Building a deck Next year?
Here are some of the questions we hear the most at our Salt Lake City stores
What kind of deck material is best here in the west?
Redwood and Trex
What is the price difference between Redwood and Trex?
Trex is approximately 1-1/2 - 2 times more, less when you consider stain.
Why should I buy Trex?
It is a lifetime, absolute maintenance-free product
What is Trex made of?
From 100% reclaimed or recycled products. Approximately 60% reclaimed wood fiber, and 40% used plastic, mostly stretch film.
Can I buy Trex posts?
No, Trex is not a structural product. The structure needs to be made of wood.
What colors does Trex come in?
Madeira (Redwood), Woodland (Dark Brown), Natural (Tan), Winchester Grey (Grey) and Saddle, a new natural color that won't fade.
Will Trex ever rot?
Never.
How long is the Trex warranty?
Ten years against failure. Includes re-installation.
How does Trex compare with other composite decking brands I've seen?
Trex is the original composite decking, on the market for over ten years. Several other brands are available.
Do you install Trex?
Most stores can arrange installers familiar with Trex installation.
Does the color of Trex change once it's installed?
Most colors take about four months to "season". After that initial fade, the color stays permanent.
Are there colors that do not fade?
Yes. The newer darker Trex colors include a pigment that resists fading. These colors are Madeira, Woodland Brown, and Saddle.
How do you clean Trex?
Best with a pressure washer. Tough stains are easily removed with Dow Scrubbin' bubbles or Simple Green.
Can Trex be painted?
Yes, but it defeats the purpose of a maintenance-free deck, once it's painted, it must be continually painted in the future to keep a pleasant appearance.
Is Trex safe to walk on when it gets wet?
Yes. Trex has a very slip-resistant surface. Each board also has a slight crown that can help displace standing water down through the cracks. How far apart should my posts be?
This can vary, but generally not more than 10 feet. What size are the joists and beams?
Depends on the span. Usually 8-10" joists, and 2x6 joists. Can they be smaller?
It's not recommended.
How high does the railing need to be?
Between 36 and 42 inches.
Do you need a gap between the deck boards?
Yes, usually ¼" is adequate. Both directions on Trex.
What is the proper spacing between the balusters?
As a rule of thumb, a four-inch diameter ball cannot pass between two balusters.
How high can I build a deck without a rail?
Usually not more than 16 inches
How do you attach to the house?
With a Rim joist board. Usually a 2x10 securely anchored into the wall.
Which way do you run the boards?
Run the decking parallel with the house.
Does it matter which direction you lay the decking boards down?
Bark side up, you can determine by looking at growth rings.
Does Trex need a closer span across joists?
Yes. No more than 16 inches. Wood can be 24"
Can I run decking diagonally? Does it cost more?
It is very pleasing to look at, however it can cost up to 30% more for waste.
Do I need to cement the posts in?
Yes. You can also use saddle brackets to attach the posts to cement.
How deep should my post holes be?
Usually 24" deep. Should I use screws or nails?
It's a matter of preference. Either will rust-stain wood. Screws tend to secure tighter and prevent future squeaks. Stainless steel screws will not streak or rust. There are also small-head fasteners available for Trex that look better.
Do I need joist hangers?
We recommend them versus just nailing the lumber together.
Can I use deck screws to fasten the joist hangers?
No, you should always use a special galvanized joist hanger nail because it is stronger, and won't shear under pressure.
Many screws are made of a soft metal. Can I fasten the decking without nails showing?
Yes, by using special deck clips on ground-level decks, or special long brackets on taller decks.
What is the proper step rise?
Usually 8" high and 10" across.
Can my deck support a hot tub?
Not without special planning and consideration.
How can I reinforce my deck to support a new hot tub?
Have a professional engineer be the judge.
How often should I seal my wood deck?
Most products like CWF-UV, Penofin, Super Deck or Olympic stain all require annual maintenance.
What product is best for sealing it?
Everyone has an opinion, but Penofin seems to be the best I've seen.
My deck has weathered gray, can it be restored?
Yes, there are special chemicals, or you can simply pressure-wash it and re-seal the surface.
Do you design custom decks?
Yes, many of our stores use a state-of-the-art 20/20 computer design system.
Do you have instructions how to build a deck?
You can get instructions with your custom computer estimate, or a simple fact sheet.
Can I use pressure-treated decking?
Yes, but it still needs to be sealed.
Is CCA lumber more prone to warping?
During the CCA treating process, the lumber is literally injected with water. As the product dries, it can crack and warp.
Is CCA safe for children and pets?
Airborne CCA sawdust is considered a hazard. The installed product is usually safe. There are many public documents available on this subject. You can find more info online at http://www.wolmanizedwood.com