Trex manual

[Robert Jones]

Does anyone have a copy of the original Trex decking installation guide? Had a home today with a Trex deck installed over 5 yrs or so ago. 24" between joists(no view underneath) with some nice sagging and bounce in some areas. I am just curious if there is a maximum spacing requirement with the framing.

[Richard Moore]

Sorry, I don't have the install guides for the original 5/4x6 stuff but I did build a few decks using it. I can assure you that 24" is not allowed. The current guide says 16" maximum for 5/4 x 6 and I'm 99.9% sure that was the original max. Even at 16" I found it too bouncy for my tastes and, after the first one, I went with 14" or less. The last two I did, including my own, are on 12" centers. I like solid.

I would think that 24" OC would make for a nice trampoline. [:-jump2]

[Robert Jones]

Thanks Richard. It did have a "few" areas with some good spring to it. I will just type up the 16" centers and call it good. The deck has been on for some time.

Thanks again.

[Kyle Kubs]

Sorry, I don't have the install guides for the original 5/4x6 stuff but I did build a few decks using it. I can assure you that 24" is not allowed. The current guide says 16" maximum for 5/4 x 6 and I'm 99.9% sure that was the original max. Even at 16" I found it too bouncy for my tastes and, after the first one, I went with 14" or less. The last two I did, including my own, are on 12" centers. I like solid.

I would think that 24" OC would make for a nice trampoline. [:-jump2]

What Richard Said.

24 inches... Wow.

[Robert Jones]

Yep. First time I have really seen Trex bowing like that.

[Terence McCann]

http://www.trex.com/installationguide/

I've completed a few deck inspections for Trex. The manufacture got involved due to complaints by home owners. The inspections uncovered that the contractor did not install the deck per the instruction. It's not like throwing up pressure treated wood.

[Robert Jones]

Thanks Terry

[JS Wright]

We just finished a trex deck this week, and with the 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 decking you can go with joists 24" on center. I was a little surprised also that the deck's plans called for 24" centers, but the decking felt fine.

Scott

[patt]

Both old and new ES reports

Download Attachment: Trex ES report 2003.pdf

120.61 KB

Download Attachment: ESR-1190 Trex.pdf

200.86 KB

[Pat M]

Hi Robert:

I am a representative of Trex and would like to comment on our required joist span.

Our joist span for the 5/4x6 material has always been 16" on center for a residential deck. The only product we manufacture that can span 24" on center is our 2x6 material. If you are installing on a diagonal, then the span would need to be reduced by 4". We also recommend that the joists are level and plumb and the Trex decking must span at least three joists.

If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to let me know.

Pat M

Trex Company

[Robert Jones]

Thanks for replying Pat. The information is greatly appreciated.