Trex Decking for Backyard Gathering Spaces in Lansing, MI

Choosing Your Trex Decking Collection

Trex offers several collections, each with distinct aesthetics and features. For a gathering space, consider how the deck's appearance will complement your home and landscaping.

The Enhance® Basics and Enhance® Naturals lines offer traditional and multi-tonal colors, respectively. These are entry-level options that provide the core benefits of Trex composite decking.

The Select® Earth Tones collection features a high-performance shell and nature-inspired colors, suitable for a mid-range budget. For a more elevated aesthetic and enhanced performance, the Transcend® Earth Tones and Transcend® Tropical lines are flagship options with vibrant colors and a luxurious finish. Each line shares the same recycled core and low-maintenance shell, with differences in finish depth and color range.

Digital swatches are a starting point. It is advisable to confirm physical sample availability before making a final decision, as colors can appear differently in person and under various lighting conditions.

Coordinating Dimensions and Board Profiles

Trex decking boards are typically available in 1" x 5.5" profiles, in both grooved and square-edge options. Grooved boards are designed for use with hidden fastening systems, creating a smooth, uninterrupted surface. Square-edge boards are used for perimeter boards, stair treads, and for face-fastening applications.

Common board lengths include 12, 16, and 20 feet. Planning your deck layout to optimize these lengths can help minimize waste and reduce the number of visible seams. For a gathering space, longer boards can create a more expansive feel.

Fascia boards are crucial for finishing the perimeter of your deck, providing a clean, polished look. Trex offers matching fascia for each decking line, ensuring a cohesive appearance. Coordinate the fascia order with your decking boards to ensure color and material consistency.

Selecting Fastening Systems

Trex decking supports both hidden clip fastening and face screw fastening. Hidden clips are often preferred for gathering spaces as they create a smooth, barefoot-safe surface without visible screws. These clips fit into the grooved edges of the boards.

Face-fastening, using screws, is typically used for square-edge boards, stair treads, or when a more traditional look is desired. When face-fastening, consider using color-matched screws to blend with the decking surface. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines for proper fastener type and spacing to ensure the warranty remains valid.

Planning for Maintenance and Longevity

One of the key advantages of Trex decking for a backyard gathering space is its low maintenance. The protective shell on three sides of the board helps lock in pigment, meaning the color you install is designed to last. It does not require oiling, staining, or sealing.

Routine maintenance primarily involves a soap-and-water wash to keep the deck clean and maintain its appearance. This simple cleaning regimen is typically sufficient to keep the warranty valid. This low-maintenance aspect allows you to spend more time enjoying your gathering space and less time on upkeep.

Trex decking is made from 95% recycled wood fiber and plastic film, contributing to its durability and environmental profile. It is designed to be splinter-free and resist issues like popped fasteners when installed correctly with hidden clips, enhancing safety for those gathering on your deck.

Worked Example: Designing a 16' x 12' Gathering Deck

Let's plan a hypothetical 16-foot by 12-foot rectangular deck for a backyard gathering space. We'll use Trex Transcend® Tropical decking in 'Island Mist' with a picture-frame border.

For the main deck area (16' x 12'), assuming boards run parallel to the 12-foot side, you would need 12-foot long boards. The 16-foot width would require approximately 35 boards (16 feet / 5.5 inches board width = 34.9 boards). To account for cuts and waste, purchasing 36-37 twelve-foot grooved boards would be a practical starting point. This configuration minimizes seams across the main deck surface.

For a picture-frame border, we'll use square-edge boards. For a 1-board border around a 16'x12' deck, you'd need two 16-foot boards and two 12-foot boards. If you choose a wider border, adjust quantities accordingly. The fascia along the exposed rim joists would also require matching square-edge boards.

Hidden fasteners would be used for the main deck boards. Face screws, color-matched to 'Island Mist', would secure the square-edge border and fascia boards. This setup creates a clean, uniform look for your gathering space.

Before you order

• Select a Trex decking collection and color that complements your home's aesthetic.
• Determine desired deck dimensions and board orientation to optimize board lengths and minimize waste.
• Choose between grooved (for hidden fasteners) and square-edge boards based on desired appearance and application.
• Plan for fascia boards to finish the deck perimeter, ensuring color and material match.
• Decide on hidden fasteners for a smooth surface or face screws for specific applications like borders and stairs.
• Account for proper ventilation underneath the deck structure as per manufacturer guidelines.
• Consider complementary products like Trex railing for a complete outdoor gathering space.

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 Lansing, MI. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.

Questions to help you decide

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