Decking

A deck adds value, comfort and luxury to a home.

With Colorado’s normally great weather, it expands your home’s living space. While most of the information below refers to Trex, it is directly applicable to any other brand of composite decking in addition to any wood decking products.

Wood Decking

Before advancing to details regarding composite decking materials, please note the following tips regarding wood products.

Pre-drilling is always recommended near the edge or end of any board. Most boards come slightly longer than their stated length, plan on cutting both ends to obtain a nice clean end. In general, wood decking should be left to weather 30-90 days before applying any deck stain/sealer.

Composite Decking

Front Range Lumber has sold the Trex brand of composite decking since its introduction into the marketplace. We continue to stock a full variety of Trex products. We can provide examples of public installations to demonstrate the longevity of the product and its durability under heavy use. Also, in stock at all times are varieties of cedar and redwood decking items.

Here are a few “tricks of the trade” that Front Range Lumber has learned in the 13 years we've been dealing with Trex (or other composite decking) products. This is not to be interpreted as a warranty nor should any of these hints override any of Trex's own instructions. Please refer to their full instructions or call 1-800-BUY-TREX or access www.trex.com.Decking material should be AT least the newer versions of “1x” or 2x material (Trex or otherwise). Trex is NOT structural and should not be used for supporting posts, joists or beams. Save the 1x for trim, fascia etc. We suggest that you ALWAYS use the 2x6 boards on stairs. Prevent waviness or “warping” of Trex by storing as flat as possible. Placing it directly on a driveway is a popular and certainly adequate method. However, the preferred method of storage is to lay the Trex across multiple stickers that are approximately 24” apart (2x4’s or other scraps of lumber placed underneath to hold and support the product off the ground). Do not use treated lumber for this purpose as it can stain the Trex. Avoid laying Trex directly on rock or gravel beds or other irregular surface to prevent any marring of the product.

Colors

ALL Trex colors fade somewhat. Madeira Red, Woodland Brown and Saddle Brown fade a very nominal 3-5%. In essence, they'll remain the same color. Winchester Gray will change to a medium-gray. Regardless of their beginning status, all boards of the same color will eventually fade to a similar color. Each piece of Trex has red or black printing along the side of the board. This will indicate the source of that particular board including the plant, shift and year manufactured. You should re-cut both ends of each piece of Trex to obtain a clean crisp end. We recommend that you keep at least one “scrap” containing the printed information for possible reference in the unlikely event of a warranty claim. Remember some of the pieces you receive may have faded more than others. Although Trex is a man-made material, each batch (this can mean different lengths or sizes) may start out as slightly different colors due to the manufacturing and distribution/ storage/handling process. Not to worry though, all will fade to the same general hue. Please allow approximately two months for Trex to attain its final color. The new Transcends versions of Trex are colorfast in the following colors: TreeHouse, Gravel Path, Firepit, Vintage Lantern, Lava Rock and Spiced Rum.

Installation

Trex can be painted, stained or otherwise sealed. However, we strongly recommend against this since it defeats one of the major points of using Trex - low maintenance.

The ¼” minimum gap between the boards in all directions MUST be preserved during installation (or other spacing per Trex's instructions). A gapping/spacing tool is the easiest way to accomplish this. Strictly follow Trex's instructions regarding this gap, which includes BOTH end-to-end and side-to-side gapping. Since the gap changes with the prevailing temperature, prior to installation, it is helpful to leave the product in full sunlight even if installing in shaded areas. All Trex Accents decking is now reversible. This means that you can use either side - smooth or wood grain on Accents products.

Fastening

Always use screws, never nails, on any composite product, including Trex. “Invisible” fastening systems can be used, again only with screws. Front Range Lumber advises against using invisible systems on any product unless specifically made for Trex as there may not be enough “meat”(thickness) in the decking to adequately grip other fasteners. Decking should be fastened on every joist on every deck board. There are lots of fastener options, with more coming on the market all the time. In addition to appearance reasons, consider how much a fastener system will add to the cost of your project and how difficult it is to use (some may require very special bits, underside installation, special tools, etc). If you do screw through the face of Trex (or any other decking), we advise using 3” screws as many of our customers are giving us feedback that a 2-1/2" screw doesn't bite into the joists deep enough. To the best of our knowledge, Trex doesn't recommend a specific fastener system other than their own connector clip system for the grooved deck boards. Front Range Lumber recommends a square or Torx/star drive bit/drive system. This type gives you a better, easier, more secure installation and there are fewer screws broken or stripped. Stainless steel fasteners are the only fasteners that will NEVER rust or discolor (unfortunately they are also the most expensive.) A trim head type screw is recommended by us since it readily sucks into the Trex, covering back over the screw head. Therefore, it leaves a less noticeable spot. Use the rounded face of a ball peen hammer to pound the Trex back over the screw head. On full headed screws, line up screws carefully both across the deck and side-to-side on each board to ensure a clean layout/ appearance. If you use screws to attach balusters, at least a regular-head screw must be used. A better, preferred alternative is a ¼” x 3” lag bolt with washer, available in both black and zinc colors.

We've seen many homeowners mix the colors of Trex - one for the decking and another for accent &/or the handrail system. Other ideas include using some sort of wood for the handrail component and staining it for a more natural look. Note that many covenanted areas require that any component seen from the street or neighbors must be painted/sealed similarly to the rest of the house. Pre-drilling is not necessary when installing the actual decking. Pre- counter sinking can be done when using full head screws if a cleaner look is desired.

Pre-drilling is helpful when building the rail system because it will hold pieces in position, which enables more complex designs and reduces the number of hands required. Although Trex drills cleanly, it does tend to dull bits - use a fresh bit when drilling. You can cut, drill, route, sand or otherwise machine Trex as you would do to wood. For example, it leaves an excellent routed edge. Never notch or cut the 2x2s, 2x4s, 4x4s or any other handrail component in ANY manner other than to cut your desired length.

Handrails and Stairs

Front Range Lumber recommends constructing your handrail in such a way as to allow a gap between the bottom rail and the decking. In the winter, this allows you to push snow directly off the deck. During the balance of the year, it allows for easy drainage and cleaning.

Many types of handrail systems and parts are readily available. This includes the Artisan white handrail system which has been upgraded to accommodate white balusters, colored Trex balusters or the ¾” round metal balusters, all readily available. Trex offers parts to build a handrail system just like you would out of wood or more elaborate parts for a fancy system. Many decks combine Trex parts and metal balusters. On stairs, our experience tells us that you should only use 2x6 for the treads - even if you used 5/4 on the deck surface (just stagger your stair stringers down a bit). The thicker material stands up better to the pounding that stairs take and provides a more solid footing. Trex's guidelines specifically call for this.

Superstructure

You are constructing a deck that should last many years. Even if it requires you to downsize your deck to stay on budget, we strongly urge you to build the framework with that same long life in mind. This includes using treated lumber even if the deck is not close to the ground with end coat solutions on all cuts. Other items to watch are adequate numbers of supporting posts, properly coated (Z- MAX) joist hangers with galvanized teco nails and lateral bracing as necessary. We recommend joist sizing of 2x8 or larger – taller joists reduce the “trampoline” effect otherwise experienced. Joists should always be on 16” or closer spacing. Ledgers should be 2x12’s, main beams 2x10 or larger.

Use carriage bolts with nuts and lock washers (or machine bolts with lock washers on the end and flat washers on the other) to properly hold connections. Connections need to be held tightly or expansion/contraction will loosen them over time. When mounting, we advise that you pre-drill through 4x4's with an oversized bit. For example, drill a 9/ 16” hole for a ½” bolt. On lighter shades of color, dirt and stains will show up more prominently than on the others. Some of our customers have designed their deck using the darker colors in the hi-traffic and cooking areas and the lighter colors elsewhere. This will insure decks will remain looking clean and new through many years of use. Post caps can be glued to the tops of 4x4 posts. Liquid Nails'® seems to work the best for this as silicone does not seem to hold as well. Unlike regular lumber, Trex is very flexible. Due to that flexibility, the length and the weight (2x6=3.44 lbs per LF, and 1x6 =2.62 lbs per LF) makes it somewhat difficult to move for one person alone. Save your back, recruit some help when you need to carry any Trex. Trex can be bent for curved decks. See us specific information.

Health and Safety

No specific safety concerns are involved when working with Trex, however treated lumber for your framing does suggest some additional safety measures. Our staff can readily supply additional information.

Product Maintenance

Trex is a low maintenance product. Paints and stains are not recommended because the product may not absorb them. They will tend to wear off rapidly in high traffic areas and will peel in certain environmental conditions. Trex is designed to age to its final color after a short period of exposure to the sun.

Trex Care and Cleaning

Over time, decks collect dirt and debris. Typical household cleaners applied with a broom and rinsed with the garden hose should clean your deck. If the deck is not adequately cleaned by this method, a commercial deck washing product may be used. Be sure to follow the product manufacturer’s instruction and safety guidelines. Note: Unless you have a mildew or mold staining problem, cleaning products based on sodium hypochlorite (Chlorine bleach) are not recommended. We do not recommend you spot clean as this will leave a distinct patch. You should clean the entire deck surface. Deck cleaning solutions may lighten the color of the deck, and cleaning the entire deck surface avoids the potential for color variation between the cleaned and un-cleaned areas. Pressure washing and steam cleaning are NOT generally acceptable alternative methods for cleaning Trex boards. When pressure washing, be sure to maintain a tip-to- surface distance of at least 10”. Mis-use while pressure washing will damage the product.

Mold, Algae or Mildew Staining

This type of stain usually occurs in shaded areas exposed to continuous amounts of moisture. Sometimes pollen and dust accumulation provides food and moisture for this type of growth. Keep your deck clean by sweeping or washing with a hose. These stains should be easily removed by using a cleaner containing Sodium Hypochlorite*. Caution should be used when using this type of material as it can damage plants, clothes and skin. To prevent damage to plants or grass soak them down with water. After cleaning the deck, flood any areas where the plants or grass were exposed to the cleaning solution. When using this type of cleaner you may have to use a stiff broom to work the cleaning solution into the stained areas.

Rust or Metal Staining

Use a cleaner that contains Phosphoric acid*. This type of cleaner is available at most home centers, lumberyards or hardware stores. Caution should be exercised when using this type of cleaning method.

Tannin Staining

Trex is manufactured with a strong weathering polymer, color pigments and real oak particles. Oak is used for its quality, durability and beauty, however, oak contains a compound that darkens as it is exposed to various conditions. Other woods with this characteristic include chestnut, walnut and hickory, all hardwood trees with tannins darken with exposure. So what does all this mean to you the Trex owner? Tannins leach from the surface of exposed oak wood fibers in the boards and may cause some initial discoloration. This is a natural phenomenon and will weather off of the boards leaving you with the deck appearance you expect. Depending on your climate, the time of year, the amount of rain and sun light the deck is exposed to, this tannin staining should disappear within 60 to 120 days. Once the surface has leached out all of the tannins. this discoloration should not reappear. The wood grain side of the Trex has more exposed wood fibers and presents a higher probability of temporary tannin discoloration.

Follow these instructions for the best results:

1. Wet your deck.
2. Sprinkle the surface with Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda brand (this can be found in most stores in the laundry soap area). Work the washing soda into the boards with a stiff bristle broom. The more washing soda you use, the better it will extract and react with the tannins.
   Your deck could turn very dark, this should be expected. Let set for 15 to 30 minutes. You may have to mist additional water on the surface to keep it wet.
3. Rinse the deck.
4. Again wet the deck and sprinkle the Oxi Clean* brand cleaner on the surface. We have found Oxi Clean (may also be found in the washing soap area in your store) to be the most effective in removing the dark stain material.
5. Work the Oxi Clean into the surface and keep wet. Add more Oxi Clean if needed.
6. Let set at least 15 minutes and keep wet using a mist if needed.
7. Rinse the deck.

Repeat steps 3-7 if necessary. Your Trex board surfaces should look much better and a little lighter in color than they did initially.

For More Information:

• Trex Company: www.trex.com
• American Wood Preservers Association (treated): www.awpa.com
• Arch Wood Products: www.wolmainzedwood.com
• Certainteed Corporation: www.certainteed.com
• Correct Deck: www.correctdeck.com
• GAF: www.gaf.com
• GeoDeck: www.geodeck.com
• Osmose Wood Products (treated): www.osmose.com
• PostSaver USA (post treatments): www.postsaverusa.com
• Rhino Deck: www.rhinodeck.com
• Tamko Building Products (Evergrain Decking): www.tamko.com
• TimberTech Decking: www.timbertech.com