Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - trex accent which side is best
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dvatt
07-31-08, 09:12 AM
I am getting ready to build my deck using a herringbone pattern. Which side of the accent boards do people recommend. I hear if you use the smooth side you can "fix" scratches better by sanding vs using the wood grain side.
Pat M
07-31-08, 02:07 PM
Dear dvatt:
Trex does not recommend sanding at any time. If you are doing the herringbone pattern, it is really a matter of preference.
In addition all our material meets and exceeds those specifications set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that our material must have a coefficient of friction of at least 0.6 to be used in public places. Our material has a coefficient of friction of 0.76 when dry, and 0.75 when wet, which is well in excess of what the ADA has decided is adequate for a walking surface to be used by both disabled as well as able bodied persons.
Trex does not recommend sanding at any time. If you are doing the herringbone pattern, it is really a matter of preference.
In addition all our material meets and exceeds those specifications set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that our material must have a coefficient of friction of at least 0.6 to be used in public places. Our material has a coefficient of friction of 0.76 when dry, and 0.75 when wet, which is well in excess of what the ADA has decided is adequate for a walking surface to be used by both disabled as well as able bodied persons.
lefty
07-31-08, 04:03 PM
dvatt,
And I'm a contractor who's installed a lot of Trex, along with a lot of other composites. (It's been over 5 years since I built a wood deck!)
Sanding is absolutely the worst thing that you could do to Trex, or any other composite. When that board is extruded, it's surface is sealed by the plastic component. If you sand it, you are exposing the wood fiber, and THAT is going to draw water or moisture and destroy the board.
Leave the scratches alone. As long as they are just minute suface scratches, they will fade and blend in with time. It they are deep gouges and they bother you, replace the board.
To answer your question -- which side to put up?? -- The only correct answer is 'whichever you like the looks of best'. That's why Trex came up with their Accents line. I've done both, and I have used the reverse side as an visual difference as well. (Most boards oriented one side up, but the perimeter boards flipped over.) And don't be afraid to mix colors as well.
If we all thought the same, all of the cars we drive would still only be available in black!
And I'm a contractor who's installed a lot of Trex, along with a lot of other composites. (It's been over 5 years since I built a wood deck!)
Sanding is absolutely the worst thing that you could do to Trex, or any other composite. When that board is extruded, it's surface is sealed by the plastic component. If you sand it, you are exposing the wood fiber, and THAT is going to draw water or moisture and destroy the board.
Leave the scratches alone. As long as they are just minute suface scratches, they will fade and blend in with time. It they are deep gouges and they bother you, replace the board.
To answer your question -- which side to put up?? -- The only correct answer is 'whichever you like the looks of best'. That's why Trex came up with their Accents line. I've done both, and I have used the reverse side as an visual difference as well. (Most boards oriented one side up, but the perimeter boards flipped over.) And don't be afraid to mix colors as well.
If we all thought the same, all of the cars we drive would still only be available in black!
dvatt
08-01-08, 09:35 AM
Do you have any pictures of the woodgrain side used as the prominent side. I am thinking about the smooth side as the "picture frame"