I’m starting a decking project (about 1500 sq ft) with Trex composite decking. Any advice on working with the product? I haven’t used this composite before.
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Just finished one with trex. Used Fastenmaster screws, nice look. They don't mushroom trex, actually cut their own countersink to sit flush. No predrilling cept maybe the ends. With the hump on the top of the board, you'll find it hard to cut all the ends en masse and round over with a router. More than hard, I'd think you'd have to do each board b/4 install. The stuff is heavy, flops around, is slippery on itself. Cuts and routs easily, follow install guidelines on span. Order a little extra, had some bad pcs (lumps on the finished side). Best of luck.
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Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
1) Go to http://www.trex.com
2) Know what to expect for color variations, even from within the same bundle. It will vary!
3) Be very cautious with ground level decking. In my area, that's almost a guaranteed serious mildew problem.
4) Make sure your joist spacing is adequate for your decking thickness and direction.
5) Follow their gapping requirements for both length and width.
6) Either use a blind fastening system or use Fastenmaster's "TrapEase" screws. Do not follow the party line by using conventional bugle head screws and then mashing the mushroom down with your hammer. It might look ok initially but give it a year and see how it looks.
7) Don't freak out during the fading process. The product can show blotches and spots but they will fade out.
8) Don't expect zero maintenance. They bill themselves as "Easy Care Decking", not No Care Decking. It's going to get dirty and it's going to have to be cleaned.
9) Before you purchase, check out http://www.evergrain.com. I think their product is a noticeable improvement over TREX.
Al