How To Install Trex Composite Decking

[@markadams9401]

Finally, someone who literally shows you "HOW TO" do this job. Thank you very much sir!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you! I’m glad you found value in my content. Thank care!

[@kingtut5923]

He is doing it all wrong , check your lumber store for the right way

[@markmalone3786]

@@kingtut5923 yeah, I would use the deck screws that come with the same color plugs so you hide the surface mounted screws

[@researchcapt]

@@kingtut5923 Oh sure, trust what the guy at Home Depot says.

[@erickpeterson537]

Show the last piece that's the hardest to put in and all the warped pieces you get, they all dont just butt up perfectly like you show them

[@JungleJimAB9AB]

The way you presented and illustrated the method you use to install this composite board decking is an excellent example of useful, solid information. I liked the intelligent manner you spoke to us as your viewers. This is exactly what a DIY video should be. You nailed it.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you very much! I do try to make my videos, simple and easy to understand. I appreciate the kind words. Stay tuned for more!

[@mrwolfhound]

Best composite deck install video! (2 things I've seen, is use hard a rubber mallet to snug up boards vs metal hammer & put down joist tape to waterproof& protect top edges)

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Tom! Good tips!

[@simoneales2568]

As a Master Carpenter, I need to give you a thumbs up, very good explanation!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I really do appreciate that Simon! I enjoy building decks and houses. Be sure to stay tuned for more content to come!

[@papabash]

Nice work thank you for posting ! Just a few tips from a retired carpenter 42 years in the trade Use a rubber mallet or piece of scrap to tap your boards to avoid damage. Joists should be 12" not 16" O.C.looks like you did that ! solid bridging should be every 8' . Also stagger your seams more randomly not every other board so they are not as noticeable. Overhang your end piece so your skirt trim is under your deck boards (place 1/4" spacers between the rim joist and skirt every 16" to allow for air flow). Work from the top of the deck with a good pair of knee pads so you're not lifting your legs up and over the joists. Give me the good old days of nailing off Redwood and Cedar ! minus the maintenance of course

[@DanielDemir]

The best deck installation video I have ever watched. I learned a lot and I just started my decking project. I will publish mine probably within two weeks. Thanks, bro for the pro tips.

[@djcsr]

This is an absolutely excellent tutorial. Super-helpful and well-presented. The Trex folks should pay you for this.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad it was helpful! I wish they would pay me!!

[@kingtut5923]

nononono

[@ncinteriorsplus3520]

I came here to learn how to use the anchors/clips that are used to hold the decking boards to the joists. Good content!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad I can help. Good luck on your project and thanks for watching!

[@suunraze]

Great video! I recommend investing in a dead blow mallet instead of using your hammer or the back of your impact driver. One more thing to carry to the job site but well worth it.

[@Sparty1966grad]

Just did this on my girlfriends deck a few days ago. Only suggestion I have is not to use an impact driver, but rather a decent drill/driver with a clutch. I started with the impact driver and snapped several screwheads. Fortunately they aren't that hard to remove. But of course trex doesn't give a you even one extra screw just in case. Either way, with my drill/driver and clutch set on 13, I never broke another one. And as others are saying, you will struggle with the longer boards that are slightly warped. Main suggestion is to have somebody else helping you that can hold the warped end in place until you get your next board placed. After those clips are all in, it should hold its place.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad to hear from a fellow DIYer! Yes I have a lot of experience with the impact a know when to release so I don’t damage the screws. A clutch is handy. Thanks for watching!

[@terryjones8360]

Excellent video! Since this deck is covered, the joists are fine without being protected. However it should be noted that the tops of the joists need to have joist tape on them if they are exposed to the elements. I had to replace my entire deck, joists and everything after only 15 years. The joists rotted from the top down, even though they were treated. Joist tape protects the joists from water damage and rot.

[@dgriffin6074]

Thank you Mr. Jones; I had the same question on the previous video on joist installation.

[@terryjones8360]

@@dgriffin6074 You're welcome. As stated, I learned this the hard way.

[@framnerdan]

Funny I am just starting the composite decking on the home I am on. Jumping out of the truck now. Thanks Josh

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That is funny. Are you going to record some footage while doing it?

[@framnerdan]

Yes I was but now I feel like I am copying you!

[@framnerdan]

But yes I am

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Do it man! I’ll watch and learn your technique.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Great!

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

I just resurfaced by myself a 600 sq ft deck using Trex and those hidden fastners and they drove me crazy dealing with mostly 16 ft boards.Not only very expensive, over 300.00 bucks just in fastners but a real pain as they want to fall out of the bowing board. I will go back to a Cortex type or Camo from now on.

[@steveslack-io2cq]

@@tailgatecarpenter26 much less., $75 vs $250

[@camilamahuika640]

You explain everything so well! Thank you for the video, best 14 minutes ever.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@laserbera19]

Thank you! Very informative! Doing a rebuild currently and putting Trex on top with the hidden fasteners...

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks. Good luck with your project!

[@kevinmckenna7959]

THAT was an EXCELLENT step by step INFORMATIVE, DETAILED installation video...TREX should use this for their training!!!! Well Done!!!😆

[@jasonelwood7381]

Love that u made sure to talk about the eighth inch gaps in the but joints I like to router the but joints / break the edge but I must have that eight inch on the buts or quarter on the edge for expansion expecially in my climate with changing seasons

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Yes the gap is critical! I’m amazing on how much it expands and contracts. It is the nature of composite.

[@michaeljay4213]

i like more staggered joints

[@richardparker3924]

My son and I just installed Trex decking on our back porch. We wound up spacing two sixteen foot boards together just enough to slide the fastener in. Then we slid them into position and run the screws down. Makes installing the boards a lot quicker!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@nathanmciver6496]

Awesome name "excellent laborer" If a person is kind and like's fixing things! Then that's amazing! Why not! A position that actualy helps society! You have to love when you have people who know thier work is good they can provide! Life is awesome

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

What an awesome comment Nathan! Appreciate that I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve the community by providing helpful videos. Thank you so much for watching!

[@LifeSurfingDude]

man, you need to design your own t-shirt, with 'this looks good!', 'not super tight' etc. on it :-) love your what you do, outstanding teaching!

[@adventure-cowboy]

Thanks a lot, very clear and simple explanation. We need more of this. Looks great by the way 👌

[@morlamweb]

Rather than a steel hammer, use a rubber mallet, or better yet, some clamps. Two or three clamps can hold a board tight to the fasteners along the whole length. I've also found it handy to have the box o' fasteners on a wheeled dolly, which makes it easy to pull the box (and you tools) with you as you move back and forth across the deck.

[@auggy53]

or a piece of scrap wood

[@angelgonzales8897]

you are right , this man is doing good, however using a steel hammer? even a pro forget things, a rubber mallet is the perfect thing to use...

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Use the handle of the hammer.

[@shannonbussell8986]

Very Helpful as we try to redo our deck with Trex this summer!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad I could be helpful for you! Good luck on your project!

[@nottomboyd]

I have to take some rotten boards up off my deck and we were thinking of just replacing the whole top. I was feeling anxious about it but now I feel confident I can do it

[@EricSmith-mx7ol]

I didn’t say so in my first post, but I’m prepping for a Trex install now.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Eric! You can notice the expansion and contraction where boards meet but not where they butt. That goes for square edge or groove edge Trex. Hope that helps!

[@dannyboy0037]

Very informative well done new subscriber because of your attention to detail and thoroughness.

[@andyeverett1957]

Is that why they put the rubber on the end of the impact drill so you can use it as a hammer, @ 8:46? 8^) When the house is done does the decking get power washed to clean it up, @ 11:14 ? Do you take care in making sure the double joists are almost perfectly level, if not the butt joints won't look good? Thanks.

[@T.E.P.]

another stellar vid .... hope you are having a great week soo far!! thanks again for the great content.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot man. Dealing with Lowe’s has been a nightmare week but all is good!

[@rohmichael2894]

Neatly done ✅ and well explained with the minor details. Good teacher! All the best in your future quality projects.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you so much Roh! I appreciate that. I try to get a video out 1-2 times a week. Stay tuned!

[@jeremymckeithan7675]

seamless is the way to go for sure... just got done with a 56x48 pool deck- I do all my decks seamless, and put fascia board around the band joists after that damn trex... butter baby...

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Good job on doing the pool deck. You saved a ton of money doing it yourself! The facia is expensive but looks really good. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremymckeithan7675]

@@TheExcellentLaborer thanks, used to do all carpentry but my brother in law and I went off on our own, and we are doing decks only. got 4 under the belt, trying to build a portfolio. just done an estimate for a 2200 sq footer 13 ft high on the far end, stairs on both left and right high sides.. tear out too😰🤑 love your videos man, you do great work

[@julieth3699]

Excellent video! So easy to follow and so thorough! Thanks for sharing.

[@ORGANIZEDCoNfUsioN]

Nice video Josh, very well explained. Thanks buddy!!!!!

[@MAGA-qy6fg]

Oh, and great video. Good explanation on how to get going on the installation.

[@panjrobarobaipanj7259]

Great 👍 Video I will be watching all your videos soon. Thinking about building a deck I’m little nervous about post and leveling

[@krumsergiev9059]

Very helpful! For instaling the first board 'face screwed', will use caps to hide the screw head...and do not tap the board with your drill😀 Thank you!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad this helps you! I use my drill like a hammer sometimes 😂. Let me know how your project goes!

[@juanesparza4675]

Spacing and Expansion depends on temperature at the moment. When it’s 100 degrees out butt it tight, when it’s cold, leave and 1/8 gap. Joist tape (weather seal) is sold to make the framing last a lot longer. Joist hangers are have a chemical reaction with treated lumber and we add weather proof tape on the face of the ledger board before we install the hangers. They sell matching plugs for the face screws, they also sell countersink screws that are self drilling. You can also router your picture frame (outer square edge ) and use hidden fasteners. I always install a hidden screw on the center of each board to control expansion and contraction equally on both sides of the hidden screw. You can install breaker boards in between the very long decks and waste less material. No trex wrap around the rim board? I usually overhang 1 inch with out skirt board and 1/2 inch with skirt board on. One more thing, trex doesn’t want any screws closer than 1inch from any edge. Obviously this is not a picture frame deck! Not bad for a rookie.

[@brandonkreski3275]

By FAR the best video on YT thanks buddy! 🙏🏼

[@j.t.thomas9242]

This was the best video of decking installation I’ve seen. One question, how do you fix a board lifting at the seam in the middle of a finished deck? Only one board at the seam is lifting, the other on the opposite side of the seam is still securely in place

[@michaelrockwell7848]

very helpful with easy to understand instructions! good job!

[@philipbundy2245]

That was good. You should do one on installing Trex Fencing.

[@mohcineklaoua1437]

Very well explain.you are very professionnal teacher.I like your explain👍👍👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot! I’m glad I could be helpful to you. Be sure to stop by again!

[@Mogman150]

What stagger layout do you use for the decking? Also, at the butt joints, do you need to have two joists, or can the butts land on one joist?

[@KSmith-wl9yy]

Just curious, how long did it take you, yourself, to install the boards?

[@ageisjustanumber7123]

Very very informative and well explained. Thank you sir for this valuable information.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for this comment! I’m glad you liked it!

[@tomchabolla7361]

Thanks for this video. I've read that you shouldn't use hidden fasteners except if the deck is 30" or less off the ground. Mine is less than 30 and looks like yours is too. Instead it says to use composite deck screws. Can I use hidden fasteners for any situation?

[@neilyoung666]

Where the 2 decks meet in the middle join is it easy to get it level or will there be a slight raise?

[@EricSmith-mx7ol]

I live in northGA, over the course of a year, an 80° to 90° temp difference is normal. Have you ever had any expansion/contraction problems with the square edged boards that you face fastened w screws at every joist?

[@jackpine4347]

This was excellent, thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for letting me know! I hope it helps you with your project!

[@vixsdamone]

First off great video , would it be beneficial to blue skin the floor joists?

[@chriso847]

what if I have cement I am trying to put the Trex on top of? Can I drill out each hole into the cement and use an anchor and the same trex screws?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I have never done that. Check the manufacturers instructions and see if that’s an option. I hope that helps!

[@lelew2308]

Thanks so much Josh! I’m confident I can do this. Excellent job in explaining

[@ajparker5440]

Extremely helpful video and tips. Thank you!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@JChelak]

Thanks for the info and all the tips. Very useful

[@a.l.5682]

Awesome. Thanks for the clear and simple explanations!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@mantarayasurf]

and that's what good quality work looks like...

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Tony!

[@dougb8207]

Thanks for a very helpful tutorial video Josh!

[@truckingpiper5890]

Well done. After watching you it should be easy to do my deck. Thank you.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! I appreciate you stopping by and watching. Take care and good luck on your project!

[@jaydekaytv]

Was it easy? This is all very doable but looks like a pain haha.

[@AlexAbba]

Nice work. When cutting this stuff do you need to reverse that 60T blade? For siding I had to do that and unsure if composite is hard enough?

[@TainoRaider16]

would you be able to add how to install the ledger board flashing on the next video or when you finish this deck?

[@michaelohara5703]

Do you use 1/4” or 5/16” gap between deck boards? 2nd - your thoughts on using a breaker board to minimize butt joints?

[@chrismcinnis6605]

How can the boards expand and contract if they are screwed right through to the joists at the ends?

[@shanemattox6548]

Is there a reason why you didn't use the hidden fasteners on the ends? I am about to start mine and want to know if this is an option? (Excluding the outside perimeter of course)

[@synthesizerisking2886]

Can you build from an existing deck foundation? How much does a deck that size cost using Trex?

[@MAGA-qy6fg]

Thanks again for the information!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! Good luck with your project!

[@bmj571]

Super informative video, thx! Btw, you should be sponsored.

[@michaelwoodward2824]

Awesome video. Thanks so much!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad you liked it!

[@AllisonDoughty]

What size, brand, material, etc of composite deck screws did you use on the fascia boards? We're on the coast so I need something corrosion-proof. Thanks.

[@jpgabriel5410]

Great video thank you! Besides the esthetics of screw visibility, can I do this job with screws in the joist directly without the clips? Is there issues with composite decking just screwed in on every joint and into every cross intersection of the joist?

[@manleeman5212]

Just a suggestion- use a rubber mallet to set the boards. I'm doing my first one tomorrow appreciate all the info.

[@ryanherrick3974]

Right and also not the impact hahah

[@PNW420]

i used a rubber tapping block that come with laminate intall kits, same concept, slightly different tool.

[@yourname5157]

Use a knee pad also to push the board it honestly helps. And also boards come in 20’ if you just need 19’ 11” use the fasteners on every 3rd or 5th joist to hold it in place using a rubber mallet, then come back and secure them tight against the board once you start from one end to end. If that makes sense. Edit-joists

[@tammyleitte520]

I think I can. I think I can. Awesome info. Thank you and great job!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. With a little know how, you can definitely do this project! Hope this video was hopeful for you. Thanks for watching!

[@joemartino6976]

Great job Josh!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Joe!

[@michaelriccelli8483]

Any recommendations for securing down old Trex at the joists? Some boards are coming loose at the joists. I started using the screws I believe you are using in the video here. Not sure if there is a better way to handle it outside of a costly job to replace all of the Trex. It is an original older trex. Probably about twenty years old now.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Are there hidden fasteners currently? Where are they screwed down?

[@michaelriccelli8483]

@@TheExcellentLaborer It is old composite trex. There are just screws, not counter sunk. Just screws screwed in at the joists.

[@kevinsellers3775]

Josh- why at the ends did you go with a screw instead of a trex hidden fastener on the joists? Great video... thank you

[@AequitasSaints]

What do you do if you're redoing an existing deck, and one of the ends is under siding already? Basically, can't get a screw gun at the way end. Do you have to screw it down on both sides or will the hidden fastener be good enough. The other side i do have access to.

[@jessicakeenum8366]

Great video! I'm installing over an old small concrete porch (5X10) to connect to an existing deck, can you use just the composite screws to attach on the ends only or do you have to use the fasteners?

[@raypulliamelectronics8312]

Very good video and information

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that Ray. Thanks for watching!

[@MAGA-qy6fg]

OK. I know that not everything in building is 100% square. How did you keep track of your spacing and how did the last run go in if you have a 1/4 to 1/2 inch difference at the last board?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Sometimes you might have to do a tapered cut on the last row. I hope that helps!

[@chrisgeary10]

Do you alternate where your boards meet in the middle? Or do you stagger all the cuts?

[@johnmurphyable]

Excellent videos! Thank you!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that JM!

[@morokeiboethia6749]

If you have 2 guys laying this stuff is it better to tack then ends then the middle or just start on one end and worm towards other end?

[@wayneosaur]

What do you do if you get part way through and, perhaps due to drift, the boards are not equidistant from the side of the house? Is there a way to correct without pulling the decking up?

[@stephencarr4208]

You'd have to start gapping one end of each board ever so slightly until you make up the distance. I really would depend on how bad out of square it got.

[@clifffree8721]

I have a possible suggestion. Would a rubber hammer maybe be better to reduce chances of marring the deck planks as you snug them to the brackets?

[@scottcarr2871]

Excellent video best I have seen

[@KjbuckeyeHomeImprovements]

Great video man

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Keith!

[@TheAdkFlyer10]

I think you’ve addressed ALL the questions I had regarding Trex installations. Thanks for posting this! 👍👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad I could help you. You are welcome! Stay tuned for more!

[@rosenina4000]

Can I pour a concrete slab and attach composite boards directly onto it with no substructure? I want a ground deck but am worried about mice and termites getting under the deck. Thank you.

[@venictos]

Good job man. Can't wait to try this when i move into my new place.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Venictos! You can definitely do it if you have some basic carpentry knowledge. Thanks for watching!

[@egonzy4473]

Great job Josh!! Can’t wait to build mine.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks. I am excited for you!

[@dgriffin6074]

All your videos are excellent. I noticed that the Trex board ends meet over a gap between two joists; doesn't that mean water will penetrate and increase the chance of rot?

[@saidurrahman3971]

Do you need pitch at Trex top surface from start to end?

[@onemorething100]

You do very nice work.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you so much!

[@daveleary5830]

Would a rubber mallet be better to seat the boards into the bracket?

[@brunoramos755]

I got a framing blade on my saw , would I need a different blade for this material sir ?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I would prefer to use a trim blade possible. You could try it and see how it does. Cut a scrap piece first and see the results. Hope that helps!

[@diggingmystyle]

I have a worn out blade for cutting 2×4s and it still cuts like butter. This Trex thing is super easy to cut.

[@markkeklikian1765]

Thanks for sharing, I’m looking for specific tips about edge finishing though

[@every_thing_wood1251]

How do you determine what gap size you want between the boards? Is it manufacturers recommended?

[@fatjoe6972]

How do you come up with the how long the boards will be in each row? I have a 32' long deck Thanks !

[@FlowOverStones]

Why are you not using PT lumber for the joists?

[@Soul_N_Control]

@The Excellent Laborer I noticed you screwed the boards down on the end. We're doing the framing so those will be need to be screwed down, but will I need to do that when I stagger my boards or will the end clips be sufficient enough to hold the ends in place?

[@jimfacteau4553]

need to add a joist to catch the ends, fasteners don't work on end cuts

[@NiceTruckBro]

Double joist at every butt joint

[@ebyvids]

my installer has them bending sideways on deck theyre not straight looking down the deck, can they be straightened as they are installed?

[@andyponcia7722]

What kind of blade do i need? Is it necessary or recommended to buy the diablo trex blade?