Fake decking with Trex

Has anyone here had Trex installed on their deck? What do you think of it? how long ago did you have it installed? – http://www.trex.com/plan/products/decking/accents/index.htm We’re thinking of going for the Winchester Grey as we like the look of the weathered colour after it fades but am wondering how it will feel under the feet in the middle of a NYC summer.

deancollins

in Taxes 12 years and 2 months ago

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nalusurf | 12 years and 2 months ago

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12″ on center for the joists should be more than sufficient (manufacturer may have their own recomendations).  Remember, as pointed out earlier, composite decking is not as rigid as wood so it sags more, hence the closer apcing of the joists.  The size of your joists (2×8 or 2×10) will be determined by the span they run (for example their distance btween ledger and girder support), not by the type of decking on top.  Your deck framing, if wood, will be treated wood.  To preserve it further you can apply strips of window flashing along the top side of your joists to prevent water from settling between your decking and the joists.

slopefarm | 12 years and 2 months ago

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My understanding is that the joists need to be no more than a foot apart, on center. regular 2x8s or 2x10s are probably fine.

nalusurf | 12 years and 2 months ago

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I built a 12′ wide by approx 18′ long deck in our previous Brooklyn backyard and actually installed used composite decking that I salvaged from a neighbor who was going to rip it up and throw it away.  It was an old version, not sure which company made it, but it was probably on the order of about 5-7 years old by the time I got my hands on it.  It has held up wonderfully and only required a little cleaning to remove staining and mold.  My recomendation would be to check with various companies to confirm that their product can withstand the temperature and seasonal changes we experience here in NY.  Remember, too, that regardless of what the manufacturer says, composite decking DOES stain/fade/and can grow mold…they are not “maintenance free” as many proclaim.  However, they require SIGNIFICANTLY less maintenance than wood.   In all, I love composite decking.  The first deck I built was decked with wood and I will never build another deck without composite decking!  You can check out past issues of The Family Handyman as they have several installments comparing/contrasting composite decking brands.  You can search their archives online.  Here is a link I found that discusses how to choose composite decking:  http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Outdoor-Projects/Decks/Deck-Materials/how-to-choose-composite-decking/View-All   Good luck!

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 2 months ago

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I had Trex installed in PA about 13 years ago and it’s still looking the same as when it was installed…no problems

dylan621 | 12 years and 2 months ago

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Don’t have photos online but if you give me an email I’ll take a couple and send it to. Decks r us can bring you samples of different decking when they come to look at the job. Ours was a small job – we have a 12’x10′ deck that was already built when we bought the place but it had an roof-like epdm covering. So, material and labor for the installing the decking cost about 4k. A bit more than trex would have cost.

dylan621 | 12 years and 2 months ago

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We used Fiberon Horizon decking and are very happy with the result.  Decks R Us did the installation and did a great job.  I had read a lot of negative reviews about Trex when I was researching it but maybe they improved their product since the class actions.

deancollins | 12 years and 2 months ago

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BTW who did you have install it? would you use them again?

deancollins | 12 years and 2 months ago

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Thanks Slopefarm, would you do it again? what kind of joists do you have? Also do you have any photos online i can see? all the website photos looks cgi/enhanced etc.

slopefarm | 12 years and 2 months ago

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We’re pretty happy with Timbertech. Similar stuff. Yeah, gets hot with the sun, and you need to keep the joists really close together to avoid sagging. But still nice and neat and doesn’t warp and splinter like wood.