Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
One of the most critical steps for properly securing Trex and other composite decking in place is to make sure you have at least a 1/8-inch inch gap between the decking boards. This space (approximately equal to the width of a 16-penny nail) is important for two reasons. First, it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner, safer, and less prone to moisture problems. Second, because composite decking expands in hot weather, the space ensures that extra stress won’t be placed on the fasteners.
Extra spacing is also important between board ends and a wall when decking runs perpendicular to the wall. Leave a healthy 1/2-inch gap at ends to ensure the material can expand and contract without coming in contact with the wall. This will increase the longevity of your deck and also prevent bowing during the hottest part of the day.
Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. Using the composite deck screws is critical. Composite deck screws are specially designed to help hold the material in place. Though common wood screws may seem to work as well, they tend to “mushroom” or bore out the holes rather than set into the material. Composite deck screws are designed so that they do not push the material out and will create a much more uniform, tight fit once installed.
Depending on the type of material you choose, you may want to pre-drill pilot holes for your fasteners. Though composite decking is more stable that regular pine, it can break when driving fasteners close to the edges. A pilot hole can prevent this from happening and make your installation go much faster and smoother.
Instead of pilot holes, some manufacturers suggest drilling a starter hole about 1/8 inch deep into the material when using composite deck screws. If this is the case, select a bit size that is the same diameter as the screw’s inner core and take care not to go too deep into the material.
Counter sinking screws should not be deeper than the screw’s head. Besides creating a rougher finish, deep counter sinking can reduce the effectiveness of the fastener and void the warranty. It is also important that all screws be secured at a 90-degree angle to the boards. Fastening from the side can cause dimpling in the composite surface and mar the finish.
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