FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Installing Trex

| Posted in Construction Techniques on March 31, 2007 01:20am

I just ordered 1200 lf of Trex and 1000 Eb-Ty’s.  I’ve never used either.  I have to do a 12×12 deck, two balconies, and 30 stair treads with a few landings. 

Any tips?  Especially tricks for hidden fasteners on stair treads and picture-framed deck boards?

 

 

“This is a process, not an event.”–Sphere

And I’m a legitimate certifiable Tool Whore.–Dieselpig

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. rez | Mar 31, 2007 04:24pm | #1

    bump

    yer gonna have to type slow for me and maybe switch to a crayon.-buck '07

    I never had a problem with character,
    people've been telling me I was one ever since I was a kid.

     

    1. Finehomes | Mar 31, 2007 05:38pm | #2

      First tip,,,,don't use regular deck screws.  They cause trex to do what my guys refer to as "mushroom".....part of the material forms a dimple on top of the screw and it looks horrible.  There are screws made specifically for composite decking and it does not do that.  They have them for the superdrive strip screw gun if you happen to have one of them....but they aint cheap.  Spacing needs to be done as per manufacturer....which I have seen very few people do.  The trex website  http://www.trex.com has a whole section of installation info.

       

       

      Sam

      1. alan1973 | Mar 31, 2007 07:40pm | #3

        Never used eb-ty - the last trex I put down was with a metal angle screwed onto the joist. You would then screw it from the underside. If you do have to face screw the trex, as I think you will with the treads, I recommend countersinking - works much better. There is a screw designed for trex. I think they are called Grab-eze - they come painted in trex colours and they have two different threads that suck the board tight to the joist.

        1. User avater
          BruceT999 | Apr 01, 2007 06:12am | #8

          "...I think they are called Grab-eze ..."I think you are referring to TrapEze. They have slightly smaller heads and a set of left-hand threads on the shank portion to drag the mushroomed Trex material down below the surface. The result is a lot better than Deck Mate et al.BruceT

  2. grpphoto | Mar 31, 2007 07:50pm | #4

    In any situations where you have to attach the boards with screws through the face of the material, use the special screws that are made for it. These screws are supposed to do the job without "mushrooming" the material, but I found that it was necessary to pre-drill the boards to get a really good result.

    George Patterson, Patterson Handyman Service

    1. woodguy99 | Mar 31, 2007 08:36pm | #5

      Thanks guys.  I've used the double-threaded screws on Azek and they do work well.  Since the Trex is denser I can see that pre-drilling makes sense.

      I think I'll look into the angle-iron attachment for the stair treads. 

       

      "This is a process, not an event."--Sphere

      And I'm a legitimate certifiable Tool Whore.--Dieselpig

      1. vintage1 | Mar 31, 2007 08:47pm | #6

        I have had good luck using the Trap-ease screws designed for composite decking without the need to pre-drill. 

        Used them both in collated quick-drive format as well as singles driven in w/ a normal screwgun.

         

        1. User avater
          Matt | Apr 01, 2007 04:51am | #7

          Another vote for Trap-ease where the hidden fasteners won't work.

  3. Geoffrey | Apr 02, 2007 09:32am | #9

    Hey woodguy,

                   If I'm not mistaken Eb-ty requires a slot in the edge of the Trex which the Eb-ty slips into, I think you can get Trex with this dado already cut from the factory , but I'm not positive......If you're stock doesn't have it you'll be spending a significant amount of time cutting slots (using a biscuit joiner),.....the tough part is remembering to do the leading edge of the next piece before you set it into position.... it has you jumping from one side to the other waaaaay to much(IMHO) .....might consider Tiger Claw or some other brand that does not require slotting  OR set up a system that you can pre-cut the slot before the decking hits the frame, it'll save a lot of time and handling... hope this helps.

                                                  Geoff

    1. woodguy99 | Apr 02, 2007 01:09pm | #10

      Thanks Geoffrey, that's a great point.  I'll email my salesman right now to see if we can get it pre-slotted!

       

        

       

      "This is a process, not an event."--Sphere

      And I'm a legitimate certifiable Tool Whore.--Dieselpig

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data