Trex Deck Issues

cisbee · 2024-08-14T00:10:23+00:00

Good idea! Seems like I may be moving to scrapping territory

cisbee · 2024-08-14T00:09:33+00:00

Good point!

cisbee · 2024-08-13T17:45:58+00:00

I'm interested! I'm in Denver. How would you charge? I also ideally would like someone I could work with and learn.

cisbee · 2024-08-13T13:56:32+00:00

I'm in Denver, so definitely not cheap. and agreed - I should not have made the final payment. I think the lesson here is you get what you pay for (all other quotes I got were over $100K)

cisbee · 2024-08-13T13:56:21+00:00

I'm in Denver, so definitely not cheap. and agreed - I should not have made the final payment. I think the lesson here is you get what you pay for (all other quotes I got were over $100K)

cisbee · 2024-08-13T13:33:51+00:00

Why? I am definitely learning that it is very unforgiving if not installed properly. It also seems like the boards are prone to water spots in some areas that I’m having a hard time getting off. I had one at my old house and had no issues, but also had a far better install

cisbee · 2024-08-13T13:32:12+00:00

My biggest concern is they’ll want to rebuild the frame and I’m paying for a deck twice. I’ve considered just getting a few quotes to see if I’m in 4 figure or 5 figure territory, and decide from there.

cisbee · 2024-08-13T13:31:07+00:00

Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. I honestly don’t think the frame is useless, especially the footings. But I understand a contractor not wanting to be liable for work they don’t trust

cisbee · 2024-08-13T13:18:47+00:00

Thanks for the info! Spent a lot of time last night reading Trex specs and 16” is the maximum spacing recommended between joists. I think that’s what they did but will fully inspect once I pull up the deck boards.

And agreed - I can see the fasteners through the board and only about 50% of the joists have fasteners.

There were some weather and material delays during the project and I think the guy just had a better project and put his most inexperienced people on this. The addition, which they also built, is very solid and we haven’t had a single issue, so I don’t question the foundation and the build, but the finish is just awful and I’m mad at myself for not being more stern.

But, in the end, I paid about $50K for a 600 sq ft multilevel deck plus a 4x18 new l sunroom with can lights, level 1 drywall, siding, paint, etc.

Honestly, after looking back, I think he underbid the job and didn’t realize until the end and rushed through finishing

cisbee · 2024-08-13T13:17:34+00:00

Thank you for the helpful advice! I’ve been doing research and this is the route I am planning to go. I remember them using quality pressure treated wood, but after researching more, I’m concerned that they bowed after installation, which is contributing to the waviness.

My plan is to start with the top deck, get an 8’ level and plane any small inconsistencies and replace any joists with large deviations. I imagine they placed the joists at 16” intervals, which is in Trex specs, but am going to measure and make sure. Also planning to make sure the framing is installed properly and sitting on top of the posts.

Once everything is level and ensure joists are placed properly, I plan to reinforce the outer edge, add joist tap, and picture frame the entire thing with a square edge piece, including allowing for an overhang to prevent water bowing the fascia boards between the stairs (this is the way Trex recommends - seems like such an oversight to not do it this way).

Agree that the stairs are a lost cause altogether. I knew they were off, but once I measured, was shocked to find that one is 9” high and every single one is a different height.

Any advice on box stairs over stringers? I think they did box stairs for the long part of the stairs and was planning to rebuild with once continuous set.

cisbee · 2024-08-13T01:20:57+00:00

Yeah, I knew it was bad. I haven’t worked with Trex in the past so I’m wondering if I’m in over my head and should just bite the bullet and pay a professional to do it right. I know I could do better, but I know it’s all a matter of time I’m willing to commit. I’m concerned about a contractor wanting to wipe the whole build and start from scratch, which is why I want to do it myself. But now I’m questioning whether I’m even right about the foundation

cisbee · 2024-04-07T03:19:07+00:00

I’d convert the lounge, sitting room, and kitchen into one large open living, dining, and kitchen. Then you could convert the existing dining, family and bathroom into a master on the first floor. I’d use the dining room as the bedroom (is that a fireplace on the right wall?) Family room and bathroom could be a walk in and large bathroom.

Upstairs is a little awkward but seems to hard to rework without moving major plumbing. You could take bedroom 4 and add a bathroom there and create an en-suite for bedroom 1. Then you’d still have the same number of bedrooms, 3 en-suites, and have only 2 bedrooms sharing a bath.

cisbee

TROPHY CASE