You are probably looking at a Trex deck because you are tired of sanding, staining, as well as replacing rotten boards. This is a good choice. Trex and other composite decking materials are a very good option for people here in St. Paul who want to spend their weekends enjoying their deck. They do not want to work on it. Building one still needs some specific knowledge. Here is what we have learned over the years about making sure your Trex deck project goes smoothly. This applies whether you are doing it yourself or bringing in professionals.
Before You Buy Any Boards
You cannot just put a deck down. You need to plan things out. We mean you need to really plan. The biggest mistake we see homeowners make is choosing materials before they understand the groundwork.
Permits and Regulations
You absolutely need a permit for a deck in St. Paul. Do not skip this step. The city has specific requirements for things like footings as well as ledger board attachment as well as railing height. Trying to build without a permit will cause problems later on. It is much harder to fix a code violation after the fact than to get it right from the start. Your local building department can tell you what you will need.
Substructure is Very Important
Trex boards are very good. However, they are only as good as the frame underneath them. This is where many DIY homeowners either do very well or they have a lot of trouble. You need a solid as well as a level substructure. Joist spacing is very important for composite decking. For most standard jobs, your joists should be spaced no more than 16 inches on center. If you are planning to lay your deck boards diagonally, you will need to make that spacing tighter to 12 inches on center. This is not just a suggestion. This is about preventing sag and making sure your deck lasts a long time. Trex boards themselves are not structural. They rely completely on that frame.
For the substructure, you should use pressure-treated lumber. Make sure it is the right size for your span as well as your load. If you are not sure about designing or building a strong frame, this is a good time to call St Paul Deck Solutions. We have built many decks in this city. Our team knows exactly what the frost heave in our clay soil can do to a frame that is not built well.
Choosing Your Trex
Trex offers different lines. These include Transcend as well as Enhance as well as Select. They are different in price as well as durability as well as features. Newer Trex lines come with a protective shell. This makes them more resistant to fading as well as staining as well as scratching than older types. Think about how you will use your deck. Will you be grilling a lot? Do you have kids and pets? These things might lead you to a higher-performance line. Also, consider the color. Darker colors can get very hot under the summer sun. This is something to think about here in Minnesota when those 90-degree days happen.
During the Build: Doing It Yourself or Hiring a Professional
So, you have your plan. You have your permit. You also have your materials. Now it is time for the building part.
What You Can Do Yourself
- Demolition: If you are replacing an old deck, taking down the existing one is usually a simple job for a homeowner. Just be safe and have a plan for getting rid of the old material.
- Deck Board Installation (with some things to know): Laying the Trex boards themselves can be done by a homeowner. This is especially true if you are patient as well as careful. You will need the correct fasteners. Trex recommends specific composite deck screws as well as hidden fastening clips. Do not use regular wood screws. They can cause ---