Composite decking such as Trex can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish. As the composite decking heats up it not only expands but also becomes more pliable.
Can Trex decking be cut and drilled?
Composite decking such as Trex can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish. Composite decking can mimic the look of natural wood. Trex
How to cut Trex decking with a miter saw?
Then, you can use a miter saw to cut the decking along the line. However, before you do, you need to change the string on the saw from average to Trex decking. This will ensure that the decking is cut correctly. After you have used the miter saw over the decking, you will need a drill machine.
Can Trex be used for structural purposes?
Trex wood plastic composite products are not structural and should only be used for intended design purposes such as walking surfaces, guardrail systems, fencing and trim. IS TREX FIRE RESISTANT?
Is Trex more expensive to maintain than pressure treated wood?
With pressure-treated wood decks, maintenance costs add up over time. Although Trex costs more initially, you'll never have to sand, stain or paint your Trex deck.
What type of saw is best for straight cuts?
When to stop decking work?
How much space between decking boards?
Does composite decking rot?
Can Trex be cut?
Can composite decking be stained?
Is Trex good for decking?
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Do you need a special blade to cut Trex?
Diablo's TrexBlade is the only blade recommended by Trex Company for cutting their composite decking materials. These new blades deliver maximum performance and highest quality of finish; making it a 'must-have' tool for both professionals and DIYers planning composite decking projects.
How do you cut a Trex?
0:131:08How to cut Trex decking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd mark your lines in the center of the joist. Every other joist. So you have 32 inches in betweenMoreAnd mark your lines in the center of the joist. Every other joist. So you have 32 inches in between cuts. You don't want them staggered one after the other every 16 inches it look like stairs.
Can Trex be cut to size?
The Trex deck boards can be cut and carved like timber without the need to use any special tools. All boards have a tolerance of up to 5mm on the length to ensure they can be trimmed down into shape. We recommend that all boards are trimmed before being installed to ensure a straight and clean edge.
What's the best way to cut composite decking?
0:352:11How To Cut NeoTimber® Composite Decking Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo achieve the cleanest cuts neo timber recommend using a forty to fifty to circular carbide tipMoreTo achieve the cleanest cuts neo timber recommend using a forty to fifty to circular carbide tip blade.
Can you rip cut Trex decking?
Can you rip a Trex board? Trex products should not be ripped to reduce thickness, but can be ripped to reduce width. As long as the board can still be installed per the installation instructions, the warranty will be valid. Please use care when fastening ripped boards, as pre-drilling may be necessary.
Do you need special saw blade to cut composite decking?
What is the Best Saw Blade for Cutting Composite Decking? The EnviroBuild installation guide advises the use of a circular saw using a 40 tooth alternate top bevel finish blade to cut your composite decking boards.
What are the disadvantages of Trex decking?
Trex Deck Problems: The Disadvantages of Composite DeckingIf you are considering adding a new deck to your home, it can easily get overwhelming. ... Trex decking is more expensive than traditional wood. ... Trex composite decking can fade and stain over time. ... Trex decking can be damaged by weather conditions.More items...
What blade is best for cutting composite decking?
Miter saw blades, circular saw blades, and table saw blades are recommended blades for cutting composite decking. These blades were chosen because they can cut composite decking easily while making cuts that are smooth and clean. Since they are sharp, the blades can cut in a shorter amount of time.
Do you need to seal cut ends of Trex decking?
Low-Maintenance With Trex Composite Decking You won't ever need to seal or stain the deck, and you certainly don't have to (and shouldn't) paint it. And since Trex is a composite material, you don't have to carry out long-term maintenance such as replacing rotted deck boards.
How do you cut plastic composite wood?
Use a wood saw to cut the single pieces of the composite material to length and then mark the board using a quick square. You can either use a miter saw or a circular saw since composite cuts similarly to wood. Mark the board using a quick square while holding the square against the board's face.
How do you cut edges of Trex decking?
0:032:22Composite Deck Building - E-Trim Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo install a trim the overhang on all sides of the deck must be 3/4 of an inch. Using a chalk lineMoreTo install a trim the overhang on all sides of the deck must be 3/4 of an inch. Using a chalk line and a skill saw cut along the board to remove the excess.
Can composite decking be cut to size?
Can composite decking be cut? Yes, you can cut most composite decking just like wood — no special tools required.
What is the best saw blade for cutting composite decking?
Miter saw blades, circular saw blades, and table saw blades are recommended blades for cutting composite decking. These blades were chosen because they can cut composite decking easily while making cuts that are smooth and clean.
How do you cut edges of Trex decking?
0:032:22Composite Deck Building - E-Trim Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo install a trim the overhang on all sides of the deck must be 3/4 of an inch. Using a chalk lineMoreTo install a trim the overhang on all sides of the deck must be 3/4 of an inch. Using a chalk line and a skill saw cut along the board to remove the excess.
Can you cut composite decking?
Can composite decking be cut? Yes, you can cut most composite decking just like wood — no special tools required.
How do you cut and install Trex decking?
1:336:08How To Install Trex® Decking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut every Trek's board is unique. So it's important to mix and match the darker. And lighter tonesMoreBut every Trek's board is unique. So it's important to mix and match the darker. And lighter tones to provide a visually even appearance.
What is the best Trex decking?
[BEST] Trex Transcend® decking offers the broadest range of decking colors and finishes ( including five Earth Tones and five Tropicals). Engineered with a proprietary shell technology that protects against fading, staining, scratching, mold and mildew, Transcend decking offers elevated aesthetics paired with the highest level of performance. Plus, Transcend deck boards offer the beauty of exotic wood—without the environmental strain of harvesting endangered forests.
How much does a Trex deck cost?
The cost of a Trex deck typically runs from $9 to $16 per square foot. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. Initially, Trex decking and railing does cost more, board for board, than wood decking and railing.
What is Trex spiral staircase?
Trex Spiral Stairs offer all the space-saving advantages of traditional spiral staircases in two material choices and come with custom, high-performance composite treads made from Trex decking. Trex Spiral Stairs were developed by the leading spiral stair manufacturer in the country, The Iron Shop, under a trademark license agreement with Trex Company, Inc
Why is Trex decking hot?
Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, wood decking, other brands of composite decking, etc., Trex decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure. On such days, care needs to be taken to make sure skin does not have extended contact with the surface of the deck, especially with young children and those with special needs. Please note also that the darker the color, the hotter the deck will feel. For hotter climates, consumers should consider choosing a lighter color.
How long are Trex spiral stairs guaranteed?
If you run into a problem, call Trex Spiral Stairs at 877-488-1906. Our kits are guaranteed for 25 years from date of purchase.
How long does it take for a Trex deck to fade?
As such, these traditional composites will fade naturally over time, achieving their weathered color after 12-16 weeks. For Natural Weathering Information, click here. Newer generation high-performance composites - Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance® and Trex Select® - have the protective shell technology that provides superior fade and stain resistance.
How much plastic is recycled in Trex?
That makes Trex one of the largest plastic film recyclers in the U.S. In fact, the average 500-square-foot composite Trex deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags.
Introduction
Many innovative ways have been discovered to strengthen the materials that we use for construction purposes. The Trex decking is such type of decking which is manufactured using composite materials that incudes recycled woods, plastic, and ordinary sawdust. Thus the rigidity of the material is much high.
Procedure
Trex decking is quite difficult to cut using standard machines. This is because the composite materials are used for the preparation of the planks. For this reason, we have pointed out some easy steps that will help you to cut the Trex decking properly. These steps are simplified below for the better convenience of our readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we would like to state that Trex decking can be tough to cut, and you will surely be benefitted by following the process that we have said here. You can easily use the tools that we have suggested, and the cutting will be much more comfortable and less laborious. The beginners can have a great skill development session through thus.
What is the best material for a deck?
The two most common decking materials are composite and wood. Wood can be a cheap, quick-fix option, but over the long run, a composite deck will save you time and money, and give you a longer-lasting deck.
What is wood decking?
In contrast, wood decking is exactly what it sounds like: treated or untreated lumber from trees that have been cut down and processed. Many decks use pressure-treated pine, but other wood options like cedar or more expensive, exotic options can offer different looks and feels.
What is composite decking made of?
Composite decking is made from natural wood fibers mixed with synthetic plastics. The result is a durable, lightweight material that looks and feels like natural wood. Trex is the industry leader for composite decks, so much so that “Trex decking” often gets used interchangeably with “composite decking” among deck buyers and builders.
What is the most important decision you make when building a deck?
Whether you’re starting a new deck build from scratch, or revamping your existing deck, the most important decision you’ll make is material. Buying deck materials isn’t just a one-time purchase. The material you choose for your deck will determine how much time and money you spend inspecting and maintaining your deck over its entire lifespan - not to mention how long that lifespan will be.
Is Trex decking eco friendly?
For the environmentally-conscious, composite decking is the eco-friendly choice. Trex makes all of its composite decking from recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood, using 95% recycled and reclaimed materials.
Can you catch composite decking at a good price?
Skyrocketing lumber costs and lack of available inventory have cut into wood’s usually-manageable price point. If you can catch premium composite decking at a good price, you can end up paying about the same as you would for wood, but also setting yourself up for composite’s long-term savings on maintenance and upkeep.
Is composite decking better than wood?
Composite decking, in contrast, requires less maintenance. Not only can you remove regular staining from your to-do list, you’ll also save time on cleaning. Here’s a really good visual look at how easy it is to clean off a Trex deck. Calling wood “high-maintenance” probably doesn’t fully capture just how much more time you’ll ultimately spend cleaning and maintaining a wood deck compared to a composite one.
What tools are needed to cut Trex fencing?
Suggested blade type carbide tip metal. Recommended power tools to cut materials: skill saw and miter saw.
What is Trex fencing?
The innovative design of Trex® Fencing includes a board-on-board appearance with top and bottom fascia rails, capped with an attractive shadow-line. The fence’s innovation isn’t just about appearance — it is easy for do-it-yourselfers or professionals to install. The form and function of the components were also carefully considered during development. For example, the brackets allow fasteners to be hidden and the interlocking picket system not only provides complete privacy, it eliminates warping and strengthens the fence. Trex® Fencing is installed on 8’ post centers reducing additional product cost and extra time for labor.
How long is Trex fencing warranty?
A 10-year commercial product warranty is applied on all Trex® Fencing projects. Trex® Fencing also has been tested and proven with architectural engineering. The following list of municipalities and commercial entities are an example of some of the clients that specified Trex fencing. Trex is selected as the product of choice for a variety of reasons including low maintenance, durability and strength, aesthetics, and green values. For architects and engineers, please reference our Technical Support page.
How long does it take for Trex fencing to fade?
The weathering process is completely natural and doesn’t negatively impact the product. Typically, several weeks after installation, Trex® Fencing will fade to a lighter color. See Trex® Fencing Colors for more details. Natural Weathering.
How much plastic is recycled in Trex fencing?
That makes Trex® one of the largest plastic film recyclers in the U.S. In fact, 100′ of Trex® Fencing contains about 120,000 recycled plastic bags.
How long does it take for Trex to weather?
Under normal conditions, twelve to sixteen weeks of exposure to sunlight and rain are typically required for Trex® to achieve its weathered color.
Why do Trex pickets fade?
The post caps and top rail will fade the fastest because of their direct exposure to the elements. Because of their vertical orientation , the pickets and post faces may take considerably longer to fade. The “after-weathering” color of Trex® may be different from the colors shown on the Trex® Colors page. Color Variation.
What is Trex decking?
Trex is a light material that weighs about 50-60% less than wood making it easy to handle. Trex decking resists mildew, mold, insects, as well as scratching. It comes in three signature lines plus customized railing systems. This material does not need any intense form of maintenance.
How far does a 2x8 deck go?
Spacing for a 2× 8 goes up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. The size of the joists increases with an increase in the size of the deck. In typical construction of the deck where you have a ledger on one side of the joist and beam on the other, the joist size depends on the deck’s size on the general maximum spans ...
Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards?
NO! I’d not recommend that you go ahead with this practice. In most cases where you are doing decking replacement tasks, the joists are ultimately replaced, repaired, or capped. This restoration action is because decking does undergo decay with time, especially from the beneath where the fastener penetrated the joist. So, whenever you are updating a deck using new decking materials, you must remove the old decking so that you get to assess and repair the joists and beams.
Is Trex Decking Worth the Price?
As a proud Trex owner, I’d gladly say that Trex is worth every penny that you are going pay to install one. Below are some of the benefits that make Trex worth your investment:
Why do you have to remove old decking?
This restoration action is because decking does undergo decay with time, especially from the beneath where the fastener penetrated the joist. So, whenever you are updating a deck using new decking materials, you must remove the old decking so that you get to assess and repair the joists and beams.
What is a beam on a deck?
A beam is the primary load-bearing element that ensures the structural soundness of the roof of your deck. The beam does more than just offering support to the weight of the joist. It supports all other building elements too.
Is Trex decking durable?
Trex has a reputation as one of the most durable decking materials. It requires little to no maintenance, which makes it a better decking material compared to wood. Much as it might cost a lot more than wood, this material is worth your investment, especially if you have no time to carry out constant maintenance.
How to cut a board?
Keep in mind that a fine blade will slow down the cutting process. In addition to cutting tools, you will also need: 1 Tape measure 2 A pencil or blue chalk reel. (Red chalk is not advised as it can stain the boards.) 3 Eye and ear protection
How long does it take to cut composite decking?
For reference, installing deck boards on a pre-framed rectangular substructure (size 12’ x 16’ with 16’ grooved boards) using a hidden fastener system takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. This time estimate does not include installing the substructure or any railing, stairs, or built-ins.
How much does composite decking cost?
Composite decking supply prices will vary, but you can expect a range of between $1,610 – $2,810. To estimate costs with better accuracy of your composite decking project, use our budget calculator.
Does a fine blade slow down the cutting process?
Keep in mind that a fine blade will slow down the cutting process. In addition to cutting tools, you will also need:
Can composite decking be cut?
Yes, you can cut most composite decking just like wood — no special tools required. Please check the manufacture’s recommendations before starting your project.
What type of saw is best for straight cuts?
A power miter saw can provide very accurate, straight cuts, and a table saw with support extensions can make all types of cutting easier. Carbide tipped blades are suggested—the fewer teeth the better for smooth cuts. Don’t allow blades to get overly hot when cutting as this can cause cuts to be warped or wavy.
When to stop decking work?
This can make cutting and securing more difficult. 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.
How much space between decking boards?
Between end-to-end boards, allow a 3/16-inch space.
Does composite decking rot?
Composite decking won’t rot or splinter (an extra bonus for bare feet). New styles also have fire prevention technology incorporated into the composite, which reduces the risk of house fire during cookouts and makes them less of a fire hazard where wild fires can be a threat.
Can Trex be cut?
Composite decking such as Trex can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish. Composite decking can mimic the look of natural wood. Trex.
Can composite decking be stained?
With others, it’s best to simply view them as a new material. 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. Some may fade more than others.
Is Trex good for decking?
Though not meant for structural purposes , these products are plenty strong for decking, fencing, and railings.
