Using Trex Decking in a Compact Urban Backyard

Understanding Trex Decking for Urban Spaces

Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled materials, combining reclaimed wood fiber and plastic film. This composition offers a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, which can be particularly advantageous in urban environments where time for upkeep might be limited. The protective shell on Trex boards means no oiling, staining, or sealing is required, just a soap-and-water wash to maintain its appearance.

Trex offers several lines, including Enhance® Basics, Enhance® Naturals, Select® Earth Tones, Transcend® Earth Tones, and Transcend® Tropical. Each line shares the same recycled core and low-maintenance shell, primarily differing in finish depth, color range, and aesthetic. For a compact urban backyard, considering the visual impact of color and texture is key, as these elements can significantly influence how spacious the area feels. Lighter colors, for instance, can make a small space appear larger and brighter.

Maximizing Space with Layout and Board Choices

In a small urban backyard, the decking layout can dramatically affect the perceived size and usability of the space. Running boards parallel to the longest dimension of the yard can help elongate the space visually. Alternatively, a diagonal layout can add visual interest and often make a space feel wider, but it may result in more material waste due to angled cuts.

Trex boards are typically available in a 1" x 5.5" profile and come in lengths of 12, 16, and 20 feet. For smaller areas, planning board lengths to minimize seams can contribute to a cleaner, less cluttered look. Using grooved boards with hidden fasteners can also create a smooth, uninterrupted surface, which is beneficial in compact areas where every detail is visible. The absence of visible screws enhances the barefoot-safe quality of Trex, a practical consideration for a frequently used urban deck.

Integrating Furniture and Circulation Paths

A primary challenge in urban backyards is balancing dedicated space for furniture with clear circulation paths. When designing with Trex decking, consider the exact dimensions of your intended outdoor furniture. A common mistake is to build a deck that is too small to comfortably accommodate seating and movement. Aim for at least 3 feet of clear space around furniture to allow for easy passage.

For example, if you plan to have a small bistro set, ensure the deck extends sufficiently beyond the table and chairs. If a built-in bench is part of the design, factor in its dimensions and how it integrates with the deck's edge. Using a picture-frame border with Trex fascia boards can define the edge of the deck, providing a clean finish and visually containing the space. This also helps delineate the deck from other landscaping elements like planters or small garden beds.

Worked Example: A 10x12 Foot Urban Deck

Consider an urban backyard measuring 10 feet wide by 12 feet deep. The goal is to create a functional deck for a small dining area. We'll use Trex Enhance® Naturals in 'Rocky Harbor' for its multi-tonal, natural wood-grain appearance and mid-grey tone, which can help reflect light and make the space feel open.

Decking Layout: To make the 10-foot width feel less restrictive, we opt for boards running parallel to the 12-foot length. This creates longer visual lines. We will use 12-foot length boards to avoid seams across the main deck surface. The 10-foot width will require two full 5.5-inch boards plus an additional board cut to size.

Material Calculation (Hypothetical):

Deck Area: 10 ft x 12 ft = 120 sq ft.

Board width: 5.5 inches (0.458 feet).

Boards needed for 10 ft width: 10 ft / 0.458 ft/board 21.8 boards. Since we can't buy partial widths, we'll need 22 board widths. We'll use 21 full boards and one cut board.

Number of 12-foot boards: 22 boards (width) x 1 (length) = 22 boards.

A picture-frame border will be added around the perimeter. For a 10x12 deck, this requires two 12-foot fascia boards and two 10-foot fascia boards. Trex fascia boards are available to match the decking line.

Circulation and Furniture: A small dining table (e.g., 30-inch diameter) with two chairs (e.g., 18 inches wide each) would occupy approximately a 5-foot by 5-foot area when in use. By placing this towards one end of the 10x12 deck, we maintain a 5-foot by 10-foot clear area for circulation or additional, smaller furniture like a narrow console table or planters. This leaves ample space for movement around the dining set and provides flexibility for future arrangements.

Total Trex Enhance® Naturals 'Rocky Harbor' 12-foot boards: 22 boards. Matching fascia boards: two 12-foot and two 10-foot sections. Hidden fasteners will be used for a seamless finish. This plan ensures efficient material use while creating a visually appealing and functional outdoor room.

Considering Light, Color, and Texture

In a confined urban backyard, light and color play a significant role in perception. Lighter Trex colors, such as 'Clam Shell' from the Enhance® Basics line or 'Toasted Sand' from Enhance® Naturals, can reflect more light, making the space feel brighter and more open. Darker colors, like 'Lava Rock' from Transcend® Tropical, can create a more intimate, sophisticated feel but might make a very small space feel even smaller.

The texture of the board also contributes to the overall aesthetic. Trex offers various finishes, some with more pronounced wood grain patterns. In a compact area, a subtle texture might be preferred to avoid overwhelming the space. Consider how the chosen color and texture will interact with any existing brickwork, fencing, or greenery in your urban environment.

Connecting to the House and Landscaping

The transition from the house to the deck, and from the deck to any other landscaping elements, should be seamless in an urban backyard. A deck that sits flush with the interior floor level can extend the living space visually. Ensure proper drainage is planned for any deck that is flush with a building. Integrating built-in planters or low walls made from compatible materials can help define the edges of the deck without adding visual clutter.

If connecting to existing paving or a small garden bed, consider using Trex fascia boards as a clean transition piece. This coordination in materials and finishes creates a cohesive look and prevents the small space from feeling disjointed. Remember to account for proper ventilation beneath the deck, as specified by Trex installation guidelines, which is crucial for the longevity of the deck and frame.

Before you order

• Measure your urban backyard's exact dimensions, noting any irregularities.
• Sketch out potential deck layouts: parallel, diagonal, or a combination.
• Determine the primary function of the deck (dining, lounging, small garden).
• List all furniture and planters you intend to place on the deck, noting their dimensions.
• Calculate minimum circulation space needed around furniture (aim for 3 ft).
• Choose a Trex decking line and color that complements your home and enhances space perception.
• Decide on board profile (grooved for hidden fasteners or square edge for face fastening).
• Plan for fascia boards to create a finished edge.
• Consider how the deck will transition to existing structures and landscaping.
• Factor in ventilation requirements for the deck substructure.
• Request a material quote with your project dimensions and preferred Trex profile.
• Confirm current availability of your chosen Trex products and service options.

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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