What do you use to cut composite decking?

Cutting The Deck

Use a wood saw to cut the single pieces of the composite material to length and then mark the board using a quick square. You can either use a miter saw or a circular saw since composite cuts similarly to wood. Mark the board using a quick square while holding the square against the board’s face.

What is the best saw for cutting composite decking?

Table saw blades with a 7 to 9 inch diameter and few teeth are best for cutting composite decking. Blades made specifically for cutting composite decking usually have a tooth design that makes them unique from the other ones. Miter Saw Blades: There are various types of miter saw blades.

Do you need a special saw blade to cut composite decking?

Cutting composite decking is similar to cutting normal lumber; it just requires special saw blades. So when cutting composite decking, it is advisable to use saw blades that are convenient and flexible for cutting. The saw blades must also be sharp.

Is it easy to cut composite decking?

Yes, composite decking can be cut to size easily.

Can I cut composite decking with a hand saw?

Like wood, you can use a conventional hand saw to cut composites. But it’s not efficient and will take a lot of time. You also need to make sure that it’s sharp.

Do you need to seal cut ends of 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.

Can you rip cut composite decking?

Trex products should not be ripped to reduce thickness, but can be ripped to reduce width. As long as the board can still be installed per the installation instructions, the warranty will be valid. Please use care when fastening ripped boards, as pre-drilling may be necessary.

Can you cut Trex with a miter saw?

You can make simple cross cuts in composite decking the same way you would cut any soft pine—a power circular saw will work fine. A power miter saw can provide very accurate, straight cuts, and a table saw with support extensions can make all types of cutting easier.

How do you hide the ends of a composite deck?

The question is, how do you hide the ends of composite decking? There are several ways to go about it. Some of your options include picture framing, installing fascia boards, coating the ends with paint, using end caps and plugs, or edging your ground-level deck with stone.

How do you seal the ends of a composite deck?

Can I stain my composite deck?

Can you pass on this suggestion? A: You are correct. Vintage Trex decking and other brands of composite decking made of a uniform mixture of wood fibers and plastic can be painted or even stained. Newer styles of composite decking capped with a shell of different material on the top and sides of boards cannot.

What do you do with cut ends of composite 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.

How do you hide groove on composite decking?

How do you finish the sides of a deck?

Can you paint the ends of composite decking?

End coating is the easiest option for how to finish the ends of composite decking and requires no tools but a paint brush.

How do you trim a deck?

How do you stagger Trex decking?

To stagger deck boards start at one corner of the deck with a full board perpendicular to the joists. Measure, cut and lay the next plank end to end with the first so the two butting ends are centered on a joist. Use the cut-off piece next to the full plank to begin the second row. Repeat the alternating pattern.

How long do composite decks last?

between 25 and 30 years
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

How do you finish the edges of Trex decking?

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.

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

Cons of Composite Decking
  • A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. …
  • Composites aren’t natural. …
  • Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. …
  • You’ll need to comparison shop.

What are the problems with composite decking?

It actually moves more AND more unexpectedly than wood decks. Some composite decking won’t move a bit and others have been found to shrink, swell, warp, twist, bow, and any other word you want to use in amounts unheard of, even with wood.