Choosing Your Trex Collection for Style and Performance
Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled materials, offering a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood. The brand provides several collections, each with distinct aesthetics and performance features suitable for various outdoor living styles. For a backyard gathering space, consider how the collection's appearance will complement your home and the desired ambiance.
The Trex Transcend® Tropical collection, for instance, offers multi-tonal colors like Havana Gold and Island Mist, providing a rich, luxurious finish. These boards are known for their vibrant color and durability due to their three-side shell protection. For a more understated, natural wood-grain appearance, Trex Enhance® Naturals, with colors like Foggy Wharf and Toasted Sand, might be suitable. If you're looking for a balance of performance and nature-inspired hues, Trex Select® Earth Tones includes options such as Pebble Grey and Woodland Brown. Each collection shares a core of recycled materials and a protective shell, ensuring consistency in low maintenance.
Your choice will influence the overall look and feel of your gathering space. Consider the existing elements of your backyard, such as landscaping, hardscaping, and exterior paint colors, to ensure a harmonious design.
Planning Deck Dimensions and Board Layout
Accurate measurements are crucial for any decking project. For a backyard gathering space, consider the primary activities it will host. Will it accommodate a dining table and chairs, a lounge area, or a combination? Sketching out your desired layout will help determine the necessary dimensions.
Trex boards are typically available in 1" x 5.5" profiles and lengths of 12, 16, or 20 feet. Planning your layout with these standard lengths in mind can minimize cuts and material waste. For example, if you're building a 16-foot by 10-foot deck, using 16-foot boards for the length will reduce the need for butt joints. Consider a picture-frame border to create a finished edge and define the space, which will require additional boards for the perimeter.
For a hypothetical 16-foot by 10-foot rectangular deck, a simple layout using 16-foot boards running the length would require approximately 22 boards (10 feet / 5.5 inches per board ≈ 21.8 boards, rounded up). This calculation is for the main decking surface only; additional boards will be needed for fascia, stairs, or picture-framing. Always factor in a small percentage for cuts and potential errors.
Coordinating Fascia and Edge Finishes
Fascia boards provide a clean, finished appearance to the perimeter of your deck, concealing the substructure and the cut ends of the decking boards. Trex offers matching fascia for its decking collections, ensuring a consistent aesthetic. These are typically available in sizes designed to cover the rim joists.
When planning for fascia, measure the total linear feet of the deck's exposed edges. For our 16-foot by 10-foot example deck, if all four sides are exposed, you would need fascia for two 16-foot sides and two 10-foot sides, totaling 52 linear feet. It's often recommended to purchase a few extra linear feet to account for cuts and potential waste, especially if you have corners or intricate designs.
The choice of fascia color should either match your decking boards for a seamless look or provide a subtle contrast, depending on your design preference. Ensure that the fascia profile is compatible with your chosen Trex collection.
Selecting Compatible Fastening Systems
Trex decking can be installed using either hidden clips or face screws. Hidden fastening systems create a smooth, fastener-free surface, which is often preferred for gathering spaces where bare feet are common. These clips fit into the grooved edges of the decking boards, securing them to the joists from underneath.
For square-edge boards, or where hidden fasteners are not suitable, face screws are used. These screws are driven directly through the face of the board into the joist. If opting for face fastening, consider color-matched screws to blend with the decking surface as much as possible. Proper fastening is critical for deck stability and longevity. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for the chosen fastening method and board type to ensure a secure installation and maintain warranty validity.
Maintenance Considerations for Longevity
One of the primary advantages of Trex composite decking is its low maintenance. Unlike wood, it does not require sanding, staining, or sealing. A simple soap-and-water wash is generally sufficient to keep the deck clean and maintain its appearance. This minimal upkeep allows more time to enjoy your backyard gathering space.
Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt, pollen, and other debris that can accumulate, especially in an outdoor environment like Oklahoma City. Promptly addressing spills or stains can also help preserve the deck's look. Always refer to the specific maintenance guidelines for your chosen Trex collection to ensure proper care and warranty adherence.
Before you order
- Determine the primary function and desired size of your gathering space.
- Select a Trex decking collection and color that complements your home and aesthetic.
- Measure your project area accurately and sketch a board layout to estimate material needs.
- Calculate the required quantity of decking boards, including extra for cuts and waste.
- Plan for matching or complementary fascia boards to finish the deck perimeter.
- Choose between hidden fasteners for a smooth surface or face screws for square-edge boards.
- Account for any accessories like railings, stairs, or lighting in your overall design.
- Review maintenance guidelines for your chosen Trex collection.
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 Oklahoma City, OK. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.
Questions to help you decide
What are the main differences between Trex decking collections?
Trex collections, such as Enhance, Select, and Transcend, share a core of 95% recycled materials and a protective shell. The main differences lie in their finish depth, color range, and aesthetic features. Enhance offers traditional colors, Select features nature-inspired earth tones, and Transcend provides elevated aesthetics with multi-tonal tropical or rich earth tones. Each is designed for low maintenance and durability.
Can I use Trex decking for a ground-level patio in Oklahoma City?
Trex decking can be used for ground-level applications, but proper ventilation and drainage are critical to prevent moisture buildup. Ensure adequate spacing between boards and a well-drained substructure. Consult installation guides for specific requirements for ground-level or low-clearance decks to ensure longevity and warranty compliance.
How do I calculate the number of Trex boards needed for my project?
To calculate the number of boards, first determine the total square footage of your deck. Then, divide this by the square footage covered by a single board (e.g., a 1"x5.5"x16' board covers approximately 7.33 square feet). Always add an additional 5-10% for cuts, waste, and potential future repairs. For fascia, measure the total linear feet of exposed edges and add a similar waste factor.
Ready to Plan Your Trex Decking Project?
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