Replies

1. 
   FrankB89 | Jul 05, 2003 05:55pm | #1

   I've put a couple of decks down with it and like it so far.  I've used the "trapeaze" brand screws that suck it down tight and self-countersink.

   My framing sub is just finishing his own house and has done a lot of curves on his deck.  Was able to turn 4' radiuses with 16' trex planks.

   If using the 5/4 planks, go for 12" centers on your joists, especially in high traffic areas, like in front of doorways or steps.

    

1. 
   KGambit | Jul 05, 2003 06:03pm | #3

   Notchman,

    Thanks for you're advice on my other post. I really think I am going to use the Trex, probably the grey color. That is why I wanted to use the 12" spacing, so I figured with a 12" instead of a 16" spacing I could probably go with 2x8's instead. Man, I got a lot of replies on that post! Thanks again! :)

   I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!

   Edited 7/5/2003 11:03:52 AM ET by Manroot

1. 
   FrankB89 | Jul 05, 2003 06:18pm | #4

   Yeah, that thread got a little out of hand!  Lol...CAG and Bucksnort, both good guys, but got crossways somehow.

   I still think you should go with 2 X 10 on your joists or reduce your spans.  Trex is relatively heavy and also, it won't provide any stiffness like a wood deckplank would.

   I like the stuff, but it's pretty limber.

   Also, if you do any butt joints or exposed cut ends, take the time to take a rasp or disc sander or something to bevel the edges.  It looks nicer and more finished. 

1. 
   KGambit | Jul 05, 2003 07:13pm | #7

   Notchman, thanks, I was going to keep my router handy with a round over for the cut ends. I didn't realize what you said about the Trex not adding any stiffness. I am going to test the joists before I put the decking on, and If I have to I'll add another beam in the center of the span, that will cut it down to just under a 6' span. It's just a couple of 2x10's and 3 more footings.I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!

2. 
   G80104 | Jul 05, 2003 06:19pm | #5

                        Manroot,

                                      Pulled up the invoice from the last time I bought Winchester Gray Trexs. Here is what I paid in the Denver area for the stuff,

          4x4 post material for railing                 $6.12 LF.

         2x2 for pickets                                     $.91 LF.

        2x6 for Decking                                     $2.59 LF.

        2x4 for railing                                     $1.59  LF.

          Good Luck with your project!

1. 
   KGambit | Jul 05, 2003 07:08pm | #6

   Thanks! I got a price of $1.65 l.f. for 5/4 x6, Winchester Gray. The budget isn't big enough for Trex railings. I was going to sleeve 4x4's with cedar and paint them white. I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!

2. 
   KGambit | Jul 05, 2003 06:00pm | #2

   G80104,

    Thanks for the pics! In my area it's about twice as much as pt, but I think it is probably worth it. I haven't heard of any compliants about it yet.

   I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!

3. 
   Qtrmeg | Jul 05, 2003 10:27pm | #8

   Boy, I don't have a real problem with vinyl siding, but Trex makes me think "How much more is real wood".

   You also have to watch the batches you get of it, buy one length and you should be ok, buy a couple and you are likely to have a problem. When you are all done, the best you can say is you won't fall thru it. You will never say... "What a beautiful deck".

1. 
   KGambit | Jul 06, 2003 12:08am | #9

   That's funny, because I would never use vinyl siding on a house, no matter how maintenence free it is, and that goes for the new laminate floor products, give me real wood siding and flooring. But we are talking about a deck here, not a formal parlor. Real wood is about half the price initially, but then you need to add the cost of pressure washing every other year, and 3 or 4 gallons of wood preservative, and the time to do it all. No Thanks!

     I'll take the Trex if I can afford it. For a deck...yes, an old fashioned covered porch....no. I think it has a place, and I don't think the finished quality of the job will be diminished by using it.I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!

2. 
   xMikeSmith | Jul 06, 2003 01:06am | #10

   c'mon ,matty.... you can say it .... just force yurselfMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   
1. 
   G80104 | Jul 06, 2003 03:13am | #11

       Mike,

                I can say it, " What a Beautiful Deck "  The  view is pretty killer also!

1. 
   mitch | Jul 06, 2003 04:38am | #12

   gee, i thought that snow looked familiar.  let me guess- denver? last march?

   my wife and i moved to nc in part to get away from that crap, but nooooooo, i had to be back there on business when it hit!  i told my parents to never expect me to visit that friggin town again between sept 15 and may 15.  <:-0 

   m

1. 
   IMERC | Jul 06, 2003 06:39am | #13

   Change it to August and June and you might feel a little better.

2. 
   mitch | Jul 06, 2003 03:10pm | #14

   maybe i'll just tell them if i'm coming at all, expect me 4th of july weekend.

   m

2. 
   KGambit | Jul 06, 2003 04:36pm | #15

   Mike

    I liked the photo's! Not to get off the subject, but what did you use for the railings? Is it a composite, with a wood top rail or are those cedar posts??? Just curious, I'm gonna go with the Trex for decking, but there railing systems are too much ,money, and honestly, don't really look that good anyway. I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Jul 07, 2003 02:44am | #16

   the sub rail was ripped from 2x6 red cedar..  the shoe was from 2x4 meranti, the balusters were from 5/4 x 6 meranti... and the cap was trexMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   
1. 
   KGambit | Jul 07, 2003 03:51pm | #17

   Mike, thanks for the info and the pics! I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!