Trex Composite Deck Installation - Start to Finish!

[@briansmith-hn6ho]

Great job! I would just like to point out another issue with putting the post in concrete like a fence post. You have a lot of weight on a deck and the post can settle or slip through the concrete. To avoid that, either use a column base or you can put some lag bolts in the post sticking out to grab the concrete to keep the post from sliding down.

[@jvtrainor]

Looks very good. You took your time and paid good attention to detail. 2 minor criticisms/suggestions now that the work is done. :). First, never put wood into concrete, wood is a sponge. Pour foundation and use a bracket in between the concrete and wood beam, you be happier when it comes to replace. Second, use a joist sealing tape on joists, helps extend life of joists be preventing moisture from rotting them prematurely. Other than that, very well done.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah those are two regrets and a future project for me to fix when the time comes!

[@Soul_N_Control]

I'm with ya on that, but our existing deck is just that and we're extending doing the post in concrete method. I'm gonna buy some wood sealant and hopefully that will help.

[@Beamin-vt7jm]

I agree. Never cement wood in a hole. Use the brackets to bolt the posting on the top of the cement pillars.

[@blessedexpress4476]

I can barely change my paper towel roll in my kitchen. This looks great. God bless you.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Haha thanks Josh. Good luck and let me know of any questions if you give it a try!

[@chalabrooks5433]

😂😂😂

[@jimpie231]

Nice deck, I actually built one for my daughter in 1998. It was 16’3” from the home and 16’ wide. The deck was all green, with 4…. 10” diameter concrete piers that were about 6’ high, and were 4’ in the ground (frost line is 42” here in the Chicago area). It is all 2x10’s and has a skirt all the way around to keep animals out. The deck has a staircase in the middle, and an escape hatch from a basement window. It is 26 years old and still in pretty good condition.

[@michaelhutter9432]

@@jimpie231 thanks for watching and sounds like you did a heckuva job on your daughters!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

That 3-4-5 trick is gonna save me a headache when I replace our deck next year. Thanks for that!

[@THE-APEX]

A SQUARED PLUS B SQUARED EQUALS C SQUARED.

[@treejohnson89]

God bless you sir, i came here to see how to build a deck and you made it sound sooo simple, lol you just lost me with the numbers, but i continued to watch because you have a gift and your very good at it. I love to see people work there talent

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you! That was used for figured a right angle. You can Google Pythagoreans theorem.

[@diamondangel1969]

LOVE the light caps!!! The deck looks amazing.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Me too, the timer works great. Thank you, it was quite a project!

[@nramca]

Awesome video, not skipping on the hard parts. Very informative on what it takes

[@BC-ni3sk]

Nice job!! Synthetic decking is the only way to go. No hassle maintenance, no bug damage and lasts forever.

[@bane16makeup]

Best video for DIY that I have seen! Thanks for sharing, looks really nice!

[@CEDARMULCH642]

That's a nice deck! You and the family enjoy!!

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks Wiggles! 😁

[@michaelpeck5547]

I'm ripping our old decking and railing out and bought Trex to replace it over the existing joists. The only thing I'm doing differently is how I'm doing my railing posts. I'm bolting my 4x4s to the joists. I just don't feel comfortable with the surface mount type. My deck is on the 2nd floor so it's a bigger drop. We are doing the foggy wharf and black railing so it will look very similar. Thanks for the vid.

[@michaelhutter9432]

you're welcome, good luck with your project!

[@C-Sch]

Beautiful! I am doing my own 16 by 16 deck this summer, thanks for the video!

[@danthecarpenterman9463]

Usually we send all the bolts in the other direction, do all of them then go inside with an impact driver nuts and washers.

[@maxmartz4665]

Nice job. Ingenious working solo. 3yr old will be a helper soon

[@ME-yi1hx]

Dude, you did an AWESOME job for being solo.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks. My only regret was not doing the posts in peers. I could always go back and fix it since I have access.

[@gspade9693]

Gorgeous. And solo act as well. Spectacular

[@filamphibian2980]

Great video. Thanks for detailing and sharing the info. The deck looks fantastic.

[@elainenilsson5472]

Thank you for this step by step process and great photos. Something I recently learned is that treated wood drastically changed in 2004 and the 2x that you buy at Home Depot or Lowes is not rated for ground contact. Only the 4x4s are and even they are sketchy. Nothing like the treated prior to 2004. Posts in concrete wont pass inspection here anymore. Has to be on columns of concrete and anchored. Personally, I don't see the difference but it is what it is. One thing I missed in this video was how to anchor the posts on the deck. Could you explain that, please? All I see are the screws. I'm guessing that is good enough?

[@galoguevara6049]

Nice job hermano. A clean classic design. You have a lot of land. I would have made it a few feet bigger, in order to fit a nice outdoor bar (for the cervezas). But it's a nice looking deck either way.

[@tonester1964]

So the camel clips in between the groove and there's no need to screw them from the top? I wish you had shown how the rail post went on? I can't tell how they went on, or do they just sit on top and screwed directly onto the deck? Most times I've seen the outer post act as a slave over wooden post.

[@libertydoc]

Nicely done. Agree with the Copper Coat as I also used wood preservative as code calls for painting the cut ends of PT. Not everyone is aware of that. Nice job on explaining how you squared up the deck. That is something I wrestled with. I would've liked more detail on how you did the picture frame.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you! Picture frame was 45 degree cuts. It looks good but mostly covered by the posts.

[@jaimeitalo2077]

@@michaelhutter9432 f

[@chainsawhero5]

This turned out awesome. They grey trex color looks really classy too.

[@jlsrr2577]

Nice clean work. I just put my posts on a concrete footings. Too wet here in the PNW all our wood posts rot out in a few years

[@samsiryani9023]

Great solo job sir and great finish work.

[@jimmyfavereau]

my first thought.. GREAt Job! thanks for the vid

[@talegunner40]

Looks nice ! May I ask what railing you used & how the post fasten ?

[@mikef4462]

How has it held up against scratches? We are considering pulling the trigger on this same brand/color.

[@Tdub66]

Forms are a better support system than just wooden posts in the ground. Just my opinion 👍🏽😎

[@blainw1976]

Looks great! About how much did it cost to do it? Rough guesstimate

[@donhgr]

I use tubes with brackets and would never put wood below grade. You will eventually replace those do to Wrought

[@coololena10]

Great but wondering how the furniture will look in rain ☔️ What about cover?

[@thepcguy007]

It looks like your railing posts are half screwed just into the decking without any support under the decking attaching them to the frame... How solid is that?

[@mrteausaable]

How steady are those metal rails? Does it wiggles when you shake them? It looks smaller. I rather have wood rails.

[@luxurycarkey7207]

Great your deck looks amazing..also great taste in music

[@michaelhutter9432]

Haha thanks!

[@deborahsimmons3370]

Do u do or could u recommend unattached deck video?

[@michaelhutter9432]

@@deborahsimmons3370 I’m sorry I cannot. Probably the most important thing is making sure you have enough posts and spaced properly. Every other way it’ll be easier since no ledger. My local zones didn’t allow freestanding, since house was built in the past 5 years.

[@lisamclaughlin4852]

How did you hide the screws when you installed the "frame" deck pieces?

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 9:10 Great job and video but that joist span from the ledger board on the house to the girder looks way too far to pass code in my area using a 2x10 joist.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks! It’s just under 14’ which passes code here. What’s your code distance requirement and what city?

[@charleschi843]

I understand why you didn’t film the facia install, but did you just screw straight in, or from the under/inside to hide the screw heads?

[@michaelhutter9432]

Straight in and they are flush. I think it looks great, you can get crazy and countersink them and put plugs in but that’s overkill.

[@charleschi843]

@@michaelhutter9432 Man, can hardly notice. Looks amazing.

[@Mycomputerhelp]

Hi, I am trying to same thing you did. Can you confirm your entire deck with trex rocky harbor? Frame, deck boards , steps, and fascia ? Thanks

[@michaelhutter9432]

Yep. It’s all in the description. 😁

[@Braveheartman123]

Just fyi. I just replaced my 24 year old decking and railings which were mahogany 1x4, and white cedar log railings and balusters using stainless steel serrated nails. They lasted 24 years. Actually the decking could have made it another 5-10 years - mahogany is amazing if you want to stay with wood. I went to Trex and taped the tops of all the joists and blocking to prevent rot, since the PT joists are 24 years old and I need them to last another 24 years.

[@MrRoaddogg42963]

good job great dad awesome crew

[@demetriusrivers5203]

May of been a 1 man show, but atleast that man isn't broke 👍👍👍. Nice job on the deck and saving cash.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you sir!

[@HornOkay]

It was fun watching how it’s done. Job done well. 👍👍

[@davidbowen2704]

Great job. Do you buy the picture Frame boards without the grooves or do you rip one of the boards?

[@ryanmclaughlin2796]

Beautiful deck, buddy.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you! Let me know of any questions if you’re building.

[@sicilianbambino]

How did you mount the starter board? Nothing shows that first piece. Thank you

[@michaelhutter9432]

Do you mean the ledger board which is the board attached to the house? I think the video is pretty clear how I attached that. Once the siding is removed and proper moisture barriers in place, I temporarily held it with screws and then used all those carriage bolts through the basement.

[@sicilianbambino]

@@michaelhutter9432 no the first first deck board. Did you use special clips or drill thru tops and use plugs?

[@michaelhutter9432]

@@sicilianbambino it was actually the last board I installed. Yes there are clips and then the house siding or a trim board will hold it down as well. Or you could face screw it in. It’s not noticeable.

[@sicilianbambino]

@@michaelhutter9432 one other question did you have problems with the boards being warped when receiving them?

[@blakeharkey382]

Drop beams are my favorite and easiest way to support a deck

[@YolaniG43]

Am I wrong, or aren’t you suppose to put the concrete in first let it fully dry, add a beam holder metal thing and then place the beam on top, in order to not have issues with the beams rotting; Correct me if I’m wrong

[@angeloboveu]

Can you tell me what color the deck is? It's very nice. Love the color. We are getting ready to do our deck and looking for a light color.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Check out the description of the video. There are links for everything. The decking color is called Rocky Harbor. You should be able to find samples if you reach out to Trex or a local distributor. Good luck!

[@angeloboveu]

@@michaelhutter9432 Thank You!

[@maxxcherry6955]

Looks great. You're hired !

[@bariselko3569]

Looks great job . I have couple questions because I am trying to understand little more about how you build that deck. Distance between the posts? Distance between posts and ledger board? Try getting to understand the code , in which state you build the deck ? Is the deck sharing a bit or no ? Joist size 2x8 or 2x10 ? This question are very important for me because i am planning to build my deck base on your video . Sorry for my English and I appreciate your responses .

[@alfredovalencia1646]

Hey man this was a very good video , thorough and easy to follow !

[@lizlyons4825]

Great Job👏👏👏what is the sq footage of this deck?

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks! 256 sq ft.

[@omadapro]

beautiful work brother

[@dereksans2470]

Very nice job. Wish I knew how to rebuild my back deck.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks. Just continue watching KZbin videos and learning. That's what I did and I'm very happy with the end result. It seemed insurmountable at first.

[@dlz1622]

what is the lot size of this house is it in Canada or USA how much is the house

[@KawaRider88]

You could paint the wood underneath black to match.

[@Rich2Acosta]

What was the diameter size of the auger for the 6x6?

[@XLongBeach]

First of love the way the deck came out looks really nice , I do have a question though for your post how off from the edge of your deck do you place them at did you just leave like 1ft of over hang ?

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks! The 2' overhang was determined by my local county building department when I went through the permit process. Almost 3 years later, still rock solid!!

[@ultimate_savage190]

You should cut a 45 degree angle on the bottom of your outer beam giving it a more finished look. start it about 5 inches down from the top of end. just a suggestion looking very good.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Good idea, thanks for the tip!

[@davidvenhaus4114]

Well done! Thank you !

[@jamesharless5357]

Very nice job!👍🏻

[@JuanGarcia-tl5hr]

Great job sir looks awesome! I am about to do my deck for my pool do you have any idea how many boards did you use ? Thank you

[@jacm7256]

May I know how much blocking did you put in your stringers for the aluminum posts? is it only 1 pc 2x8 or 2 pcs of 2x8? tnx

[@RandySavage_]

Looks great!! What does something like this cost in just materials?

[@michaelhutter9432]

This was right before supply chain and Covid costs went bananas but it was around $7700 my cost. 16 x 16. Railings and lights were almost $2k I believe.

[@jyothsnap519]

The trex composite floor will not leak? If soo how to prevent leakage

[@michaelhutter9432]

@@jyothsnap519 no leaks. I put some plastic pvc roof panels underneath.

[@jyothsnap519]

@@michaelhutter9432 we have a covered deck flooring with Trex and over porch roof also covered with ceiling wood I doubt it’s leaks during rainy reason as we didn’t installed Trex drainage underneath I don’t want my wood base to get molds is there any way I can stop water leakage through Trex flooring highly appreciate your inputs

[@chrisdesimone4249]

Great work, enjoyed the video. Did you decide to stain the posts to match? Awesome job

[@michaelhutter9432]

No but that’s a great idea I may do.

[@chrisdesimone4249]

@@michaelhutter9432 Happy it may help, thanks for posting, was sitting around sick today (just a bad cold) and enjoyed the watch.

[@willliu3025]

Thank you for sharing. Great 👍 job

[@lennyadamowicz7642]

Great job! Looks awesome! 👌👍👊🏻

[@vwash716]

This is very impressive... Wow!

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks!

[@youdagoob]

12:04 "I had to have a joint." O.K. whatever helps you get the job done!

[@MrDavidsuits]

how much did you spend on material ?

[@boltbuildersinc7890]

Interesting way you broke the Pythagorean theorem into ‘units’. Most people find it hard to understand a squared plus b squared equals c squared. So this is good way to look at it

[@Tinnitussss]

I curious how does this deck looks like at the moment? I don't think the triple timber supports are enough for it, especially lean forward support isn't enough, that support could be at least T or U instead of an I . Other than that good job! if you can release a video of the current state, would help us to learn better what works what doesn't work. Cheers!

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks for watching! The deck looks great, rock solid. I wish I could attach pictures. The triple timber supports exceed local code.

[@Tinnitussss]

@@michaelhutter9432 Thanks for the reply, I'm glad all worked out great! that's practice wins the theory. Good job again!

[@UDASH]

How far did you put the posts base from the edge of the picture frame? For drill the holes.

[@michaelhutter9432]

I’m not sure I’m tracking your question. The post bases must be secured into the frame or reinforcements around the frame. Maybe a couple inches inside picture frame.

[@lundysden6781]

can anyone out there can give an approximate 2022 estimate on cost for this size deck? Thanks

[@fkady9664]

$15 to $20 k

[@carlosmejia-ww3tp]

Why you didn’t show how to make the railing pole

[@hurricanehobbs8508]

Tha was really nice to watch. Can you answer a few questions for me? I’m building a deck shortly for my home. I watched with closed captioning while my baby slept so please excuse any questions that may have been answered in the video audio. 1) what is the span from the house to the pillars? 2) why did you not need to use disposal bracing from ground level to the deck since it was pretty high? 3) why did you choose to tie it into the house instead of it being free floating? Thanks again for the great video.

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks. 1) 14' 2) Disposal bracing? My local code allows either sunk posts, which I did, or concrete piers with the posts on top. The 6" x 6" posts were to code. A good test was a foot of snow we just got and the deck supported it like a champ with no signs of stress. 3) My code had strict rules on free floating and I didn't want more posts in the ground since I store things under the deck. Good luck on your project!

[@hurricanehobbs8508]

@@michaelhutter9432 sorry, auto spell changed “diagonal” to “disposable”. I meant why does it not need diagonal supports? And is 14’ too far for just one support? I need to check my code here I guess because I too would like all that under deck storage.

[@BruceBalistreri]

Great video, thank you. Is there any issue with there being no posts between the ledger board and the 3 posts you put in? Do you know if that's "to code" in most areas? Thanks so much

[@driveman6490]

No issue with this design and layout. You can span joist a certain distance before the need additional support. The factors are wood species, lumber dimension and the spacing of the joists. He used Southern Pine (very appropriate wood), 2"x10" dimension, at 12" centers. This configuration can span from a ledger 16' 1" per the joist span table. In addition, he blocked in between the joists at mid span, which helps transfer the load from joist to joist. Overall, very solid deck. My only critique would be the support posts set in concrete. A preferred method would be to pour concrete footings, and use a Simpson Strong Tie 6"x6" stand-off base.

[@ej5936]

This deck looks extremely solid and awesome-looking, I am in process of building one myself 6.7 hight with flat ground 16x20 and attached 10x10 for Pergola it will be all free stand 12" in center with 3 beams. My question is I like to notch the first beam 6x6, 4 post using 2x10 using carriage bolts I will loss 3" in 5.5 posts don't you think in the long run it will weaken the post since I will have 2.5 inches of wood left. Thank you

[@michaelhutter9432]

I don't think it'll weaken it. I did two 2 x 12 beams. It sits on there and held together by carriage bolts. If you watch other videos, it's how most of the pros do it. Good luck!

[@ej5936]

@@michaelhutter9432 Thank you kindly and I will go for it

[@lilliananderson5587]

could I get a list of all the materials needed for a 12 x16 deck with a roof

[@jolynnsatterelli5618]

Great video. What is the name of the hardware used for the stainless steel cable?

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks! Stainless steel cable?

[@shinyclear1176]

Does anyone know how much you can charge for a job like this, material and labor?

[@geraldkoch394]

Brother what a great job, how much did you have in it all together? And can you put a list of all material you used?

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you! I think my cost was about $6,600 one year ago. The materials are in the description.

[@plazaphysicaltherapy4767]

what LED lights are those and where did you get them?

[@michaelhutter9432]

See description

[@DaKidCharming]

Do you know if they make these same model lights solar by any chance... How much do you think you would have been charged to not do this yourself, did you have any quotes? This is an amazing job where you maximized your saving for sure.

[@hardenmm]

Did you keep the 4x4 leg posts the way they are or did you end up painting them to match your decking? I’m trying to decide what I’ll do.

[@kevinmartell4085]

Michael, I could not find the picture frame edging boards (steps, too?) or the facia boards on the Trex website. Are they a different material?

[@michaelhutter9432]

They are the same color and same material. The picture frame boards have solid edges not grooved edges. And the facia is the same except it is about twice as wide. My distributor in Cincinnati Ohio carries everything and helped with the bill of materials and delivery.

[@robpetree1757]

Are those railing posts eight feet apart?

[@michaelhutter9432]

deck is 16' wide so posts are about 7' apart.

[@robpetree1757]

@@michaelhutter9432 On the side away from the steps there are three posts, one at each corner and one in the middle of those two. Wouldn’t that put those eight feet apart? 🤔

[@michaelhutter9432]

@@robpetree1757 ah yes, railings. sorry. 8' on center.

[@junior281991]

That 3,4,5 units stuff had me so lost. I’ll need to research that. lol

[@dancaldarelli2269]

Y would u leave the stringers un cut not match the profile?

[@michaelhutter9432]

What do you mean? It does match the profile. Thanks for watching.

[@cherylpa527]

Wow, great job, it looks amazing!

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you!

[@NoCampiRush]

Great project. Do you have link for led lights ?

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thanks! LED info in the description.

[@warrenranstrom4462]

What kind of railing is that? And brand? Thanks

[@michaelhutter9432]

See description.

[@ikesnew]

You did such great job

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you sir, I appreciate the feedback!

[@jamiedrow3996]

I am just starting the deck process. I have also picked out Rocky Harbor as the color. I am told they don't make surround boards in a solid edge. Can you share with me your distributor?

[@michaelhutter9432]

This and more info is in the description up top. All Decking and railings purchased at McCabe Lumber in Cincinnati, OH: www.mccabelumber.com/

[@eegw1199]

No skirting? A deck that high I can see why you opted not to, just curious

[@nathanksmith2]

How did you install the railing? Do they have to slide over a 4x4 post?

[@michaelhutter9432]

I did not. a couple feet of 4x4 post would be the most secure, but then a hole would be needed for the lighting wires. See Dan Craner's comment thread below for more info on this. Good luck!

[@youngedwards3265]

Nice job! 👍 Beautiful

[@michaelhutter9432]

Thank you!

[@kenstankiewicz6405]

How did you attached the “picture frame” board to the joist?

[@michaelhutter9432]

These boards don’t have grooves on the sides so you must face screw them down. Regular deck boards are secured via the grooves on the sides w camo clips.

[@calebtreat9426]

why didnt you use pressure treated posts thats only thing i would do different.

[@michaelhutter9432]

They are pressure treated, in fact they are marine grade treated.