If you’re planning a new deck and you’ve picked Trex decking because it looks great and promises low maintenance, you’re already off to a smart start. You know what? A beautiful Composite deck can still go sideways fast—if you miss a permit, forget proper flashing, or use the wrong fasteners. This guide from Utah Deck Company is for homeowners in Salt Lake City, UT who want a long-lasting deck without the headaches. I’ll walk you through common mistakes, give practical fixes, and point out the little things that trip people up—so your deck spends years doing what it should: making summer evenings and weekend breakfasts better.
Contents
- 1 Who this is for (short and sweet)
- 2 Plan first — because winging it costs more
- 3 Top Installation mistakes and how to avoid them
- 4 Fastening: hidden clips versus face screws — pick what fits
- 5 Framing and structural tips (don’t cut corners)
- 6 Tools and quick reference
- 7 Seasonal care and long-term upkeep in Salt Lake City
- 8 When to call a pro (hint: sooner than you think)
- 9 Ready to get it right?
Who this is for (short and sweet)
This piece is aimed at homeowners who are hands-on enough to want to understand the process, whether you’ll supervise a contractor or take on parts of the project yourself. It’s not a step-by-step how-to for professional framing—but it will help you spot trouble, ask the right questions, and avoid expensive do-overs.
Plan first — because winging it costs more
Here’s the thing: decking looks simple on Pinterest, but it’s a small civil project. Plan early and save yourself stress. Start with permits (Salt Lake City has rules). Check local snow-load and setback requirements. Sketch a layout, measure twice, and triple-check where water will flow.
Key planning checkpoints:
- Permits and inspections: Check with Salt Lake City Building Services before you start.
- Ledger and flashing: A leaky ledger ruins the whole deck faster than you can say “rot.” Proper flashing is non-negotiable.
- Joist layout and load: Don’t guess joist spacing—use manufacturer span tables or consult a pro.
- Drainage and ventilation: Allow airflow under the deck and slope the joists slightly away from the house if needed.
Top Installation mistakes and how to avoid them
Let’s get practical. These are the recurring flubs we see on the job—simple things, but they’ll haunt you later.
Incorrect ledger flashing
People skip or botch flashing because it’s invisible and fiddly. Flashing should be installed under the house siding and over the ledger—seal it, then seal it again. No drama, but do it right.
Using the wrong fasteners
Trex and other composite boards need corrosion-resistant hardware. Stainless steel or manufacturer-approved stainless fasteners are the rule. Cheap zinc-coated screws will corrode and stain the deck.
Poor ventilation and trapped moisture
Composite decks are more forgiving than Wood, but trapped moisture still causes trouble—mold, weird odors, and joist rot. Use proper spacing and leave the substructure breathable.
Improper board spacing for expansion
Composite material expands and contracts. Leave correct gaps between boards and at butt joints—follow Trex guidelines. A tight deck in July might buckle come winter; a roomy deck when hot is fine later on.
Mishandling the boards
Storing boards flat and covered matters. Don’t leave them in direct sun on the ground. Cut on a stable surface, and don’t panic if a few chips happen—use matching end caps or trim for clean edges.
Hidden fasteners give that seamless look, and they’re what most folks want when they choose Trex decking. They work great for field boards but don’t forget stairs, fascia, and edges—those often need face-screws.
Here’s the mild contradiction: hidden clips look cleaner, and yet screws are sometimes the better choice—especially on stairs and trim where strength matters more than appearance. Use the right corrosion-resistant hardware, and always predrill when working near board ends to prevent splitting.
Framing and structural tips (don’t cut corners)
Framing feels like carpentry 101, and yet too many decks fail because framing was underestimated. Let me explain: you can have perfect deck boards and still have a sagging platform if the joists and posts aren’t sized or spaced correctly.
Follow the manufacturer’s span tables for joist spacing. Use joist hangers and galvanized or stainless connectors. Add blocking between joists to prevent twisting. And if your deck ties into the house, use through-bolts or approved ledger attachments—not just lag screws into rim joists.
Tools and quick reference
| Tool | Purpose | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless drill/impact | Fastening | Use clutch to prevent overdriving screws. |
| Circular saw with fine-tooth blade | Cutting composite boards | Score the top face for cleaner cuts. |
| Level, tape, chalk line | Layout and accuracy | Never skip the chalk line—saves hours and curses. |
Seasonal care and long-term upkeep in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City sees a wide range of weather—hot, dry summers and wet, snowy winters. That affects maintenance. Snow loads matter for structure; regular snow Removal with a plastic shovel prevents surface damage. Avoid metal shovels and heavy scrapers.
Cleaning is straightforward: rinse with a hose, use a composite deck cleaner for stains, and avoid high-pressure washers at close range (they can etch the surface). Keep gutters and downspouts directed away from the deck to prevent pooling and excessive moisture under the platform.
When to call a pro (hint: sooner than you think)
Some parts are great for DIY: cutting boards, laying the field boards with hidden clips, installing the fascia—if you’re confident. But if your project involves complex ledger connections, significant elevation, or unusual loads, bring in a contractor. A deck is structural; mistakes can be costly and unsafe.
At Utah Deck Company, we work with homeowners across Salt Lake City, UT to make sure decks are built right from the ledger to the rail. We handle permits, flashing, and structural calculations so you don’t have to stress about late-night internet tutorials.
Ready to get it right?
If you want a beautiful, low-maintenance composite deck that lasts, let’s talk. Call 801-921-6826 or Request a Free Quote from Utah Deck Company. Whether you’re planning a small porch upgrade or a multi-level entertainment space, we’ll help you avoid the mistakes that turn a dream deck into a Repair project. Give us a ring—your future self (and your neighbors) will thank you.
