Choosing The Right Decking Board Thickness » Robi Decking

What To Do With A Graying Wood Deck

Finally, make sure that you use the correct fasteners for your deck remodel. Wood decks are often largely nailed together, but if you plan to use composite, make sure that you use screws designed for the composite material that you’ve chosen. There are three major things to think about when replacing parts of a wood deck with composite. The first thing to consider is the overall appearance of the deck. When you’re mixing materials, you’ll end up mixing finishes, too. The finished product will be a two-tone deck, but if you plan well, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Choose a color that is complementary to both your home and the existing wood so that the finished deck has a cohesive look.

Hide Composite Ends

An over-the-joist deck drainage system such asTrex RainEscapeprovides 100% protection from the damage caused by wood repeatedly getting wet. This type of deck drainage system covers and protects the entire wooden substructure.

Build Decks Using Composite And Other Low

Detailed Guide To Installing Composite Decks

So, I bent some aluminum flashing on a sheet-metal break and installed a channel beneath the siding along the top of the ledger board, to minimize further water damage. You won’t see photos of this step because I bent the flashing off site, and I was frustrated with the extra work so I didn’t fool with the camera.

Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite Decking: Tips & Benefits

One major reason your deck could fail sooner than expected is due to poor framing. Having a solid frame is key to an even decking surface that doesn't bow over time. How joists are attached to ledger, joists to beams, beams to posts, posts to ground, etc. If the substructure is in good shape, you can go ahead and just change the decking. If it's attached to the house, make sure that connection is strong, and that the ledger board is flashed. As weedyacres said, look for joist hangers, and add them if there aren't any. Treated lumber has a 50 yr warranty , if they look in good shape use them, one thing I would check is for crowns or dips in each joist.

An under-deck ceiling system provides an all-in-one drainage and finished ceiling. These ceiling systems often use corrugated plastic or aluminum panels to catch the water that drains through decking material and channels it away from the area below. Whenever it rains or snows, water will drip — or pour — through the space between your deck boards.

It may help to use a hammer and a scrap of decking to tap the boards together when closing the joints. The first new composite board was installed flush with the outside edge of the deck. This meant I was stuck pulling nails with pliers—one at a time, up close and personal. When comparing the cost of installing Ipe versus TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection boards on a 16’ x 20’ deck, Ipe is actually slightly more expensive. Over 10 years, the associated maintenance costs for Vintage Collection boards versus Ipe will be 24% less. It’s common sense that the less space there is between joists, the sturdier your deck will be. However, if you space your joists too close together, it will be difficult to install supporting elements such as joist hangers, blocking, and flashing.

How To Lay Decking Joists