Trex Installation Guide

FRAMING AND FASTENING TIPS(continued)TREX AND STATIC ELECTRICITYWhile this is not common, static electricity canoccur on walking surfaces in dry climates or inareas where dry winds and dust-borne particleslay on the decking surfaces. Static electricitycan build up on occupants walking across anycomposite decking surface, including Trex,then produce a small static shock if they toucha grounded metal surface such as railing,door, etc.This condition can be decreased greatly withthe use of a product call ACL Staticide .Two products tested were General PurposeStaticide and Heavy Duty Staticide .Both are effective in greatly reducing staticelectricity on Trex decking surfaces. Apply fullstrength using a mop on a dry decking surface,and allow to dry, no rinsing, no diluting needed.Products are non-toxic, non-flammable, nonstaining (will not change the color of deckingsurface), completely biodegradable and safe touse. Product is water based and may require asecond application after rain or other weatherconditions. Over a period of time, the effect ofstatic will dissipate naturally on the deckingsurface.TREX PRODUCTS NEAR LOW-E WINDOWSLow-E glass reflects more sunlight, and ithas been observed that the extra reflectivitycombined with any concavity in the glass canact like that of a concave mirror, concentratingsunlight onto outdoor objects, including thatof decking and railing. This can result in anextreme amount of heat concentrated onareas of the decking surface, which in turn cansometimes char the decking surface or causethe decking to slightly bow.Composite decking is a great alternative totraditional wood decking. When building your deckand railing, it is recommended that code-approvedAt board ends on thedeck's edge, you caninstall screws placedperpendicularly atthe recommendeddistance, atminimum of 1"(25 mm) from theboard end and edge,without splitting theboard.1" (25 mm)1" (25 mm)For butt joints, whereboards meet over asingle joist, add a2" x 4" (51 mm x102 mm) “nailer”board at the buttjoint. This allows youto install a screw at a90 angle.DECKINGSee link for more information on ings.htmlstructural material be used as the framing andjoists. One option is using Trex Elevations steeldeck framing. Refer to www.trex.com for moreinformation on Trex Elevations. Check your localbuilding codes for restrictions. Trex decking cannotbe used for structural applications.DO NOT attach Trex decking directly to any solidsurface or watertight system. See Sleeper Systemson page 30. In most cases, install fasteners at a 90 angle (perpendicular to the board).DOCK APPLICATIONSTrex decking contains no materials thatwill harm marine life and is safe forthe environment. As long as dock is inintermittent contact with water, i.e.,splashing and not in continuous directcontact with water, the durability of theTrex decking should not be affected.For docks, a 3/8" (10 mm) width-to-widthgap between boards is recommendedto allow for increased drainage due toincreased contact with water. In addition,stainless steel fasteners should be used.If there is sufficient contact with the dockand gasoline, grounding of the dock isalso recommended.29

ROOFTOP AND SLEEPER DECK SYSTEMSA sleeper system is a substructure between a solid surface and Trex decking. Drainage, access, and airflow arecritical. Water must be able to flow through and away from the deck. For repairs and removal of debris, joist systemaccess may be necessary.Gap decking from solid object (i.e. wall)1/4"–1/2" (6–13 mm) dependingon temperature at installation(See note below for more information.)Trex DeckingWhere Trex decking is end-to-end and meets at a joist,add a “nailer or sister joist” at the butt joint of the decking.This will allow ends of each board to rest on a seperatejoist and be attached properly.Solid WallAttach sleeper/bearerjoists to stable substructure(i.e. wall and/or concreteGap decking width-to-width 1/4" (6 mm)–3/8" (10 mm)depending on temperature at installation(See note below for more information.)Flat level surface (i.e. concrete)DO NOT ATTACH to unstablesubstructure such as concreteblocks or pavers setting in gravel,sand, dirt, etc.DECKINGCode-approved bearer substructureMinimum 1- 1/2" (38 mm) thick and1- 1/2" (38 mm) in height(See note below for more information.)» It is recommended that building code approvedstructural material be used as the supports.» Gapping rules are required when installing Trexdecking:TYPE OF GAPAbove 40 F(4.5 C)Below 40 F(4.5 C)Width-to-Width1/4" (6 mm)3/8" (10 mm)End-to-End1/8" (3 mm)3/16" (5 mm)End-to-Width1/8" (3 mm)3/16" (5 mm)Abutting Solid Objects1/4" (6 mm)1/2" (13 mm)» This system should not be allowed to float; it mustbe attached in a manner that secures the framing/system.» The sleeper system must be level and have no unevenundulations. Any uneven areas of the substructurewill transfer to the Trex decking, resulting in unevendecking.» Trex, when used with a sleeper system, must besupported below its entire length and if using ina roofing application, the supports must run thedirection of the pitch of the roof to facilitate properdrainage. Sleeper should be placed perpendicular tothe deck board orientation.30Residential No greater than 16" (407 mm) on centerCommercial No greater than 12" (305 mm) on center(See note below for more information.)» For Commercial applications it is recommendedto consult local building code official for specificrequirements.» If installing decking at angle, decrease spans4" (100 mm) for each of the above. (12" (305 mm)for residential and 8" (204 mm) for commercial.)» For sleeper systems where little debris (pine needles,leaves, sand, dirt) can accumulate either betweenor under deck boards, a minimum of 1-1/2" (38mm)height is allowable. Trex recommended the use ofTrex Universal Hidden Fasteners or 2" StarbornCap-Tor xd - Epoxy Coated screws. (NOTE: Trexrecommended composite decking screws are too longwhen using 1-1/2" (38 mm) height as this will penetratethrough the sleeper.) For areas with the potential fordebris buildup, a minimum 3-1/2" (89 mm) or greaterheight is recommended to allow the debris to beremoved along with the use of either Trex UniversalHidden fasteners or any Trex recommended screws.» ALWAYS consult your local building code authorityfor proper details on roof and railing installation to theroof structure if required.» Any deviation from these recommendations couldresult in the voiding of the Trex warranty.NOTE: Construction methods are always improving. Please refer to www.trex.com for the most up-to-date installation requirements.

CODE COMPLIANCEJoist Spanning for DeckingTrex decking meets all applicable national modelbuilding codes. The joists must be spaced on centeraccording to the chart below. Be sure that joists arelevel and plumb. Trex decking must span at least threejoists. For heavy items such as hot tubs, planters,etc., consult a local building engineer or inspectorfor span recommendations. If you want to minimizethe appearance of joists through the spaces betweenboards, paint the top of your joists black.ADJUST JOIST SPANNING TO ACCOMMODATEANGLED DECKING PATTERNS90 60 Code ListingsTrex complies with major model building codes andhas been evaluated by the International Code Councilevaluation service.Perpendicular to joists.See chart below.At a 60 angle, maximumjoist spanning is 2"(51 mm) less than listed inthe chart below.For a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), please visit www.trex.com30 45 Trex Transcend and Trex EscapesTrex Transcend and Trex Escapes are compliant with theWildland-Urban Interface, California State and San DiegoCounty fire codes.For more information, e-mail question@www.trex.com or call1-800-BUY-TREX (1-800-289-8739).At a 45 angle, maximumjoist spanning is 4"(102 mm) less than listedin the chart below.At a 30 angle, maximumjoist spanning is 1/2 ofthe distance listed in thechart below.Residential Decks, Light Duty Docks,Residential/Day Care PlaygroundDecking LoadingCommercial Decks,Boardwalks and Marinas100 psf 4.8 kN/m2100 psf 4.8 kN/m2200 psf 9.5 kN/m21" (25 mm) Boards (including Porch),and .875" (22 mm) Select Boards16" (406 mm)16" (406 mm)12" (305 mm)2" x 6" (51 mm x 152 mm) Boards24" (610 mm)24" (610 mm)16" (406 mm)DECKINGTREX DECKING SPAN CHART (On Center)TREX RAILING SPAN CHARTMaximum Railing Span for all ApplicationsTranscend, Select railing, andSignature railing96" on center (2438 mm) for Transcend, 72" on center (1829 mm) for Select,96" (2438 mm) clear span for Signature31

GAPPING and OVERHANGYou must gap Trex decking, both end-to-end andwidth-to-width. Gapping is necessary for drainage andthe slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trexdecking boards. Gapping also allows for the shrinkageof the wood joist system.» ALWAYS follow Trex-recommended gappingguidelines.» Maximum allowable perpendicular overhang for allTrex decking is 1/2" (13 mm).» All decks require air circulation to keep them dry andlooking good. To improve air flow, leave openingsunder the decking or increase gapping to 3/8"(10 mm).WIDTH-TO-WIDTH GAPAbove 40 F* (4.5 C)*1/4" (6 mm)Below 40 F* (4.5 C)*1/4" (6 mm)1/4"(6 mm)Width-to-WidthThe minimum required width-to-width gapping is1/4" (6 mm). This is allowed for both hot and coldweather installations. For docks and heavily woodedareas, Trex recommends a 3/8" (10 mm) gap as well.No gapping should ever exceed 1/2" (13 mm).*Temperature at installation.END-TO-END/END-TO-WIDTH AND ABUTTING GAPEnd-to-End/End-to-WidthAbutting GapAbove 40 F* (4.5 C)*1/8" (3 mm)1/4" (6 mm)Below 40 F* (4.5 C)*3/16" (5 mm)1/2" (13 mm)1/8" – 3/16"(3 mm – 5 mm)DECKING*Temperature at installation.When you use the recommended hiddenfasteners, the placement of the hidden fastenerestablishes the designated gap size.End-to-End/End-to-WidthGap Trex decking end-to-end, based upon thetemperature at installation. See chart at left.For fastening tips, see pages 28–29.When installing fascia, gapping rules mustapply.1/4" – 1/2"(6 mm – 13 mm)Abutting Solid ObjectsWhen decking is abutting a wall, you must also gap it1/4"–1/2" (6–13 mm) depending on the temperature atinstallation. See chart at left.32NOTE: Construction methods are always improving. Please refer to www.trex.com for the most up-to-date installation requirements.

STAIRSStairway Detail» Stair treads built with Trex meet requirements bythe major national building codes. Consult your localmunicipality for specific requirements.» Fasten stair treads continuously across at least fourstringers.» See chart (at right) for center-to-center spacing ofprofiles.» Dress the sides of the stringers and risers with trimor Trex fascia for a finished look.» Most model building codes require the stair treads tobe constructed under the following requirements:› Stairways must be at least 36" (914 mm) wide*› Stair treads must be at least 11" (280 mm) deep» Gapping between Trex boards on stair treads mustbe 1/4"–3/8" (6 mm–10 mm).» The overhang of the stair tread is not to exceed3/4" (19 mm).MAXIMUM SPACING ON CENTER OF STAIRSTRINGERTranscend & Enhance 1" X 6"Actual dimensions - .94" X 5.5"(24 mm x 140 mm)12" (305 mm)Select and Escapes 1" X 6"Actual dimensions - .82" x5.5"(20 mm x 140 mm)9" (229 mm)Transcend & Select 2" x 6"Actual dimensions - 1.3" x 5.5"(33 mm x 140 mm)12" (305 mm)11" (280 mm)min. depthStair TreadStringer*For railings that are installed directly over stair treads, the stairtreads may need to be larger than 36" (914 mm) wide. Refer to localbuilding code regulations for details prior to installing stairs andrailings.NOTE: Trex rails meet all major building codes for useas a guardrail system. Local municipalities may requirea graspable handrail on stairways. Check with your localbuilding code official for local requirements. See TrexADA Handrail System on pages 124–127.36" (915 mm)min. width –4 stringersrequired1" x 8"(25 mm x 203 mm)RiserRiser trim removedfor claritySee chart above for spanningrequirementsNOTE: Construction methods are always improving. Please refer to www.trex.com for the most up-to-date installation requirements.DECKINGNOTE: 4 STRINGERS ARE REQUIRED IF 12" (305 MM) SPAN;5 STRINGERS ARE REQUIRED IF 9" (229 MM) SPAN.33

TIPS FOR INSTALLING A TREX HIDEAWAY HIDDEN FASTENING SYSTEMInstalling Angled Deck Boards in CornersGINCKDEFor Universaland StainlessSteel (Universalshown here)DARBORouting Square Edge Boards for TrexHideaway Hidden FastenersNOTE: The following Trex Square Edge deckingboards (Trex Transcend, Trex Enhance, TrexEscapes, Trex Accents, and Trex Select), either1x6 or 2x6, can be routed.Shift 1/2"(13 mm)ALWAYS start in corner with a small triangular pieceof decking at 45 and work outwards. Install TrexHideaway Hidden Fasteners 1/2" (13 mm) off centerto keep fastener screws in middle of joists.How to Butt SeamsDeckingboardUsing a Trex router bit/groove cutter available atyour local Trex dealer:1. Rout from bottom side of board.2. Rout the entire length of the board, or at everyintersection where board is

TREX FASCIA INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS Trex Fascia utilized around the perimeter of a deck must be gapped with the same requirements as Trex decking to allow for air fl ow and expansion/contraction of the fascia. The gapping requirements are as follows: WIDTH-TO-WIDTH GAP