Why is decking grooves on both sides?
‘Yep, ridged side up? That’s upside down. The ridges are to encourage circulation and stop the rot. They do not add extra grip.
What are the grooves for on decking?
What are decking grooves for? The grooves or reeds on a decking board are not there as an anti-slip measure, nor are they there to make your decking look prettier. They are designed to allow for airflow underneath the boards to stop moisture and mould build up.
Why are decking boards ribbed?
The ridges, they say, were designed to let air circulate underneath the boards. This, according to them, prevents the buildup of moisture and, consequently, of mould. The ridges are not there to keep you from slipping and sliding around your deck.
What’s the difference between grooved and Ungrooved composite decking?
The main difference between grooved and ungrooved composite decking lies in the construction of their sides. A grooved board features a notch or channel down the edges, while a solid board is groove-free. This does not substantially impact your deck’s overall look, but it does change how you install the decking.
Should decking be ribbed side down?
“The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” The ridges are designed to allow for airflow, to stop moisture sitting in the ridge, and allow for a stronger structure.
Which side of deck board should face up?
A board that is correctly installed right side up (or bark side down) will form a crown and allow water to run off the edges. If the board is installed wrong side up (or bark side up) it will curve up on the edges when dry and water can gather and sit in the cup.
Why are deck boards grooved?
Appearance: The primary reason people choose grooved decking is because they don’t want to see deck screws messing up their deck’s surface. Grooved decking has slots cut into both sides so it can be installed with hidden fasteners. This results in a clean-looking deck surface without visible screws.
Can decking be smooth?
Grooved decking can look really attractive, but in certain circumstances, a smooth decking board is preferable. Smooth decking boards have a highly uniform look and in many instances provide a more desirable walking surface than grooved boards.
Should decking have gaps?
Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your decking using wet boards, pressure-treated decking that has not yet dried out, then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink. Deck spacing isn’t anything to take lightly.
How do you hide groove on composite decking?
Corner trims are L-shaped pieces of material that sit on top and the side edges of your composite decking. Not only does it cover the ends well, but it also hides the grooved sides of your decking boards. You can find several varieties of corner trims.
How do you fasten non grooved composite decking?
Non-grooved deck boards (also called square-edge boards) are solid on all sides. They are installed using either Fiberon Cortex hidden face fasteners or 2.5-inch #8 composite deck screws. In both instances, the fastener is screwed straight down into the board.
How do you install Trex grooved decking?
6 Steps For Decking Installation
- Protect your substructure. Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. …
- Cut your boards. …
- Choose your layout. …
- Hide your screws. …
- Tighten as you go. …
- Cover the decking edges.
Can you stagger Trex decking?
Composite decking should not be staggered on a deck. Staggered decking requires butt joints, but composite decking expands and contracts with temperature changes making butt joints unsightly. It is better to design a composite deck with intentional design elements to avoid staggering boards for a wider composite deck.
How many Trex hidden fasteners do I need?
A: Every container of Trex Hideaway hidden fasteners includes the stainless steel screws needed for installation. Q: How many do I need? A: To find the approximate number of fasteners needed for your deck simply multiply the number of decking boards times the number of support joists.
How do you finish the edges of Trex decking?
Composite decking ends can be finished by picture framing, raised fascia board, painting the ends, attaching decking veneer, composite nosing strips, vinyl stair nosing cove, composite corner trim or plastic end caps. In short composite decking, ends must be hidden or blended into the look of the decking boards.
Should deck boards overhang fascia?
A one to two inch overhang beyond the outer fascia board is sufficient. This means the installed deck boards should have at least 1.75 to 2.75” overhang before the fascia is installed.
How do you finish the sides of a composite deck?
Conclusion. How to finish the edge of a composite decking is simple if you use picture framing to cover the board edges. You can also paint the edges, glue a veneer cap to the ends, attach a raised fascia board or add a composite corner trim to create a consistent look.
How do you hide the ends of a composite deck?
Two widely practiced methods to hide those unfinished composite deck ends are 1) picture framing, and 2) trim boards.
Do you have to seal cut ends on composite decking?
Sealing the ends with lumber wax will help prevent moisture absorption. Kim Katwijk The cut ends of composite decking will absorb moisture and can swell, as shown here. Sealing the end cuts with lumber wax will help prevent swelling.
What is deck fascia?
A DECK FASCIA BOARD is the board that runs around the perimeter of the deck for a seamless look. Fascia covers the wood perimeter joist of the deck frame and is sometimes called “rim joist cover.”
