Trex Decking Material Calculator
Estimate the Trex decking boards, fasteners, and fascia needed for your project.
12 feet
16 feet
20 feet
Estimated Materials:
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Building a deck is an exciting home improvement project, and choosing Trex composite decking means opting for durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, accurately estimating the materials needed is crucial for budgeting and avoiding delays. Our Trex Decking Material Calculator helps you get a precise estimate for your project's main components.
What is Trex Decking?
Trex is a leading brand of wood-alternative composite decking. Made from 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and plastic film, Trex decking offers the look and feel of natural wood without the extensive maintenance. It resists fading, staining, scratching, and mold, and won't rot, warp, or splinter, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
How to Use the Trex Decking Calculator
Our calculator simplifies the material estimation process. Simply input the dimensions of your planned deck and a few other key details, and it will provide an estimate for the number of decking boards, hidden fasteners, starter clips, and linear feet of fascia you'll need.
- Deck Length (feet): Enter the total length of your deck.
- Deck Width (feet): Enter the total width of your deck.
- Trex Board Length (feet): Select the standard Trex board length you plan to use (e.g., 12, 16, or 20 feet). Longer boards can reduce the number of seams but might be harder to transport.
- Board Spacing (inches): This is the gap you plan to leave between individual decking boards for drainage and expansion. A common spacing is 1/4 inch (0.25 inches).
- Joist Spacing (inches, on center): This refers to the distance between the centers of your deck's support joists. Standard spacing is typically 16 inches on center (OC), but some designs might use 12 or 24 inches OC. This affects the number of fasteners needed.
- Waste Factor (%): It's always wise to account for some material waste due to cuts, errors, or damaged boards. A typical waste factor for decking projects is 5-10%.
Understanding Your Results
The calculator provides the following estimates:
- Total Deck Surface Area: The total square footage of your deck.
- Trex Decking Boards: The estimated number of Trex decking boards required, based on your chosen board length and accounting for your specified waste factor.
- Trex Hidden Fasteners: These clips create a seamless, screw-free deck surface by attaching boards to the joists from the side. The estimate accounts for the number of connections needed.
- Trex Starter Clips: Used to secure the very first board to the joists, providing a clean edge.
- Trex Fascia Boards: The total linear feet of fascia needed to cover the perimeter of your deck, giving it a finished look.
Important Considerations for Your Deck Project
While this calculator provides a solid starting point, remember these additional factors:
- Stairs and Railings: This calculator does not include materials for stairs or railing systems. These will require separate calculations based on their specific designs.
- Substructure: The calculator focuses on the decking surface. You'll also need to plan for your deck's substructure, including posts, beams, and joists.
- Trex Collections: Trex offers various decking collections (e.g., Trex Transcend, Trex Enhance, Trex Select) with different price points and aesthetics. This calculator estimates quantities, not specific costs, which will vary by collection and retailer.
- Professional Installation: If you're hiring a contractor, they will typically handle material estimation and procurement. This calculator can still be useful for understanding the scope of materials.
- Local Building Codes: Always check local building codes and regulations, as they may dictate specific material requirements or construction methods.
By using this calculator and considering these additional points, you'll be well on your way to planning and building your beautiful Trex deck!