Hey everyone! I'm looking to spruce up my deck, which isn't too bad overall, but the cheap paint is chipping, and some railings got damaged. The deck feels kinda low-quality because of exposed screws and rough edges. I got a quote for power washing, treating, sanding, staining, and replacing handrails that came to $3,000, but I could DIY it for under $400—if I could tolerate sanding. I've also seen these videos showing how to replace an old deck with Trex, which looks pretty straightforward. I calculated the materials would cost about $1,900. My deck is 12x12 feet with 28 horizontal boards, and my joists are in good condition. Can anyone share their experiences with switching to Trex? Is it really as simple as unscrewing wood boards and installing the Trex?
4 Answers
Go for it! Just make sure you really like Trex since some people miss the feel of real wood. It can be a great hassle-free option if you're ready to switch.
Just keep in mind that Trex expands and contracts differently than wood does. It might be worth consulting with a pro before making the switch, just to be safe!
Replacing a wooden deck with composite like Trex is super common and usually not too complicated. Just remember that Trex can get really hot in the sun, so if you love walking barefoot on your deck, you might want to think twice about that! Overall, it's as simple as unscrewing the wood and screwing down the Trex boards. You could also consider hidden fasteners for an even cleaner look.
Refinishing wood decks comes with its own set of challenges, like paint chipping, which you're already seeing. Your joist spacing of 12 inches on center is great for composite boards, too. Just make sure to carefully plan any changes to your railings and consider adding extra blocking to ensure everything is sturdy since Trex isn't as strong as wood.
Thanks for pointing that out! I usually hang out on my deck barefoot, so I'll definitely keep that in mind! Appreciate it!