Getting ready to install Trex decking and would like to use hidden fastners. Have used eb-ty fastners in the past and really like them. Unfortunatelty I Am in a bit of time crunch and have to start installing deck tomorrow. Was able to locate concealloc fastners from local hardware store. This will reqiure slotting side of trex accent (which is what I already purchased) with a 1/4 router slot and installing. The fastner states that it will space the boards 1/8″. is this to small of a gap. The concealloc fastners are $100.00 per 100sqft of fastner need 4 boxes. ouch.
I was also told that another local contractor installs the trex with liquid nails and stainless steel finish nails. Is that a bad alternative?. it sure would be alot faster and easier if the finish nail holes wouldn’t be to unsightly
Any insight will be helpful
thanks
Mark Russo
Custom Woodworking & Residential Contracting
412 296 0941
Replies
Trex Install
Used to be a "Trex Pro" (certified Trex installer) but got tired of giving free estimates to tight-arced HOs so I got a real job... I guess I didn’t have enough patients to build a cliental of people in the right income bracket. I have a lot of respect for those who have accomplished this.
I never did it with hidden fasteners though - I used trap-eze screws - which admittedly didn't look the best... this was before the hidden fasteners were really gaining popularity though so screws were the standard mode at the time. I think you are on the right track assuming your customer is paying appropriately for this install... Anyway, you said:
>> The fastener states that it will space the boards 1/8". is this to small of a gap. << The size of the gap you leave depends on the temperature at the install time. This is true for any material. The hotter the temp, the smaller the gap - unless you have some material that shrinks as the temp rises :-) ??? For example if the temp happens to be 100 degrees F, that will be pretty close to the max it will get and the max the material will ever expand. Your mileage will vary depending on what geography you live in, but - here - we are having a heat wave - more or less. So, unless you live in South America and it is winter, you will probably be OK with 1/8". I find that many MFGs call for larger gaps than necessary as they would rather decreased aesthetics than failed material due to too tight an install. For Trex I’ve always went for a little smaller gaps then the mfg recommendation unless it was below freezing.
>> I was also told that another local contractor installs the Trex with liquid nails and stainless steel finish nails. Is that a bad alternative?. it sure would be alot faster and easier if the finish nail holes wouldn't be to unsightly << don't know - haven't tried it. I do know that I have had trouble in the past finding glue that would stick to Trex long-term. Also when you say “finish nails" do you mean like 16p or 10p casing style hand nail finish nails or do you mean like 15ga gun nails? If it is the 15ga gun nails, the guy is a hack…. The Trex is gonna want to move based on the fact that it is largely plastic and expands and contracts and 15 ga gun nails just don’t have the necessary strength. Don’t misunderstand me… Usually I’d much rather drag out a hose, gun and compressor than hand nail as few as 30 or 40 nails. Guns have their constraints though…
Thanks Matt
Your time has been appreciated. The only other question of concern would be that of a the groove that I have to manufacture in the side of the board. I'm sure it'll void waranty,but is it going to create any problems with the edges cracking off? homeowners transporting alot of weight across the deck(i.e. refrigerator with small hard wheels) I know the new trrex and timbertech offers these grooved boards. I doubt that there is additional structural components in the new material to make up for the groove or lack thereof material. is there any major problems you may forsee with this homemade groove system that I'm entertaining.
Don't know but a few Qs
You mentioned the Eb-tye (sp?) fasteners... Didn't you have to use a biscut cutter for those? Can't you use that on the Trex. Besides, the grove you need to apply to the trex -weather via router or biscut cutter, only needs to be an iinch or 2 long every 16' or so.... is that right?
Trex can crack... See the attached pic. I think this was caused by me riding with a 12' board flopping up and down hanging out the back of my pickup with the 6.5' bed. I was kinda shocked though...
Kreg?
Kreg has come out with a hidden screw system for decking. Haven't used it because we always order slotted boards. It seems to be quite simple but not sure if you save any time in labor from routing grooves. Definitely save money in materials though. -Eric Rodbaugh, A&E Builders Corp., Long Island, NY.
Doesn't that require access from below? If you can do that the simpler system is a metal bracket that screws to the side of the joist, and you run screws through it and up into the plank.
Nailing down Trex
Hello Mark,
The answer to your question is simple - a composite, pvc, or capstock decking should NEVER be nailed down, no exceptions. Nails do not provide adequete holding power and will start popping after not too long.
Best Regards,
Ryan Unick
[email protected]
http://www.capstockdecking.com
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