bending trex

Jul 06, 2006 3 Replies
P

The trex adds love to showcase the deck boards curving this way and that, but I can't find anyone who has actually done this. I've built my Trex deck (no complaints), but I have yet to wrap it in the curving steps. I would like to curve at a minimum radius of 7 feet. I would prefer to use the 1 and 5/8" boards, but I could use the thinner ones if need be. If I just purchase a propane torch, will I be able to bend these boards around? Any and all tips from anyone who has actually done this would be appreciated.



Thanks,



Tom



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N

Trex outlines the procedure on page 27 of their "Product & Installation" manual:

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W

I read somewhere that laying the Trex boards in full sun on hot asphalt will heat them enough to bend. I'd guess from the document that it would be a while and the bending radius would be limited to the specs. I doubt a propane torch will provide 100000 btus.

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B

They will bend in hot sun. I found that out when I built our porch and used Timber Tech composite decking. I purchased 20' long pieces and hauled it with a 16' trailer. I let it set on the trailer in the hot sun and the last 4' was almost touching the ground. I turned them over and them move them in the shade and they were ok.

I used Timber Tech because of the ribbed design and it is tounge and grove and you don't have any exposed nails or fasteners. Bill T

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