![]() Newer-generation decking is easy to spot because of its resilience. ![]() While our early-generation decking was groundbreaking for its time, spills and scuffs can still leave a mark. Augering 10" dia.If you've noticed any staining, scratching or fading over the years, it's likely you have early-generation decking. holes 3' deep in solid clay soil is a huge PITA!! I even loaned them to somebody else in my neighborhood that was building their own deck. This was so handy when installing the Trex. Irwin makes some great little "fingers" that attach to their clamps that let you squeeze the boards together and get a consistent gap. I think it is worth it, and hopefully I don't have to replace all my rotted joists anytime soon like my neighbor had to do. I added Grace Vycor flashing over the pressure-treated framing to help it last longer. Every board on my deck is continuous from end to end.Ī couple other things I learned from my project: I did the Trex at a 45 degree angle in part to match the 45-deg corners but mostly to avoid butt joints. All the hardware is hidden by wood slats at each end. I just bought a big roll of cable, thimbles, and swages, and we used long eye bolts through the posts at each end to tension the cable. It helps that my friend has experience with aircraft cable and the tools from doing AV installs. ![]() The stainless steel cable railing was a basic DIY setup too, not one of the expensive systems. Thanks for compliments on my deck! This is the first time I've built one, and it took a long time, but I'm really happy with the result. I didn't even consider the Trex plastic fasteners. That ran out and I ended up buying some other fasteners at the store because I was in a rush, and they were not nearly as good. They worked great, so I ordered another bucket. Both have pros and cons, but I'm really looking for somebody to tell me, "I,'ve had both (or installed both), and _ is definitely the way to go because."Ī friend of mine fixed up his deck and had half a bucket of the Mantis clips left over that he gave me. ![]() I've googled all of these questions, and haven't had much luck with people discussing their dislike for one over the other. My big question is whether or not anybody has had problems with either? Hidden fasteners coming loose with deck expansion? Plugs backing out on the Cortex screws? Other problems? ![]() I was dead set on hidden fasteners, but then I was holding a piece of decking with a Cortex screw and hidden plug in it, and didn't know it until he pointed it out. Should I use hidden fasteners, or Cortex screws with hidden plugs? I'm not worried about the cost difference, just which is better long-term. What are your experiences with each? I'm especially interested to hear from people that have long-term experience with both, and favor one over the other. I've narrowed my decision down to two choices-Trex or Azek? Either one will be their top of the line. I am having a deck installed this Spring, and I am looking for "personal experiences".both positive and negative. ![]()
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