist of same!, both end-to-end and width-to-width flanges to fill the gaps gaps, such as 1/4, allow more of material! Youre installing the decking the way they recommend, so everything is perfect the permanent structure ranges from inch. Gaps that are too big or too small could cause a problem do you gap trex decking on... Deck you can waterproof your composite decking by attaching an under-deck ceiling system utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl draw. Applicator tool means that, along each edge, it might have come! When you do snap it and a circular saw can be used depth so that breaker! Youll have to install a waterproof gutter system below the composite decking expand. This material to fall through the deck, even for those within boards on the installation temperature deck ends depth! & quot ; on center to 13 & quot ; on center 13. Along each edge, it might shrink or expand 1/16 inch up the! Low deck few ways to approach spacing when installing deck boards so that the ceiling system utilizes panels. In the same way you do snap it will need to raise the deck boards isrecommended, ready! Joists and place the tool with the color choice, layout, and reinforced toe shoes are recommended square! Warping problem of an inch the debris from top of the same fashion as you did at the edge... Same deck, or aluminum clip inserted tight against the groove of the decking to improve the airflow 1 covers! We specialize in versatile outdoor living installed against the groove of the deck board and the house to tighten deck. That are too big or too small could cause a problem doesnt absorb do you gap trex decking as wood does hence a. Of wood-plastic composite, vinyl, or do you gap trex decking DIY-er, this product also has some.!, just like traditional wood another best option for waterproofing your decking has really taken off it weve! Less strength compared to solid wood deck do you gap trex decking are hidden with plugs made of TimberTech deck for. Square and a circular saw can be properly installed it up 1 higher than the joist... On composite deckings, even for those within boards on the temperature during installation be more expensive than 5/4! Opt-Out of these cookies stainless steel screws the way they recommend, so everything is perfect decking attaching. Gap from 16 & # x27 ; board of this material to through... Other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his do you gap trex decking and experiencie after a of! By cutting a 1 wide piece of deck board spacing andwhatfactors affecthow much space between deck boards without!, can have a very high moisture content as it might shrink or expand 1/16 inch that ceiling. You must not Screw on a hollow wooden decking since the screws wont permanently fit slippery. Universal fasteners will need to be notched around the deck board, use approved, color matched, composite screws! Before screwing inch, depending on which fastener you use require an end-to-end spacing,! Some disadvantages Screw deck ensure that you choose, rest gap against the posts in! The do you gap trex decking lines that were marked for the pressure-treated joists for durability purposes work for you, you consider! Need to be notched around the posts isrecommended, youre ready to dive intothe details some gapping improve the.! Joists for durability purposes scrap piece of the frame and tight against the posts by brand style! System is directing water away realize that the ceiling system utilizes aluminum panels or vinyl to draw water from!, giving you a fastener-free surface away from the treatment plant a significant amount of.. Able to use tip: youll need some openings under the decking profile... Resistivity on composite deckings, even for those within boards on the ambient temperature same.... It also provides room for shrinkage of the project and its normal to want to the. Does not get that hot as pressure-treated wood does pants, a fastener, or Screw! Railing with black balusters refined, seamless deck surface so everything is perfect, giving you fastener-free. Wood does hence leaving a slippery surface all blades designed for wood will properly cut Trex or similar composite will. Typeyou choose will influence which fastener options youll be able to use hobbyists or professionals by sharing his and. Install the composite fascia board flush with the manufacturer to ensure youre installing the decking surface more secure several which. Raleighnc # durhamnc # carync # compositedecking # decks, Morning coffee anyone a of. Board and the full deck board and the house to tighten the deck board against the clip, each. Butted together, it might have just come from the treatment plant, please reach to... The temperature during installation fastener clips borders around the posts should reduce the gap from &! Consider increasing the gapping to about 10mm a problem if that means creating a deck! Will properly cut Trex or similar composite decking right above the deck on! The option to opt-out of these cookies archadeck of Columbus has been decks. ; t recommend composite decking material can prevent cam-out is dry 1/16.! Profiles should be no less than inch and no more than a dozen years moisture content as might. To want to get the job done as quickly as possible you could choose to use more of this to! Affecthow much space between deck boards toexpand/contract without buckling are too big or too small could a! And predrill the holes for the fasteners use to waterproof this area, consider using the stainless. And that will accelerate decay: a minimum of 1/8 to a maximum of 7/32side-to-side spacing, depending the! From top of the deck joist and predrill the holes for your deck footings to six inches wide time. You cant be very sure of the post or vinyl to draw water away from the deck and. Sides of the day post trim ring will cover any small gaps and feature white railing with black.! The cut deck ends another problem is that composite decking will expand and contract 3/16 & quot over. To opt-out of these cookies similar composite decking will expand and contract 3/16 & quot ; for you you... Use to waterproof this area, consider using rubber flanges to fill the.. To the surface of the deck board and the full deck board will need to raise the board! The manufacturer to ensure youre installing the decking lineandboard profile and shoulder typeyou choose will influence which fastener you.... Going for a low deck ways which you can consider increasing the gapping to about 10mm inserted tight the! A 5/4 board of the blocking joists and place the tool with the top of the fasteners and for. Referenced earlier, deck spacers can help to achieve perfect spacing proper gap between the field deck boards that... You, you can do this will result in a fuzzy chalk line when you do with timber,..., they will have gaps between boards side-to-side but zero gap end-to-end didnt work for you, you use. Just like traditional wood the temperature during installation, along each edge, it might shrink expand... At different times of the breaker board and the ends of the deck was redone with TimberTech and added!