Installation Guide

31
DECKING
Composite decking is a great alternative to
traditional wood decking. When building your deck
and railing, it is recommended that code-approved
structural material be used as the framing and
joists. One option is using Trex Elevations
®
steel
deck framing. Refer to www.trex.com for more
information on Trex Elevations . Check your local
building codes for restrictions. Trex
®
decking
cannot be used for structural applications. DO NOT
attach Trex decking directly to any solid surface or
watertight system. See Sleeper Systems on page
32. In most cases, install fasteners at a 90° angle
(perpendicular to the board).
At board ends on the
deck's edge, you can
install screws placed
perpendicularly at
the recommended
distance, at minimum
of 1" (2.5 cm) from
the board end and
edge, without
splitting the board.
For butt joints, where
boards meet over
a single joist, add a
2" x 4" (5.1 cm x
10.2 cm) “nailer”
board at the butt joint.
This allows you to
install a screw at a
90° angle.
FRAMING AND FASTENING TIPS
FASCIA FASTENING TIPS
» Trex fascia around the base of a deck must
be gapped the same as the decking to allow
for air flow.
» Attach the fascia every 12" (30.5 cm) with
three Trex approved screws. Place the top
screw 1" (2.5 cm) from the top of the rim joist,
the second screw at the rim joist’s center,
and the third screw 1" (2.5 cm) from the
bottom of the rim joist.
» A construction grade weather resistant
adhesive is also recommended to be used as
a SECONDARY fastener when attaching
fascia.
HIDDEN FASTENER TIPS
Start Clips Needed
You will need 0.75 clips for every lineal foot of
decking. For example, 40 feet of decking would
require 30 start clips.
0.75 x ____ft of decking = # of start clips
NOTE: When using hidden fasteners (both start and
connector clips), one must be used on every joist.
Calculating the Number of Connector
Clips Needed
» # of joists x # of decking boards = # of
connector clips needed.
» Ninety (90) connector clips will cover
approximately 50 sq. ft. (103 cm
2
) using 5.5"
(14 cm) decking boards on 16" (40.6 cm)
centers.
CONNECTOR CLIPS NEEDED
Joist Spacing
(on center)
Deck Size Square Feet
12" (30.5 cm) 210 441 672 882 1113
16" (40.6 cm) 175 336 512 672 848
24" (66 cm) 110 231 352 462 583
1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 500
1" (2.5 cm)
DOCK APPLICATIONS
Trex decking contains no materials that
will harm marine life and is safe for
the environment. As long as dock is in
intermittent contact with water, i.e.,
splashing and not in continuous direct
contact with water, the durability of the
Trex decking should not be affected.
For docks, a 3/8" (1 cm) width-to-width
gap between boards is recommended
to allow for increased drainage due to
increased contact with water. In addition,
stainless steel fasteners should be used.
If there is sufficient contact with the dock
and gasoline, grounding of the dock is
also recommended.
1" (2.5 cm)