Installation - Trex Decks
international architectural guideinternational architectural guideINstallation32 Job Site Storage & Safety33 Tools34 Fasteners35 Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners37 Framing & Fastening Tips andSpecial Patterns38 Gapping39 Span Guidelines40 Stairway Assembly41 Rooftop & Sleeper Deck Systems31installationtrex.com
international architectural guidejob site storage & safetyJob Site StorageSafetyRemember when storing Trex decking, railing and trim:When working on any construction project, you shouldwear protective clothing and safety equipment. Wearsafety glasses, gloves, a dust mask and long sleeves,particularly when cutting in confined spaces.» You must store Trex outdoor-living products ona flat and level surface. Adjust support blocksaccordingly.» You must support Trex products with dunnagewhen placing bundles.Trex decking and railing are heavier and more flexiblethan wood. Do not try to lift the same quantity of Trexboards as you would traditional lumber.» When stacking Trex products, supports shouldstart at each end and be spaced 50.8 mm oncenter. Supports should line up vertically.» Do not stack Trex higher than six bundles (units)or 304.8 mm high.GENERAL TIPS» Cover material on site until you are ready toinstall it.» W e do not recommend sanding. Sandingwill change the appearance of the surface ofTrex material and will void the warrantywith respect to any condition caused bysuch sanding.» W hen drilling large or deepholes, periodically lift the bitout of the hole to remove theshavings.» I f you want to minimize theappearance of joists throughthe spaces between boards,paint the top of your joists black.Bundles of Trex profiles on level ground.» T rex decking and railing is suitable for awide range of applications. It is not intended forprimary structural members such as load bearingcolumns, joists, stringers, and beams.» C onstruction methods are always improving.Please make sure you have the most up-to-dateinstallation instructions by visiting trex.com.Bundles of Trex profiles on uneven ground.32installation job site storage & safetytrex.com
international architectural guideToolsYou can create intricate shapes, profiles, and patternswith Trex . Most installments require no special tools.For best results, use carbide-tipped blades and routerbits. When using a miter saw, we recommend a254 mm - 305 mm saw blade with 40 teeth or less.Screw and nail guns provide a quick and easy wayto fasten Trex.Install Trex recommended fasteners with standardpower drills.Trex is the first brand to have a bending solutionexclusively for contractors, giving you the abilityto create those unique, showpiece decks that areunmistakably Trex.* For more information, visittrexpartners.com.*Trex Custom Curve is manufactured and distributed by CurveIt, LLC. Trex and CustomCurve are trademarks of, and are used byCurveIt, LLC under a license with Trex Company, Inc.33installation Toolstrex.com
international architectural guideFastenersRECOMMENDED FASTENERS TO USE WITH TREX Trex Hideaway Hidden FastenerFastenMaster *TrapEase IIComposite ScrewDexxter **Composite Screw–6 Lobe DriveOnlyDeckFast ***Cap-Tor xd /HeadCote Cap-Tor xdC-Deck****Exterior StarDrive CompositeDeck ScrewPhillips IIPlus *****PozisquareCortex *ConcealedFastenersTranscend XXXXXXXEnhance XXXXXXXFor best results, we recommend the above fasteners,which work well and provide an attractive appearance.Unless you are toe screwing, you will not have to predrill when you use these screws. See Framing andFastening Tips, page 37.If any condition occurs which is attributable to the use ofnon-recommended fasteners, such condition shall not becovered under Trex’s Limited Warranty.*FastenMaster TrapEase II and Cortex are registered trademarksof OMG, Inc.** Dexxter is a registered trademark of Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.*** DeckFast Cap-Tor xd and HeadCote CapTor xd are registeredtrademarks of Starborn Industries Inc.MINIMUM FASTENER SIZE****C-Deck Exterior Star Drive Composite Deck Screw is a product of ScrewProducts Inc.SCREWSProfileLengthNo.25.4mm x139.7mm64 mm or 70 mm#8, #1050.8mm x139.7mm76 mm#8, #10*****Phillips II Plus is a registered trademark of Phillips Fasteners LLC.Fastening Tip for TRex Transcendand trex EnhanceNote: When using pneumatic or battery-operatednailers, adjust the pressure so that you only shootthe head of the nail to be flush with the board’s cap.Do not shoot the nail head completely throughthe cap.34installation fastenerstrex.com
international architectural guideHow to installUniversal Hidden FastenersPartsTools NeededStart clipUniversal fastenerNote: Maximum spacing of deck boards using Hideawaysystem is 406 mm on center. Fasteners provide 6 mm gapwhen installed correctly.5. Slide second board into place, making sure fasteners fitinto groove. Install the next universal fastener on the otherside of the second board in the same manner as Steps 3 and4. Do not fully tighten the screw.Installing Start Clips and First BoardComplete Installation6. Tighten screws onfasteners in first row.Proceed with Steps3 through 5, tighteningdown each row afterboard that follows isin place. Be sure to usea long #1 square bit.211. Install start clips on edge of ledger board, centeredon each joist. Secure clips with screws.2. Push grooved edge of deck board into start clips.Important: First board MUST be straight and well secured.Install Universal Fasteners432262Installing Last BoardOption 1: Using Fascia Board7a. Pre-drill pilot holesat an angle throughgrooved edge of deckboard into ledgerboard. Install 64 mmscrews through pilot holes to secure. Attacha fascia board flushwith deck surface.12113. Insert fastener into grooved edge of deck board.4. Align screw hole in fastener with center of joist.Continue along the length of the board at every joist.Note: Screw only half way down. Do Not fully tighten.Installing Second Board5Option 2: With Deck Board Overhang7b. Pre-drill pilot holes at45 angle from below7bdeck surface throughrim joist. Seat lastboard into fasteners21overhanging rim joist.Secure board with 6 4 mm screws usingpilot holes. Positionfascia board belowoverhanging deck board.6 mm35installation trex hideaway hidden fastenerstrex.com
TIPS FOR INSTALLING ATREX HIDEAWAY HIDDEN FASTENing SYSTEMInstalling Angled Deck Boards in Cornersinternational architectural guideHow to Butt SeamsDeckingboardUniversaldecking boardShift 13 mmUniversalALWAYS start in corner with a small triangular piece ofdecking at 45 and work outwards. Install Trex Hideawayfasteners 13 mm off center to keep fastener screws inmiddle of joists.Universal Fastener1. I nstall 254 mm - 305 mm framing boards alongjoists where seams will butt.2. Place additional fasteners on the adjacent board overthe joist and framing boards where the seam will be.3. Put the first board of the seam in place and securewith fastener.4. Butt end of second board to first and secure with fastener.NOTE: Follow end-to-end gapping specifications on page 39.5. Place second set of fasteners on each side of butt seamfor next board.HOW TO REPLACE TREX BOARDS INSTALLED WITH UNIVERSAL FASTENERS31Insert FastenersInsert Fasteners212New board at an angleExisting Deck36installation trex hideaway hidden fasteners1. emove screws from fasteners on both sides of boardRto be replaced and remove board.2. Angle new board to place. See inset box (above).3. Slide a fastener for each joist into board grooves fromboth ends of the board.Note: You may have to loosen adjacent boards to slidefasteners into position.4. Position replacement board and secure fastenerson center of each joist.trex.com
international architectural guideframing & fastening tipsand Special PatternsComposite decking is a great alternative to traditionalwood decking. When building your deck and railing, it isrecommended that code-approved structural materialbe used as the framing and joists. Trex cannot be usedfor structural applications. Do not attach Trex deckingdirectly to any solid surface or watertight system. SeeSleeper Systems on page 42. In most cases, installfasteners at a 90 angle (perpendicular to the board).At board ends on thedeck's edge, you caninstall screws placedperpendicularly atthe recommendeddistance—at least25.4 mm andnot more than101.6 mm from theboard edge andside—withoutsplitting the board.Special PatternsWhen planning a unique pattern, you will need toadjust the framing to support the surface pattern.Refer to the span and gapping charts on page 39.Many decks are designed to take advantageof angles, as shown below.25.4 mmFor butt joints, whereboards meet over asingle joist, is to adda 50.8 mm x 101.6 mm“nailer” board at thebutt joint. This allowsyou to install a screwat a 90 angle.fascia Fastening Tips» Trex fascia around .the base of a deck must be gappedthe same as the decking to allow .for air flow.» Attach the fascia every 101.6 mm with three Trexapproved screws. Place the top .screw 25.4 mm fromthe top of the rim joist, .the second screw at the rimjoist’s center, .and the third screw 25.4 mm from thebottom of the rim joist.» A construction grade weather resistant adhesive isalso recommended to be used as a SECONDARYfastener when attaching fascia.37installation framing & fastening tips and special patternstrex.com
international architectural guideGappingYou 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 shrinkage ofthe wood joist system.6 mm – 1o mm» Always follow Trex-recommended gappingguidelines.» Maximum allowable perpendicular overhang for Trexis 102 mm.» All decks require air circulation to keep them dryand looking good. To improve air flow, leaveopenings under the decking or increase gapping to10 mm.Width-to-WidthThe minimum required width-to-width gapping is 6 mm.When installing in temperatures below 4.5 C, Trexrecommends 10 mm gapping. For docks and heavilywooded areas, Trex recommends a 10 mm gap aswell. No gapping should ever exceed 13 mm.Width-to-Width GapAbove 4.5 C*6 mmBelow 4.5 C*10 mm*Temperature at installation.3 mm – 5 mmEnd-to-End/End-to-Width and Abutting GapEnd-to-End/End-to-WidthAbutting GapAbove 4.5 C*3 mm6 mmBelow 4.5 C*5 mm13 mm*Temperature at installation.End-to-End/End-to-WidthGap Trex decking end-to-end, based upon thetemperature at installation. See chart at left.When you use the recommended hiddenfasteners, the placement of the hidden fastenerestablishes the designated gap size.6 mm – 13 mmWhen installing fascia, gapping rules mustapply.Abutting Solid ObjectsWhen decking is abutting a wall, you must also gap it6 - 13 mm depending on the temperature at installation.See chart above.38installation gappingtrex.com
international architectural guidespan guidelinesJoist Spanning for DeckingThe joists must be spaced on center according to the chart below. Be sure that joists are level and plumb. Trex decking must span at least three joists. For heavy items such as hot tubs, planters, etc., consult a local building engineeror inspector for span recommendations. If you want to minimize the appearance of joists through the spaces betweenboards, paint the top of your joists black.Adjust Joist Spanning to Accommodate Angled Decking Patterns90 60 Perpendicular to joists.See chart below.30 45 At a 60 angle, maximumjoist spanning is 51 mmless than listed in the chartbelow.At a 45 angle, maximumjoist spanning is 102 mmless than listed in thechart below.At a 30 angle, maximumjoist spanning is 1/2 ofthe distance listed in thechart below.Trex transcend Decking Span Chart (on Center)Commercial Decks,Boardwalks and MarinasResidential Decks, Light Duty Docks,Residential/Day Care PlaygroundASTM Load Value*25.4 mm Boards4560 N/m² 4788 N/m²450 mm406 mm (16 in.)4788 N/m²9576 N/m²406 mm305 mm* ASTM D4761 three point bend testTrex Railing Span ChartMaximum Railing Span for all Applications (on center of posts)Transcend Railing39technical specifications span guidelines2438.4 mm on centertrex.com
international architectural guideStairway assembly279 mm min.depthStairway DetailStair TreadStringer» 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 Trex fascia or trim for a finished look.» Gapping between Trex boards on stair treads mustbe 6 mm - 10 mm.» The overhang of the stair tread is not to exceed13 mm.Maximum Spacing on Center of Joist51 x 152 mm, 25 x 152 mm Boards305 mm25 mm x 203 mmRiser915 mmmin. width –4 stringersrequiredRiser trim removedfor clarityNote: 4 stringers arerequired if 305 mm span;5 stringers are requiredif 229 mm span305 mm max for 51 mm x 152 mmand 25 mm x 152 mm, 240 mm forTranscend and EnhanceHOW TO INSTALL STAIR TREADSInstallation Options:Decking boardOption 1:Option 1:Using Hidden Fastener System1. Install start clips against riser on each step.2. Install first board.3. Install second board.4. Secure with screws from top of second boardinto stringer boards.Connector Clip(Stainless Steel Fastener)Start ClipFace ScrewDeckingsub-floorRiserOption 2:Option 2: Using 51 mm x 102 mm Wood Support BlocksStringer1. I nstall start clips against riser on eachstair tread.2. Install first board.3. Attach 51 mm x 102 mm long wood supportblocks between stringers.4. Pre-drill holes up through blocks.5. Install second board.6. Secure with screws from bottom throughblocks and into stair treads.Universal fastenersmay be used to connectthe boardsPressure treatedsupport block51 mm x 102 mm attachedbetween stringersRefer to trex.com for the latest installation instructions.40installation stairway assemblytrex.com
international architectural guideRooftop & Sleeper Deck SystemsSleeper Deck SystemsA sleeper system is a buffer between a solid surface andTrex decking. Drainage, access, and airflow are critical.Water must be able to flow through and away from the deck.For repairs and removal of debris, joist system access isnecessary. Good airflow will keep the decking dry and ingood condition.Trex, when used with a sleeper system, must be supportedbelow its entire length and if used in a roofing application,the supports must run the direction of the pitch of the roof tofacilitate proper drainage. In addition, sleeper joists must beattached to the roof structure in a manner that stabilizes thedeck frame. Failure to do so may result in a poor structurewhich will compromise deck performance.In areas of application where a sleeper system is requiredthat would not be susceptible to excessive debris build up(examples would include covered areas such as balconies,porches, etc.), a minimum height of 38 mm for pressuretreated joists as well as a minimum 6 mm gap betweenTrex decking would be acceptable. These areas would stillhave to be designed to allow for proper drainage andhidden fasteners would be acceptable. However, if accessto the structure under the decking is required, it would berecommended to use either the Universal Fastener (plastic)41installation rooftop & sleeper deck systemsor 51 mm composite decking screws. A 6 mm to 13 mm gapis still required when abutting walls or other fixed objects.In all other areas where there could be excessive waterbuildup along with debris buildup, Trex would still recommenda minimum height of 89 mm for pressure-treated joists, aswell as a gap of 10 mm. For this application, hidden fastenerswould not be recommended and standard 76 mm compositescrews would be used.Always consult your local building code authority forproper details on roof and railing installation to the roofstructure if required.rooftop deck Tips» If you want to access the roof, you must buildthe .Trex deck in removable sections or withremovable fasteners.» You must attach the sleeper joists to the roofstructure so that they stabilize the deck frame.Failure to do so may .result in a poor structurewhich will compromise d. eck performance.trex.com
FASCIA FAStE nI G tIPS » Trex fascia around the base of a deck must be gapped the same as the decking to allow for air flow. » Attach the fascia every 101.6 mm with three Trex approved screws. Place the topscrew 25.4 mm from the top of the rim joist,the second screw at th
jfFPPfv*GfTSHR-have the most up-to-date installation instructions by visiting: trex.com ˆˇ ˆ 2 TREX SELECT HORIZONTAL RAILING RAILING CONFIGURATIONS Cutting post sleeves is NOT required. A. Pressure-treated post or Trex post mounts with Trex post sleeves, or Trex j
For the term set forth below, Trex Company, Inc. (hereinafter “Trex”) warrants to the original end-user purchaser (the “Purchaser”) that Trex Transcend decking, porch or fascia, Trex Enhance decking or fascia, Trex Select decking or fascia or Trex Universal Fascia, as the ca
lowe's trex ordering guide page 6 fire pit page 77 page 78 page 79 fp-1 fp-2 fp-3 lava rock page 73 page 74 page 75 lr-1 lr-2 lr-3 additional accessories on shelf in select stores page 81 page 80 trex transcend , trex enhance , trex select and trex universal fascia post mounts and gates page 83-87 clam shell: cs-2, cs-5 saddle: es .
TREX ENHANCE RAILING (Also Applies to Trex Select Railing) Installation Instructions PARTS K A. Top Rail B. Bottom Rail C. Brackets D. Aluminum Round Balusters E. Adjustable Foot Block F. Post Sleeve Cap* G. Post Sleeve Skirt* H. Post Sleeve** - 4" x 4" x 48" I. Trex Decking J. Trex
1 Rails also compatible with composite Trex Post Components. 2 To complete your rail section, visit glass.trex.com 3 See trex.com for more information on curving Trex Signature Railing. 4 A cocktail rail uses Trex Transcend or Select deck boards to turn your railing into an additional surface for drinks and more. All deck boards sold separately.
Trex provides a variety of valuable resources to answer your questions or concerns. For additional assistance, check out: » Trex.com Here you will find a wealth of useful information on Trex’s extensive products including: installation, care and cleaning instructions and videos, technical help, and FAQs. You’ll also
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
TREX REVEAL RAILING Installation Instructions NoteS: » Reveal RailiNgS aRe deSigNed to be attached with poStS iNStalled at a cleaR SpaN of 6' (1.83 m) oR 8' (2.44 m). . L. Trex decking M. TrexTrim or Trex Fascia N. Code-approved wood joist 2" x 8" (5.1 cm x 2
