Can you Miter Trex decking

Composite decking such as Trex can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish. … As the composite decking heats up it not only expands but also becomes more pliable.

Can you cut Trex like wood?

Composite decking such as Trex can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish. … As the composite decking heats up it not only expands but also becomes more pliable.

Can composite decking be cut at an angle?

It’s the most versatile among all types of saws that you can use for cutting composite decking. Lastly, there’s the mitre saw. It consists of an adjustable saw blade that can cut precise angle cuts. It’s the best type of saw to use to make cross-cuts.

Can you install Trex diagonally?

Trex, specifically, says to go at most 12″ OC if you go diagonal. But I’ve spoken to people who’ve laid standard 5/4 decking at 45 degrees with 16″ OC and had no issues at all.

Do you gap Trex decking?

All deck boards must always be installed with a 6mm side-to-side gap. The Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners automatically measure the 6mm gap between grooved edge boards but you must still ensure the 6mm gap with the square edge boards.

How much overhang should a Trex deck have?

» ALWAYS follow Trex-recommended gapping guidelines. » Maximum allowable perpendicular overhang for Trex is 102 mm. » All decks require air circulation to keep them dry and looking good. To improve air flow, leave openings under the decking or increase gapping to 10 mm.

How far can Trex overhang?

Trex is a popular composite material with a maximum overhang of 102mm or around 4 inches. Between one and two inches of deck board overhang is ideal when you attach an outer fascia board, or at least 1 ¾” to 2 ¾” of overhang before installing the fascia.

Does Trex deck scratch?

Newer-generation Trex decking holds strong against potential damage. All of our decking lines are scratch resistant, protecting your space against nicks, cracks and splitting.

Can you cut composite decking with a Mitre saw?

Cutting The Deck Use a wood saw to cut the single pieces of the composite material to length and then mark the board using a quick square. You can either use a miter saw or a circular saw since composite cuts similarly to wood.

Do you need a special blade to cut Trex?

Diablo’s TrexBlade is the only recommended composite decking by Trex Company when cutting composite decking materials. These new blades deliver maximum performance and highest quality of finish; making it a ‘must-have’ tool for both professionals and DIYers planning composite decking projects.

Article first time published on

Should decking be laid level?

A solid deck needs to be sloped between a 1/8″ (3mm) and ¼” (6mm) per foot to encourage water drainage. Decks with properly gapped decking boards require no slope as rain will naturally run off the boards even when level. … Sloping a deck with gaps between the boards will not drain the rain any faster.

What blade is best for cutting composite decking?

Miter saw blades, circular saw blades, and table saw blades are recommended blades for cutting composite decking. These blades were chosen because they can cut composite decking easily while making cuts that are smooth and clean. Since they are sharp, the blades can cut in a shorter amount of time.

Does Trex shrink?

Any composite decking will expand and contract, its really just a matter of how much it expands and contracts and at what temperatures. … Quality composite decking should very very minimal shrinkage if manufactured correctly.

How many Trex boards do I need for a 12x12 deck?

Board lengthBoards required8 FT20612 FT13716 FT10320 FT83

Should you pre drill Trex?

You do not have to pre- drill with Trex Escapes. Composite decking is a great alternative to traditional wood decking. When building your deck and railing, it is recommended that code-approved structural material be used as the framing and joists.

How far can a 5 4 deck board overhang?

The edge of decking should never overhang more than one-third of the decking material. For your standard 5.5” decking, that is 1 ¾” overhang.

Can you overhang composite decking?

Like any other deckings, you can design composite decking to have an overhang. However, it should be a part of your deck planning and layout design. You can create overhang using several methods. For instance, after installing the decking boards, you may opt to leave a few inches off the boards.

How far can a deck board overhang a joist?

The American Wood Council states that cantilevers are limited to 1/4 the span of the joists. Joist Spacing (o.c.) Maximum allowable overhang cannot exceed 1/4 of the actual main span.

How far apart should the joists be for Trex decking?

The majority of composite deck board brands including Trex, TimberTech, and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches O.C. (on center) for standard straight composite decking installation.

How do you hide the edges of a composite deck?

The question is, how do you hide the ends of composite decking? There are several ways to go about it. Some of your options include picture framing, installing fascia boards, coating the ends with paint, using end caps and plugs, or edging your ground-level deck with stone.

Can you use a wood blade to cut composite decking?

Cutting composite decking is similar to cutting normal lumber; it just requires special saw blades. So when cutting composite decking, it is advisable to use saw blades that are convenient and flexible for cutting. The saw blades must also be sharp.

How many teeth do I need to cut composite decking?

What is the Best Saw Blade for Cutting Composite Decking? The EnviroBuild installation guide advises the use of a circular saw using a 40 tooth alternate top bevel finish blade to cut your composite decking boards.

Can dogs nails scratch Trex decking?

Composite decking mimics the look of natural wood, but without the upkeep. While it’s much more scratch resistant than wood, it’s not totally scratch proof. With enough gusto, your pooch could still leave permanent marks.

Does Trex sag?

Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.

Is Trex decking slippery when wet?

Trex decking is a low-maintenance decking solution that requires a fraction of the work of wood decks and is less likely to get slippery when wet. It still requires occasional attention to keep it looking its best, but you’ll be delighted with the finished results.

Does Trex require special screws?

Trex recommends the use of two screws per joist. All recommended screws are designed to be installed flush with decking surface. DO NOT countersink screws. Use recommended stainless steel screws in any areas near bodies of saltwater.

Does composite decking have gaps?

As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. There should always be a slight gap.