Take your deck from wood to wow with a composite decking makeover – Home Improvement Blogs

(BPT) – Contemplate this — for the very same amount of time and vitality needed to strip, sand and stain a wood deck, you could swap people boards with composite decking and by no means once more have to stress about maintenance. Developed for greatest durability and minimal upkeep, wood-option decking, like Trex, is resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mildew, and just an occasional cleaning soap-and-h2o cleansing is all it can take to keep a “like-new” appearance for a long time.

Resurfacing a deck is a doable Do-it-yourself challenge that can be done in a weekend or two with just a tiny know-how and the assist of a handful of close friends. Simply just stick to these measures from the experts at Trex Academy to give your previous wooden deck a makeover with superior-general performance, problem-totally free composite decking.

1. Get rid of outdated deck boards

Start off by removing any railing and prying up the existing deck boards. Depart the substructure and framing in area.

2. Clean the body

Be certain that all fasteners and components have been removed from the top rated of the deck frame. If nails cannot be eliminated, bend the guidelines around so they lie flat on the wooden for protection. Eliminate any particles from the bays between joists to make it possible for air to flow beneath the frame.

3. Examine the substructure

Test the beams and joists of the framing to make sure these foundational parts are free of charge of rot and decay. Use a flathead screwdriver to probe for soft spots. Maintenance or change any decayed or rotting framing in advance of continuing.

4. Shield joists and beams

For additional protection and to increase the lifetime of your deck, implement protecting flashing tape, these types of as Trex Shield to the joists and beams of the substructure. This uncomplicated-to-utilize, self-adhesive tape allows to safeguard wooden and metallic fasteners from dampness that can direct to rot, rust and decay.

5. Set up new deck boards

Start off laying out the new composite deck boards setting up with the board farthest away from the household. Be confident to intently adhere to the manufacturer’s guidance for spacing to guarantee suitable ventilation.

6. Shuffle the deck

Composite decking is designed with random variation in hue from board to board. For the most normal-hunting final results, shuffle — or combine — the boards to develop your wanted seem. This can be accomplished by laying out several classes of boards and organizing them to your liking just before setting up.

7. Frame and finish

When the deck boards are in place, use a circular saw to trim any overhang for cleanse, finished edges. Then re-connect railing factors or incorporate new railing paying shut notice to the manufacturer’s set up guideline and regional making codes.

8. Enhance and love!

Increase furnishings and ornamental elements to end factors off. Then, step again, admire your function and appreciate your new, headache-absolutely free out of doors place.

For much more specialist guidance and sources, together with a step-by-phase deck resurfacing online video, check out the Trex Academy part of Trex.com.