Does the composite decking shrink after installation?

7/31/2018 at 10:09:32 AM

Hi Frank. Composite deck expands and contracts with the temperature. If it was installed in the warmer weather the joints will open up in the colder weather. If it is installed in colder weather and the joints were tights then the decking could buckle in the warmer weather. The manufacturer should say on the installation instructions how much of a gap to leave. Hope this helps.

7/31/2018 at 2:04:13 PM

No it does not. Make sure you use the correct spacers when installing it.

7/31/2018 at 3:32:25 PM

Hi Frank,

Composite decking behaves similarly to regular wood in that it will expand and contract. Composite decking, like Trex, is made from a wood fibre/plastic blend and compressed together similar to that of MDF (press board). As such, it is susceptible to the same swelling that MDF is with exception to the fact that it is plastic based so is vastly more "water resistant" it is not however, despite common belief, waterproof. Or, made entirely of plastic.

Hopefully that helps, but you definitely want to install with adequate spacing to compensate for swelling and more importantly, drainage.

- Tim