What Is Trex Composite Decking?

If you are considering re-staining, painting, replacing your existing deck, or building a new deck, you owe it to yourself to look at Trex composite decking as an option. A Trex deck can make your outdoor living space the perfect place for spending time with family and friends. Trex decking is a composite material that is designed as an alternative to natural wood. Unlike wood decks, a Trex composite deck is low maintenance–it never needs to be painted and has a long lifespan, as evidenced by the 25-, 35-, or 50-year warranties. It doesn’t rot, splinter, or warp. Nor does it stain and it’s easy to clean. Additionally, it is a green solution because it is made of 95% reclaimed wood.

At Capitol City Lumber, we offer several types of Trex composite decking options that will meet any of your needs. This article answers your questions about the attributes of a Trex deck. Let’s explore this terrific material.

Benefits of Trex Decking

Composite decking offers benefits that you don’t have with an actual wood deck. Trex is one of the leading composite decking manufacturers in the world. It has a reputation for quality and innovation. The company invented the first generation of low-maintenance composite decking so they know what they’re doing. There are many reasons to choose Trex decking when turning an outdoor space into a living space. Here are a few:

Durable – Because Trex decking is made primarily of synthetic materials, it is resistant to rot, mold, and mildew. It is resistant to fading and staining. And, it doesn’t crack or splinter.

Safe – There are no splinters or sharp edges that a child can get hurt from. The material is slip-resistant.

Low Maintenance – Trex requires very little to no maintenance. It doesn’t need sanding, staining, or painting. All you need to do is use a pressure washer periodically.

Lasts a Long Time – The material is durable and withstands the weather and outside elements extremely well.

Eco-Friendly – Trex is made of recycled materials, so it is environmentally responsible.

Affordable – Trex is generally more affordable than most other composite decking products.

How Does Trex Decking Compare to Wood?

When choosing the deck boards, the main two choices are composite and wood. Trex composite decking materials are at the top of the list when you are looking at composite decking. So, how does Trex composite decking compare to wood decking? Here are some characteristics for comparison.

Trex Decking

• Doesn’t crack or splinter
• Is impervious to the weather due to a weather-resistant shell
• Doesn’t need painting or staining
• Only requires pressure washing periodically to keep it clean

Natural Wood Decking

• Splinters and cracks from weather exposure
• Requires staining and/or painting
• Color fades
• Subject to insect damage

Installing Trex Decking

Installing your Trex composite decking is a smooth process. Follow these 11 steps to install a Trex deck.

Step 1: Determine Fascia Installation

The first deck board on a deck build should be positioned on the front rim of the deck, depending on how the fascia is going to be installed. The fascia board can be installed tight against the rim joist and flush with the top of the frame. In this case, the first deck board would overhang the fascia by ¾”.

If your deck is built with the fascia installed flush with the top of the decking and on top of spacers between the fascia and the rim joist, then the first deck board will be flush with the edge of the rim joist.

Step 2: Install Stop Block

So you can determine where the deck boards will end, install a stop block to the side of the rim joist. Attach the stop block to the rim joist with 3″ exterior grade wood screws, one screw every 2 to 3 feet. After the deck boards have been installed, the stop block can be removed.

Step 3: Attach Boards

Begin by squaring the end of the first deck board.  This is the process of cutting the ends of the deck boards to a 90-degree angle to make square edge boards. A speed square and a circular saw can be used. A miter saw can be used if one is available.

Step 4: Notch Around Posts

When guardrail posts are installed, the composite deck boards will need to be notched around the posts.  Place the deck board on top of the frame and tight against the posts. Clamp the deck board in place.

Step 5: Transfer Line to Board

Using a speed square, transfer the line of the post to the deck board. Hold the speed square off the side of the post approximately ¼”. Cutting the openings around the post bigger by ¼” will make the installation of the deck board easier. Mark the deck board against the speed square.

Step 6: Mark the Post

Mark both sides of the post with the use of a speed square. The post is on the inside of the front rim joist.  The rim joist is 1 ½” thick.  The deck board will be flush with the outside of the rim joist and needs to be that same ¼” away from the post.

Measure from the edge of the deck board 1 ¼” and make a mark. Repeat this process and mark where the deck board needs to be cut for the posts. The post is on the inside of the front rim joist.  The rim joist is 1 ½” thick.  The deck board will be flush with the outside of the rim joist and needs to be that same ¼” away from the post.

Step 7: Mark Post

Mark both sides of the post using a speed square. The deck board will be flush with the outside of the rim joist and needs to be that same 1/4″ away from the post. Measure from the edge of the deck board 1 1/4″ and make a mark. Repeat this process and mark where the deck board needs to be cut for the posts.

Step 8: Mark Board Near Post

Measure and mark the post onto the deck board in the same way as the other posts. Measure the center of the post and mark the deck board to be cut.

Step 9: Mark With a Jigsaw

Once all the notches have been marked on the deck boards, cut the marks with a jigsaw.

Tip: When cutting a square shape, start in the corner by drilling a hole big enough for the jigsaw blade to fit into. Once the hole is drilled, cut the lines and the jigsaw blade will be able to turn easily in the corner of the square marks.

Step 10: Place the Board on the Deck Frame

Once all the notches have been cut out, place the deck board on the deck frame. Make sure there is plenty of room around the posts and the end of the deck board is tight to the stop block on the end of the deck.

Step 11: Clamp Board in Place

Clamp the deck board in place so it is flush with the outside edge of the rim joist. Use the clamp to push tight against the rim joist and the deck board. Tighten the clamp and move to the next clamp. Use the clamps every 2 to 3 feet.

Types of Trex Decking at Capitol City Lumber

We offer these types of Trex decking at Capitol City Lumber.

Where Can You Buy Trex Composite Decking?

If you’re in or around the Raleigh area, you can view our current inventory by visiting our shop at 4216 Beryl Road Raleigh, NC 27606 or calling us at 919.832.6492. We’ve got lumber experts standing by to help you with selection, and information. We even provide custom cuts. If you are outside of the area but still want to get your hands on some of our products, fill out a request for a custom quote online.

Capitol City Lumber has been serving the area since 1947, and you can count on our knowledge and product selection to get the job done right. Give us a call or stop by the store today.