Building a deck is a fun and rewarding way to improve your outdoor living space, but it also comes with a whole lot of decisions and questions. One of the most important questions might be: What is the recommended joist spacing for Trex decking? Well, that’s what we’re here to explore today! Prepare to soon have all the answers you need to get your project started!
What is the difference in thickness between Trex boards?
Trex boards come in different thicknesses and can be used for a variety of purposes, from constructing a new deck to replacing an old one. For optimal performance, it’s important to ensure you purchase the correct board thickness for your project.
The three main board thickness options available from Trex are 1″, 2″ and 3″. Each has distinct advantages for specific applications. The thin 1″ boards are designed for use in areas such as flowerbeds and garden steps where the boards are exposed to low levels of foot traffic. These boards last the longest when spanned 16” on center (maximum spacing between joists).
2″ thick Trex boards are suitable for a range of residential applications where they may be exposed to gentle levels of foot traffic or pedestrial use such as walking around a backyard deck or patio.These boards are recommended to be spanned 12” on center (maximum spacing between joists).
Finally, 3″ thick Trex boards are favored by homeowners who build decks that will receive heavy foot traffic, including decks around public pools or heavily trafficked commercial establishments. It is strongly recommended that these thicker Trex boards should be spanned 8” on center (maximum spacing between joists) to ensure adequate support and stability throughout your deck’s lifetime.
Is composite decking prone to warping?
Composite decking materials do not tend to warp as much as other materials due to their combination of wood particles, recycled plastic and binders. Although this makes them resistant to warping, overall deck performance still relies on the proper joist spacing being maintained. Joists are the structure that supports your deck’s substructure and must be spaced correctly according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
For Trex composite decking, the recommended joist spacing is 12″ on center for residential decks, 18” on center for commercial decks, and 16″ on center when using fascia boards or a picture-frame design. When using 2×6 planks with a 45° or greater angle perpendicular to joists, use 12” or greater centers for residential decks and 3” for commercial parking lot applications. It is also important to note that if you are looking to make angled cuts in your composite railing pieces or stairs, additional reinforcements are needed between framing members.
What is the best way to repair a Trex deck?
Installing Trex decking material is designed to be a short-term project that provides a sturdy, long-lasting deck surface. Despite the durability of the product, over time it can wear down, become warped or develop gaps due to constant foot traffic or weather changes. To maintain its structural integrity and reduce the risk of costly damage, it is important to inspect the joists that support your Trex decking routinely.
Trex recommends a maximum 16” o/c (on center) joist spacing for proper support. Joist spacing refers to the distance between each consecutive joist along the length of your deck; not just across its width. This is an important aspect of Trex installation as if your joists are too far apart from one another, your boards may become weakened and sagging could quickly occur. For added stability, you may choose for create a 12” o/c installation instead.
If warped boards or gaps have developed in your Trex decking surface over time, there are repair options available: Ensure you check each board that’s been affected from both sides for potential causes such as splitting nails and look for properly placed and unobstructed beam flanges before attempting any repairs yourself. If no cause can be found on either side of the board then you will have to remove it in order to inspect either side of the jot edge which should be straight and even across all parts; uneven edges indicate an issue (with lack of support) between joists. Securely fasten these affected joists in place with flexible screws or angle brackets before repairing any damaged boards or filling any gaps with timber offcuts or caulking compounds like silicone sealant as required.
What is the thickness of a Trex board?
Trex® decking is designed for creating a weather-resistant outdoor living space with low-maintenance and lasting durability. As such, Trex decking boards need to be installed correctly and spaced at the proper distance apart to ensure their longevity and structural integrity. The type of Trex board you are using will dictate the best recommended joist spacing.
Trex Transcend® decking boards come in five thicknesses: 1” x 5 ½” (14 mm x 127 mm), 1” x 6” (12 mm x 140 mm), 5/4” x 6” (15mm x 140mm), 2” x 4” (51mm x 102mm) and 2”x6” (51mm x152mm). Recommended joist spacing depends on which size board is being used. For boards 1″ thick or less, 12″ on center of the joist is recommended. For thicker boards, 16″ on center is preferred for residential applications, although some commercial builders may require a 20″ joist span for added stability. It’s important to refer to the specific manufacturer’s recommendations when installing your Trex decking board; be sure to read all of their installation instructions before you begin any construction projects.