Installing a Picture Frame Around Our New Deck - Trex Color Issues
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2024
- Chris Blue, the contractor we hired to build our new front entrance composite deck installs the darker style of Trex composite decking, Spiced Rum around the perimeter. In the process, we discover that more than half of the decking was a different, darker and duller color than the Havana Gold that we ordered. So, we refused the delivery and requested replacement decking, resulting in a 5-day delay in construction. Fortunately, Chris adjusted his busy schedule to accommodate this change.
Here’s some background information about this project:
By removing the old cedar deck with rotting frame and posts at the front entrance to our house, the original concrete porch and steps were revealed. Although in very good condition, the small 3’ x 4’ porch was barely large enough for opening and closing the glass storm door, especially when carrying something large like a suitcase or bag of groceries. And we missed having a deck where we could sit outdoors and appreciate the amazing view of the Olympic Mountains while enjoying a glass of wine. So, we decided we wanted to have a new, larger deck installed using composite decking that won’t rot or need to be resealed every year. The remaining question was what to do about the concrete porch and steps? Should we cover it over with decking like the old cedar deck, bust it up using a jackhammer, or lay tile over it and frame the deck around the entrance porch. After getting several estimates and studying these options, we eliminated laying composite decking on top of the concrete because the thicker boards would make the deck too high for opening the door. Removing the porch with a jackhammer would have to be done by myself (no way!) or by a different contractor, which would extend the time in getting the project done. Laying tile on the porch myself and hiring a contractor to frame the deck around it was the most feasible, and aesthetically appealing option. After all, I had installed luxury vinyl tile indoors several times myself (check out my videos). Laying porcelain tile on a small 3’ x 4’ concrete porch couldn’t be all that difficult. Or could it? Although I am pleased with the results, it was a lot more work and hassle than I ever imagined, especially reducing the slope using a thicker layer of mortar at the far end while keeping the tiles level.
This is a rather long video, and I did my best to reduce the length by speeding up some of the clips by 600%, gut I wanted to retain as much of the process as possible so that you could see all the steps, except for grouting the tiles, while documenting my mistakes and corrections. In my next home improvement video, you can watch my frustrating experience with grouting the tiles.
Here’s some background information about this project:
By removing the old cedar deck with rotting frame and posts at the front entrance to our house, the original concrete porch and steps were revealed. Although in very good condition, the small 3’ x 4’ porch was barely large enough for opening and closing the glass storm door, especially when carrying something large like a suitcase or bag of groceries. And we missed having a deck where we could sit outdoors and appreciate the amazing view of the Olympic Mountains while enjoying a glass of wine. So, we decided we wanted to have a new, larger deck installed using composite decking that won’t rot or need to be resealed every year. The remaining question was what to do about the concrete porch and steps? Should we cover it over with decking like the old cedar deck, bust it up using a jackhammer, or lay tile over it and frame the deck around the entrance porch. After getting several estimates and studying these options, we eliminated laying composite decking on top of the concrete because the thicker boards would make the deck too high for opening the door. Removing the porch with a jackhammer would have to be done by myself (no way!) or by a different contractor, which would extend the time in getting the project done. Laying tile on the porch myself and hiring a contractor to frame the deck around it was the most feasible, and aesthetically appealing option. After all, I had installed luxury vinyl tile indoors several times myself (check out my videos). Laying porcelain tile on a small 3’ x 4’ concrete porch couldn’t be all that difficult. Or could it? Although I am pleased with the results, it was a lot more work and hassle than I ever imagined, especially reducing the slop using a thicker layer of mortar at the far end while keeping the tiles level.
You're the first contractor I've seen that uses deck flashing. I've read about the use of deck flashing and have used it myself, but have yet to encounter any contractor in central Pennsylvania, including contractors that specialize in deck building, that even heard of using deck flashing. Good on you for not just going ahead with what was either a terrible mill run or a tampered with batch of composite. Kudos!
Probably put that tape on because he didn't use treated lumber
@@thegg5097 sure looks like PT on my laptop. Even with PT the tape is the only way to do it correctly IMHO.
Nice work. Looks more like the Enhanced Natural Trex line...Transcend doesn't have scallops underneath. Looks great though.
How did you end up with all those joists on a perfectly even plain, level surface in order to avoid a wavy, uneven composite surface ?
Do you adjust the picture frame board to get the full board for the last board? I hope I asked the question correctly. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah you can see at 3:32
I have a 50' wide deck and thinking of 3 picture frames. Do you recommend starting with the middle picture frame?
Colour variation is what you want for a more natural look.
How to calculate to make it sure there is no cutting the decking, by putting the picture frame first?
Specifically what kind of screws? Composite deck screws? Brand, size, etc? Thanks.
Will I need to add an extra joist board on where the ends meet?
How much did you overhang the picture frame?
I always overhang inch and a half
@@KimJongChill 1 inch past the box facia is good
How much over hang is there?
Have you never heard of camo screws or another hidden fastener system, deck looks great but with the fasteners exposed ugh!
Is predrilling needed before screwing down to prevent cracking over time
Did you end up putting railings on after? I’m going to attempt to do a picture frame on my deck, so if I start from the outside how should I determine how much of a notch I need to cut in to fit around my posts?
Good question! No railings needed for our deck. There are just two short steps to get off the deck. Suggest you contact the Trex manufacturer. That said, we have come close to witnessing a friend move their chair over the edge!
Curious brother. What brand of joist tape ru using?
When you put the picture frame on all of your joints look like their butt up against each. can we make ours tight as well even at the 45 degree angle part or do we have to have a space at the end of every board or do we just need a space at the end of every row?
Trex and nearly all Trex deck builders adamantly oppose miter cuts with Trex. Butt joints are recommended. But, if the client wants them then 3/16" gap at the miter.
What is the paper you put down on the frame beams?
It’s tape
what type of board did you use for the picture frame? Fascia or the same decking board?
The same as the decking boards, Trex Transcend, but a darker color. We used the darker color boards for the steps too. Thanks for your question!
I got my 16' trex boards for 29 ea from Lowes
not any more my friend. LGB
Who paid for all that labor to spread out , separate shades, reload and return ?
$60 a piece and the color is inconsistent...ouch.
Maybe you should not butt joint your boards an add another boarder in the middle. Butt joints suck. Double boarders an split boarders look way better. Just my opinion. been doin this a while. Customers love how our decks turn out!!!
Tyler Collier what’s a split border?
@@ko6128double border basically.
that's when you call and get some money back
I was informed from the makers of Timbertech not to use flashing tape on the hoist. The chemical reaction will break down the planks over time. Read the manufactures recommendations and save yourself a serious headache years ahead
I dont think so .
16inches on center ?????
12”
For the price of that deck why not at least use a table saw for rip cuts and use hidden fasteners?
Please be specific. It appears you did not watch all of the installation videos.
"...About 60 bucks a piece" .... ummmm haha
If you ran the boards in the other direction you would not have had to butt boards up against each other and have seams all over the deck.
Donna, you are correct! The subject of the board direction was discussed at length with Chris, our contractor. Trex Transcend Deck Boards are available in 12’, 16’ and 20’ lengths. Our deck is 9’ wide, defined by existing landscaping so there would have been an incredible amount of waste of money and material had we run the boards perpendicular to the house. As I recall, each 12’ board cost the contractor about $60! Thank you for your comment!
running the deck planks parallel to the house looks far better. going the other way makes the deck look stubby. nothing wrong with seams in the deck as long as they are staggered and look random.