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Trex Decking Questions, Please
Hello,
Thinking of TREX for an outdoor (uncovered) Deck re-do. They have a nice site, but still have a lot of questions. Thought I'd ask you experts he a. General thoughts and comments regarding Trex ? Pros & cons, etc. ? b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? c. Does it need to be stained also ? d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Much thanks, Bob |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Jul 14, 6:34*am, Bob wrote:
Hello, Thinking of TREX for an outdoor (uncovered) Deck re-do. They have a nice site, but still have a lot of questions. Thought I'd ask you experts he a. General thoughts and comments regarding Trex ? *Pros & cons, etc. ? b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? c. Does it need to be stained also ? d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Much thanks, Bob I used trex when I rebuilt my deck about 3-4 years ago. Other than power washing it every spring, it's very little maintenance. I didn't stain mine, and don't plan on it. I really like it. I'm not sure what's its made of, but I think it is some sort of resin mixed with sawdust. The 1" thickness seems to be adequate as I haven't had any issues with it sagging. It's a little bit pricy, but I think it's worth it. I went with their railing system as well and it went up easily. I would recommend them. Rob |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Sat, 14 Jul 2012 08:34:15 -0400, Bob wrote:
b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? Wood chips and some sort of plastic. It also has a plastic (vinyl, I think) coating on top for better protection and longer life. c. Does it need to be stained also ? No, it comes in various colors. In the past though, they did have some complaints of sun bleaching. UV is tough on things like that. d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Check the specs on joist spacing. I think they require 16" and you may have 24" on the existing deck. It does require periodic cleaning, but not much else. Do some research on the pros and cons http://www.doityourself.com/forum/de...m-spacing.html I chose to use tiger wood instead of a composite. IMO, you just can't beat real wood. |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On 7/14/2012 8:40 AM, rlz wrote:
.... I used trex when I rebuilt my deck about 3-4 years ago. Other than power washing it every spring, it's very little maintenance. I didn't stain mine, and don't plan on it. I really like it.... I've wondered--how do you think it compares to wood decking as far as heat retention? In a very hot climate w/ high sun, I've always wondered given the comparison of the synthetic turf to grass as a (granted somewhat distant) example. I know if it ain't white, the tables/chairs are worse than a relatively dark wood one as far as touching/sitting because the heat transfer is so much better. Similar to the wood floor feels so much colder in winter than carpet... -- |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Jul 14, 10:19*am, dpb wrote:
On 7/14/2012 8:40 AM, rlz wrote: ... I used trex when I rebuilt my deck about 3-4 years ago. Other than power washing it every spring, it's very little maintenance. *I didn't stain mine, and don't plan on it. *I really like it.... I've wondered--how do you think it compares to wood decking as far as heat retention? *In a very hot climate w/ high sun, I've always wondered given the comparison of the synthetic turf to grass as a (granted somewhat distant) example. I know if it ain't white, the tables/chairs are worse than a relatively dark wood one as far as touching/sitting because the heat transfer is so much better. *Similar to the wood floor feels so much colder in winter than carpet... I find Trex to be hotter underfoot than some other composite decking products. It's one of the main reasons I rarely use it for an entire deck. When it's really hot people go barefoot and that's when the stuff is the hottest. Not a good equation. Of course the lighter colors heat up less, but I think it's the density of the stuff that makes the deck-to-foot heat transfer objectionable to some. It's roughly akin to walking on a black sand beach. If you've ever done that you quickly discover that all sand is not created equal. I like Correct Deck. The installation is a little different, cost more or less comparable, but it has some decided advantages. http://correctbp.com "How does temperature affect CorrectDeck CX? CorrectDeck CX is manufactured in Maine where harsh freezing winters have put it to the test. As far as the heat, CorrectDeck can get up to 210° F without any distortion or sagging between joists. The deep wood grain and thin profile of CorrectDeck CX combined with IR-reflective pigments help to keep the product cool underfoot even on those hot summer days." R |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
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Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Sat, 14 Jul 2012 08:34:15 -0400, Bob wrote:
Hello, Thinking of TREX for an outdoor (uncovered) Deck re-do. They have a nice site, but still have a lot of questions. Thought I'd ask you experts he a. General thoughts and comments regarding Trex ? Pros & cons, etc. ? b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? c. Does it need to be stained also ? d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Much thanks, Bob Trex is made of old shopping bags and sawdust. I used Trex Transcend for my front porch several years ago and it is great. Follow the framing recommendations and 1 inch is plenty strong enough - and no staining is required. The base Trex DOES support mildew growth, like wood, while Transcend does not. It costs a bit more, but it is extremely simple to keep clean and looking good. I used the "slotted" transcend for all but the outermost board, so the fasteners are all concealed. |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Jul 14, 7:34*am, Bob wrote:
Hello, Thinking of TREX for an outdoor (uncovered) Deck re-do. They have a nice site, but still have a lot of questions. Thought I'd ask you experts he a. General thoughts and comments regarding Trex ? *Pros & cons, etc. ? b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? c. Does it need to be stained also ? d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Much thanks, Bob I love my Trex deck, I did all the work myself, just followed instructions for sppacing between boards and spacing of joists underneath. I power wash it every2 -3 years, and enjoy it all ywear round, summer and winter. No stain. |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On 7/14/2012 1:11 PM, Dan Espen wrote:
Frank writes: On 7/14/2012 11:59 AM, wrote: On Sat, 14 Jul 2012 08:34:15 -0400, Bob wrote: Hello, Thinking of TREX for an outdoor (uncovered) Deck re-do. They have a nice site, but still have a lot of questions. Thought I'd ask you experts he a. General thoughts and comments regarding Trex ? Pros & cons, etc. ? b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? c. Does it need to be stained also ? d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Much thanks, Bob Trex or any composite is not a drop in replacement for wood. The minimum spans are shorter. Usually if you have 5/4 lumber, you need 1.5" Trex. It is a little hotter on bare feet but not unbearable for people who go barefoot a lot. Trex is sawdust and milk bottles. There are pure milk bottle composites that wear a little better but that usually just comes up with boat dock construction in salt water. I think the spans are the same. There are some variants that have a scalloped bottom and more depth to give them more span capacity for the same weight. I'd personally like to see how well the stuff holds up after 20 years. I have about 10 on my Timbertech. Looks identical to the day it was installed. I wouldn't be surprised to see it last 100 years or more. Have you ever seen what a milk bottle looks like after being in the sun for a year? It usually disintegrates. I cannot find the answer but am pretty sure it is a composite of recycle polyethylene and saw dust with color and stabilizers added. If the color is throughout, you won't ever need to stain or paint it. All I do is power wash it. Once a year. I'm guessing I wouldn't have to do it that often if the area wasn't surrounded by trees. Good to hear. I'd still be brand conscious because polymer chemistry could be different. Polyethylene falls apart in sunlight but polymers like PVC are nearly impervious. We all remember the polybutylene pipe fiasco a few years ago. |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
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Trex Decking Questions, Please
Frank wrote:
On 7/14/2012 11:59 AM, wrote: On Sat, 14 Jul 2012 08:34:15 -0400, Bob wrote: Hello, Thinking of TREX for an outdoor (uncovered) Deck re-do. They have a nice site, but still have a lot of questions. Thought I'd ask you experts he a. General thoughts and comments regarding Trex ? Pros & cons, etc. ? b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? c. Does it need to be stained also ? d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Much thanks, Bob Trex or any composite is not a drop in replacement for wood. The minimum spans are shorter. Usually if you have 5/4 lumber, you need 1.5" Trex. It is a little hotter on bare feet but not unbearable for people who go barefoot a lot. Trex is sawdust and milk bottles. There are pure milk bottle composites that wear a little better but that usually just comes up with boat dock construction in salt water. I think the spans are the same. There are some variants that have a scalloped bottom and more depth to give them more span capacity for the same weight. I'd personally like to see how well the stuff holds up after 20 years. Have you ever seen what a milk bottle looks like after being in the sun for a year? It usually disintegrates. I cannot find the answer but am pretty sure it is a composite of recycle polyethylene and saw dust with color and stabilizers added. If the color is throughout, you won't ever need to stain or paint it. Over a real long time period it might lose some of it's smoothness. polyethylene does break down without uv inhibitors. Tyvec is not for the sun. Talk about decks, mine is made out of styrofoam cups. Well, just styrofoam really. Mine can stain with oils. Transfer of heat depends on weight and density, and color. Greg |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On 7/14/2012 11:42 AM, Frank wrote:
.... I'd personally like to see how well the stuff holds up after 20 years. Have you ever seen what a milk bottle looks like after being in the sun for a year? It usually disintegrates. I cannot find the answer but am pretty sure it is a composite of recycle polyethylene and saw dust with color and stabilizers added. If the color is throughout, you won't ever need to stain or paint it. It'll be interesting w/ longer time indeed methinks -- it's been about 20 yr since its introduction I think and I presume they've probably made some improvements based on early product as they've gone along. I just looked at their web site though; interestingly enough, the warranty of 25 yr is valid _only_ for original purchaser and for a residential consumer--the contractor-built deck where he supplies the material is only a 10-yr warranty. Plus, the only thing that is warranted is gross mechanical defects and termite/other insect-like damage--absolutely nothing is warranted regarding surface weathering, fading, etc., etc., etc., ... It certainly has UV inhibitors and is far more resilient to weathering than are the untreated plastics from which it is manufactured so comparing to them is meaningless. Nevertheless, most have at least some damage and time will gradually tell how long it will last in general. The web site says its manufactured from recycled shopping bags and waste wood products including junked pallets...I think there is one that manages to reuse at least a fraction of the milk jugs, etc., but apparently that one is not Trex... One thing I've observed in town here in W KS is many of the vinyl fences that looked so good when new have sagged severely in the hot summer sun...of course, they're not Trex--just an observation about structural plastics in hot climates... -- |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
Hello my name is Jim. My question is my old deck is 18 ft by 12 ft. They are 2 x 6 Redwood. What thickness of Trex decking would I need to replace it. Thank you
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Trex Decking Questions, Please
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Trex Decking Questions, Please
On 9/2/2017 5:53 PM, wrote:
Hello my name is Jim. My question is my old deck is 18 ft by 12 ft. They are 2 x 6 Redwood. What thickness of Trex decking would I need to replace it. Thank you And if you are using any pressure treated lumber manufactured since 2004, for the love of God, read this article: http://www.deckmagazine.com/design-c...er-corrosion_o |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 5:53:20 PM UTC-4, wrote:
Hello my name is Jim. Hi Jim! My question is my old deck is 18 ft by 12 ft. That's not a question. How big is your new deck? They are 2 x 6 Redwood. What are? I'll assume the deck boards. What thickness of Trex decking would I need to replace it. That's not a question that we can answer without more info. Are your existing deck boards an actual 2x6 or a nominal 2x6 or something in between? What your joist spacing? There are too many variables for us to answer your question with the limited info that you have shared. Thank you You are very welcome. |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 8:26:52 PM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 5:53:20 PM UTC-4, wrote: Hello my name is Jim. Hi Jim! My question is my old deck is 18 ft by 12 ft. That's not a question. How big is your new deck? They are 2 x 6 Redwood. What are? I'll assume the deck boards. What thickness of Trex decking would I need to replace it. That's not a question that we can answer without more info. Are your existing deck boards an actual 2x6 or a nominal 2x6 or something in between? What your joist spacing? That would seem to be a very important one, ie min joist spacing for Trex versus a 2x6. There are too many variables for us to answer your question with the limited info that you have shared. Thank you You are very welcome. |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 7:34:15 AM UTC-5, Bob wrote:
Hello, Thinking of TREX for an outdoor (uncovered) Deck re-do. They have a nice site, but still have a lot of questions. Thought I'd ask you experts he a. General thoughts and comments regarding Trex ? Pros & cons, etc. ? b. Exactly what is this "stuff" of Trex made of ? c. Does it need to be stained also ? d. 1" thickness adequate and typical for Deck ? etc. ? Much thanks, Bob I posted in 2012 I loved my Trex deck. I installed myself, and 5 years later I still love it and would do it again. |
Trex Decking Questions, Please
On Sat, 2 Sep 2017 14:53:13 -0700 (PDT), wrote:
Hello my name is Jim. My question is my old deck is 18 ft by 12 ft. They are 2 x 6 Redwood. What thickness of Trex decking would I need to replace it. Thank you Around here there is only one thickness - nominally 5/4 or 1 inch. You need your joists on 12 inch centers. |
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