Trex Decking: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Assess Your Jobsite Access for Delivery

Before your Trex decking order ships, evaluate the access points to your project site. Consider the size of the delivery vehicle, which could range from a flatbed truck to a smaller box truck, depending on the order size and local delivery constraints. Confirm if there are any overhead obstructions like low-hanging wires or tree branches, narrow gates, or sharp turns that could impede vehicle movement.

Think about the path the delivery truck will take from the street to the designated drop-off area. Is the ground firm enough to support the weight of a heavy truck, especially after rain? Are there any slopes or uneven terrain that could pose a challenge? Clear the path of any debris, parked cars, or other obstacles that could prevent safe and efficient unloading. If the site is a new construction, ensure temporary roads or access points are stable.

Communicate any specific access challenges or restrictions to your material supplier in advance. Providing photos or a simple site diagram can be helpful. This proactive approach allows the delivery team to plan accordingly, potentially using a smaller vehicle or making special arrangements if necessary. Confirming your ZIP code helps the supplier determine the most suitable delivery options and any potential service area limitations.

Designate a Safe and Secure Storage Area

Once delivered, Trex decking boards need to be stored properly to protect them from environmental damage and theft. Choose a storage location that is flat, dry, and away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. While Trex decking is designed for outdoor performance, prolonged exposure to standing water or extreme heat during storage can potentially affect the material before installation.

Stacked boards should be supported evenly along their entire length to prevent bowing or warping. Use appropriate blocking, such as 2x4s, placed perpendicular to the decking boards at regular intervals, typically every 2-3 feet. This ensures air circulation and prevents pressure points. Keep the original packaging or banding on the bundles until you are ready to use the boards to maintain their condition.

Consider the security of your storage area. If the jobsite is unattended, choose a location that is less visible or can be locked. Protecting your investment from theft or vandalism is an important part of project planning. For longer-term storage, covering the stacked materials with a breathable tarp can offer additional protection from dust and debris while still allowing air circulation.

Handling Trex Decking Boards on Site

Trex decking boards, like all building materials, should be handled with care to avoid damage. When moving boards, especially longer lengths (12, 16, or 20 ft), it is advisable to have at least two people. Carrying boards flat on their edge is generally recommended to prevent flexing and potential damage. Avoid dragging boards across rough surfaces, which can scratch the protective cap.

If using machinery like forklifts or dollies, ensure that the forks are wide enough to support the entire width of the bundle and that the load is balanced. Avoid dropping bundles or individual boards, as impact can damage edges or surfaces. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, when handling materials.

For cutting and staging, set up a dedicated workspace that is clean and stable. This helps maintain efficiency and reduces the risk of accidental damage to the finished surfaces of the Trex boards. Keep offcuts organized; while not structural, small pieces can be useful for blocking or other non-structural applications.

Planning for Multiple Material Deliveries

Many decking projects involve more than just decking boards. You might also receive deliveries of framing lumber, fasteners, railing components, or other accessories. Coordinate these deliveries to avoid congestion on your jobsite. If possible, schedule different material types for different days or ensure distinct staging areas for each.

For example, if you are building a new deck, the framing lumber will likely arrive first. Once the frame is complete, the Trex decking boards and fasteners can be delivered. This phased approach helps manage space and ensures that the materials needed for each stage are readily accessible without being obstructed by other items.

Consider the flow of work on your site. Materials should be stored as close as safely possible to where they will be used, without impeding construction activity or creating tripping hazards. A well-organized jobsite improves efficiency and safety for everyone involved.

Worked Example: Staging for a 16x10 Foot Deck

Let's consider a hypothetical 16-foot by 10-foot deck project using Trex Transcend Tropical decking in Island Mist, with 16-foot grooved boards. A project of this size might require approximately 40-45 individual 16-foot boards, plus fascia and any railing components.

For delivery, the customer's property has a gravel driveway leading to a backyard accessible by a 10-foot wide gate. The delivery truck (likely a flatbed with a Moffett forklift) would need to back into the driveway. The designated drop-off area is a cleared 12-foot by 20-foot section of the backyard, firm and relatively level, about 30 feet from the future deck location.

Upon delivery, the Trex boards would be offloaded and stacked on 4x4 lumber sleepers, spaced every 2 feet, directly on the gravel. This keeps the boards off the ground and allows for air circulation. The stack would be secured with a breathable tarp. Fascia boards and hidden fasteners would be stored in a dry, covered area, such as a garage or shed, to protect them from moisture and theft. This plan minimizes handling, protects materials, and maintains clear access for other construction activities.

Before you order

• Confirm vehicle access dimensions (height, width, turning radius) with your supplier.
• Inspect the delivery path for obstructions, soft ground, or steep inclines.
• Designate a flat, dry, and secure storage area for decking materials.
• Ensure adequate blocking (2x4s or similar) is available for stacking boards.
• Plan for a breathable cover if materials will be stored outdoors for an extended period.
• Coordinate delivery schedules if multiple material types are involved.
• Identify a clear, stable workspace for cutting and staging boards during installation.
• Communicate any specific site challenges to your supplier before delivery.

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.

Questions to help you decide

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