In 2023, with ongoing travel restrictions, many people chose to enjoy the summer at home, making it an ideal time to revitalize your garden. Deck planning, easily done online with most materials delivered to your door, offers a hassle-free way to renovate an old wooden deck.
A study conducted by Trex, a composite decking brand, found that nearly all participants (97%) value an attractive outdoor living space at home. Installing a deck not only enhances your property value, but choosing a composite deck offers benefits such as eco-friendliness, minimal maintenance (requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water), and a lifespan exceeding 25 years, ensuring long-term enjoyment of your outdoor space.
Trex experts provide valuable tips for easily renovating your deck, transforming it into an effortless weekend project.
Planning Your Deck
Choosing the right deck color is crucial for the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Sources such as magazines, manufacturer websites, and Pinterest can inspire suitable color choices for your environment. The deck color can either complement your home’s exterior, blend into the surroundings, or make a bold statement.
Various resources, including home improvement blogs, deck planning checklists, and how-to videos, assist in the planning process. Tools like the Trex cost calculator can estimate material costs for building or renovating the deck, factoring in size, substructure, and railing options, helping with budget planning.
When choosing materials, it is important to select those that are durable and easy to maintain. Composite decking, like Trex, resists fading, staining, scratching, and mold, and requires minimal maintenance compared to wood decking, which requires frequent sanding, staining, and painting. The long-term savings on maintenance, combined with time spent enjoying rather than maintaining the deck, make composite a wise investment.
Building Your Deck
After finalizing your design and color, follow Trex’s step-by-step video guide and these simple instructions to build a deck you will be proud of all summer long.
1. Inspect the substructure: Before removing the boards, inspect the deck foundation, including footings, posts, and joists. Replace any soft wood or wood showing signs of rot. If the frame and substructure are solid, you are ready to proceed. Tip: To extend the life of your substructure, use protective tape such as Trex® Protect™ on joists and wooden beams to prevent moisture-related rot and fastener loosening.
2. Remove old deck boards: Dismantle all railings and begin removing the nailed-down deck boards, keeping the substructure intact. Start from the outer edge of the deck and work toward the house.
3. Level the surface: Ensure the joists are level and even for a smooth foundation for the new deck boards. Plane or trim any bulging joists if necessary.
4. Install new deck boards: Begin laying the new composite boards near the house, securing the first board to the frame. Follow the manufacturer’s spacing guidelines. Regularly check alignment with the house, gradually adjusting across several rows to avoid uneven gaps.
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