Choosing Your Trex Collection for Duluth Backyards
Trex offers several collections, each with distinct aesthetics and performance characteristics. For a backyard gathering space, consider how the deck's appearance will integrate with your home's exterior and the surrounding landscape.
The Trex Transcend® Tropical collection, for example, features multi-tonal colors like Havana Gold and Island Mist, designed to evoke a rich, natural wood appearance. These boards are crafted with a three-sided protective shell. For a more understated look, the Trex Select® Earth Tones collection, with colors such as Pebble Grey or Woodland Brown, provides a classic aesthetic with the same high-performance shell technology. The Trex Enhance® lines, including Basics and Naturals, offer options like Clam Shell or Rocky Harbor, providing lighter weight and a range of traditional to authentic wood-grain appearances. All Trex lines are composed of 95% recycled material.
When choosing, consider the overall design vision for your Duluth gathering space. Do you envision a vibrant, warm setting or a more muted, contemporary feel? Physical samples are recommended to confirm color and texture before making a final decision.
Coordinating Dimensions and Board Profiles
Trex decking is typically available in 1-inch by 5.5-inch board profiles, offered in both grooved and square-edge options. Grooved boards are designed for use with hidden fastening systems, which create a clean, fastener-free deck surface. Square-edge boards are used for face-fastening, or for perimeter boards, stair treads, and fascia where a finished edge is desired.
Standard lengths for Trex boards are 12, 16, and 20 feet. Planning your deck layout to optimize these lengths can minimize waste and reduce the number of visible seams. For a gathering space, longer boards can create a more expansive, seamless look, particularly in open areas where people will congregate. If your deck design includes curves or intricate patterns, careful planning of board dimensions will be essential.
Fascia and Edge Finishes
Fascia boards are essential for providing a finished look to the perimeter of your deck. Trex offers matching fascia for each decking line and color, ensuring a cohesive appearance. These boards conceal the deck's substructure and the cut ends of the deck boards, contributing to a polished aesthetic for your gathering space.
Consider the height of your deck when planning fascia. A single fascia board may suffice for lower decks, while taller structures might require multiple boards or a deeper fascia profile to fully cover the framing. The choice of fascia should be made in conjunction with your main decking boards to ensure color and texture consistency.
Fastening Systems for Trex Decking
Trex decking can be installed using either hidden fastening clips or face screws. Hidden clips are a popular choice for gathering spaces as they result in a smooth, unblemished deck surface, enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal. These clips fit into the grooved edges of the deck boards and attach to the substructure, creating consistent spacing between boards.
Face-fastening involves screwing directly through the top surface of the deck board into the joists. This method is typically used for square-edge boards, perimeter boards, or where a hidden fastening system is not practical. When face-fastening, select screws that are specifically designed for composite decking to prevent mushrooming and ensure a secure hold. Regardless of the method, proper fastening is crucial for the stability and longevity of your deck, particularly in areas with varying seasonal temperatures.
Always follow the manufacturer's specific installation guidelines for your chosen fastening system to maintain warranty validity and ensure proper performance.
Maintenance for Your Trex Decking
One of the key advantages of Trex composite decking for a backyard gathering space is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood decks that often need regular staining, sealing, or oiling, Trex decking is designed to be maintained with just a soap-and-water wash. This simplifies upkeep, allowing more time for enjoying your outdoor area.
The protective shell on Trex boards is engineered to resist fading and staining, helping the deck maintain its color and finish over time. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt, pollen, and other debris that can accumulate, especially in an outdoor gathering space. Ensure any cleaning products used are compatible with composite decking to avoid damage.
Worked Example: A 12x16-foot Gathering Deck
Let's consider a hypothetical 12-foot by 16-foot rectangular deck for a gathering space. For this example, we'll choose Trex Transcend® Tropical in "Island Mist" with grooved boards for the main deck surface and matching square-edge boards for the perimeter fascia. The deck will be oriented so the 16-foot boards run parallel to the longer dimension of the deck, minimizing cuts.
The deck area is 12 feet x 16 feet = 192 square feet. Trex boards are 5.5 inches wide (0.458 feet).
Number of main deck boards needed across the 12-foot width: 12 feet / 0.458 feet/board = approximately 26.2 boards. Since boards are purchased as full units, you will need 27 boards. Each board will be 16 feet long.
For the perimeter fascia, assume a single layer around the 12x16-foot deck. This requires two 16-foot pieces and two 12-foot pieces. You would purchase two 16-foot square-edge boards and one 12-foot square-edge board (from a 12-foot length) to cover this, with some offcut. If you prefer to minimize seams, you could purchase a 20-foot board and cut it for the 16-foot length, and another 12-foot board for the shorter side. Confirming the exact dimensions and cuts with your installer is always recommended.
This example assumes a simple rectangular layout. More complex designs, such as diagonal patterns or integrated seating, will require a more detailed material takeoff.
Before you order
- Select your Trex collection and color based on desired aesthetic and performance.
- Determine required board lengths (12, 16, or 20 ft) to minimize waste and seams.
- Choose between grooved boards (for hidden fasteners) and square-edge boards (for face-fastening, perimeter, stairs).
- Plan for matching fascia boards to finish the deck perimeter.
- Specify your preferred fastening system: hidden clips for a smooth surface or face screws.
- Consider the overall layout and any special features (e.g., stairs, railings) in your material list.
- Account for any necessary substructure modifications or new construction to support the Trex decking.
- Review local building codes and obtain any necessary permits for your deck project.
Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.
This is a planning guide for projects in Duluth, MN. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.
Questions to help you decide
What is Trex decking made from?
Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled materials, primarily reclaimed wood fiber and plastic film. This composition gives it the durability and low-maintenance characteristics for which it is known.
How do I clean my Trex deck?
Trex decking can typically be cleaned with a simple soap-and-water wash. For specific stains or heavier cleaning, refer to the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines to ensure you use compatible products and methods that will not damage the deck surface or void the warranty.
Can I use Trex decking for a ground-level deck?
Yes, Trex decking can be used for ground-level decks, provided that the substructure is properly ventilated and designed to prevent moisture accumulation. Adequate spacing and airflow beneath the deck are important for performance and longevity, especially in varied climates.
Ready to Plan Your Trex Decking Project?
Request a material quote with your project dimensions, desired Trex profile, and ZIP code. We can help you confirm current availability and service options for your Duluth, MN backyard gathering space.
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