I’m going to be using Trex on my front deck, and I have a few questions.
1) Trex suggests that I can go with joists 16″ o.c. for the 5/4 x 6 planks, and I’d like to know whether that’s close enough, or whether I should go to 12″ o.c.
2) What kind of fasteners work best? I’m thinking of doing the “screw through the top and then pound down the plastic method”, with stainless steel screws. Are there other options to consider.
3) Any experience with Trex’s new Brasilia line? It’s really nice looking, but seems more finicky for installation, and might not weather well.
Thanks.
Replies
The new composite screws do not create mushroom's. Double threaded design sucks shavings down into the hole. Color matched as well.
16" centers for the 5/4" seems to work just fine.
Have never worked with the Brasalia line.
Wood is Good
Adam Greisz
That "screw through the top and then pound down the plastic method" doesn't work with the 'skinned' composits like Brasilia.
I have built several Trex decks. I'm also a certified Trex installer, which really doesn't mean much...
Re your Qs:
1) 16" O.C is fine as long as you are running your decking boards perpendicular to the joists (not at a 45).
2) I prefer trapease screws for Trex. I've tried several different types. Personally, I don't like the looks of the end results of the pound down the mushroom method, especially if you are using wood grained Trex decking. If you really want to do the pound down method, first, go look at one that is done to see "the look" and use trim head SS screws.
3) must be new - haven't heard of that.
To echo the others...
1. 16 OC is fine with 5/4
2. If there is not too much decking to do, I pre-drill and use the SS HeadCotes to match the color of the deck. In any event, I recommend predrilling your ends.
3. I have seen the Brasillia (sp?) but it is quite expensive. We just chose ipe over the Trex Brasillia for a job we are doing now. Comes in at about $2.00/lf. I know it is not totally "maintenance free", but to me, is a real nice product. Also, it is hard enough to use 1x instead of 5/4. For the effort of staining/sealing once every three years, it seems like a better choice.
Brian.....Bayview Renovations