Toronto Custom deck design, pergolas, fences, outdoor kitchens, landscaping & interlocking

Toronto custom decks is a custom deck design and contracting company serving the greater Toronto area with deck design & build, fence building, custom kitchens, interlocking & more

composite decks

Tips for working with Trex decking

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Like most other wood composites, Trex Wood-Polymer® lumber is made from equal portions of reclaimed plastic, such as milk jugs and other items, and wood waste byproducts, such as saw dust. These items are then combined with adhesive to make the lumber, which can be milled for use in a wide range of outdoor projects, like planters and toy and tool storage boxes.

At Toronto Custom Decks, we’re the leading outdoor contractor in the area and have used the composite lumber for Trex decking projects for hundreds of residential and business customers.

Trex decking has many properties that make it an attractive alternative to traditional wood building materials, though it is heavier and more flexible than real wood and shouldn’t be used to frame structures such as full-size storage sheds. In the case of children’s play structures, Trex boards are used for surfaces, benches, and steps, while natural hard wood is used to build the frame.

A key reason Trex decking is so popular compared to a product such as 100 percent plastic lumber is because its wood content retains the advantage of thermal expansion and contraction, meaning the shape changes little if any when exposed to heat or bitter Canadian winters. Perhaps best of all is the fact it can be cut, drilled, and nailed using standard carpentry tools.

Key points to remember when working with Trex decking:

  • When cutting or drilling, we recommend using carbide-tipped blades and drill bits, as they create fewer chips in the wood than steel blades or bits.
  • To secure Trex decking, always start at least one inch from board edges and sink nails at an angle into the joist. For best results, choose Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fasteners directly from the manufacturer, though any hot-dipped, galvanized, ceramic coated and stainless steel fasteners can also be used. For outdoor projects, there are several brands of fasteners made specifically for wood composite lumber, but these may be prohibitively expensive depending on the project or size of the deck.
  • Like traditional wood, Trek lumber is available in many “standard” sizes: 1×6, 5/4×6, 2×2 for balusters, 2×4, 2×6 and 2×8. Trek decking can be purchased in board lengths of 12 feet, with 5/4×6, 2×4 and 2×6 available in 16 foot lengths. 5/4×6 and 2×6 are also available in 20 foot lengths, and other dimensions can be purchased by special order direct from the manufacturer.
  • The colour of Trek decking will change over time, as is the case with wood and other building materials. As such, the proper care should be taken when cleaning and finishing the lumber to ensure strength, durability, and colour over the years.
  • Finally, please keep in mind the lumber will expand slightly, meaning Trex decking must be installed with the proper gapping at the end joints and side-to-side. If the boards are too close, they can be damaged upon expansion or allow for moisture to build on the surface. Conversely, boards that are too far apart will allow for vegetation to grow under the deck and make its way to the surface.

Thinking of having a Trex composite deck installed in your backyard?

Call Toronto custom decks today for the perfect Trex deck design and build in Toronto

 

Preserve your composite deck the right way

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In the mid- to late-1990s, thousands of home and business owners jumped at the chance to have their old wooden decks replaced with a newer, sexier building material called composite wood that was heavily promoted as being easier to use, and would last far longer than traditional wood. While a composite deck now enjoys many advantages over wooden decks, first or second generation composites had a critical flaw – the manufacturing process didn’t include additives to prevent the growth of mildew.

Composite wood is made from a mixture of plastic and wood fiber/wood flour – saw dust, basically – which is a top food source for mildew. Thus, many composite decks built right through the early 2000s had the same flaw and suffered from black mildew that was nearly impossible to remove.

Manufacturing processes for composite wood are more advanced now than in the early days, but home and business owners still need to take care with a composite deck to make sure it lasts as long as needed.

Toronto Custom Decks has installed dozens of composite decks all across the greater Toronto area, and while we offer a comprehensive warranty on workmanship, nothing can ensure the life of a composite deck more than simple, ongoing maintenance.

Ways to preserve and maintain a composite deck

  • Before you can seal a composite deck, it needs to be cleaned. Debris such as leaves, branches, and other small items can be removed using a broom and dust pan, but for dirt or stains the best method is using a power washer. If you decide to use a power washer, never exceed 1500 PSI and keep the spray nozzle 12 inches away from the surface of the deck.
  • If you know the name of the company that made the composite wood deck boards, follow their recommendation as to the kind of cleaner than can be used. In most cases, manufacturers have their own brand of cleaner that works best with their product, but you also can use off-the-shelf cleaners as long as they’re formulated for composite wood. In all other cases, avoid cleaners that contain bleach.
  • Seal the deck using a good quality product made especially for a composite deck or, again, contact the composite manufacturer for their recommendation.
  • When sealing a composite deck, follow all of the directions for whatever sealer you buy. There’s no such thing as a good short cut when it comes to quality work.
  • Whether you roll or spray the sealer to apply it, always make sure to use a brush afterwards on each board – before the sealer dries. The bristles on a brush allow the sealer to penetrate the composite better than just letting it sit. In any case, rolling or spraying the sealer then walking away could result in it drying unevenly.
  • Once finished, allow the composite deck to cure for 24 hours before using it. Keep children and other visitors away, especially dogs and other pets.
  • The final recommendation is to clean your composite deck each year with a product especially formulated for composite wood surfaces.

Toronto custom decks specializes in design, construction and installation of composite decks. Call us today for a free one on one consultation where we will visit your backyard, learn about your specific needs, lifestyle and show you our work.