[gfs69]

I did some searching, but didn't come up with much. Anyway, our MTB organization may be in the running to receive some donated Trex lumber to use on our trails. The question has come up about how slippery this stuff would be if used in this manner. My old deck was made of the stuff, and I loved it. I didn't find it slippery at all. Of course I never took my mountain bike across it either. So, does anyone have any experience using it, or something similar on their trail? Would it be good for supporting boards and not the tread? Thanks!

 

[nov0798]

Well Trex really has no structural strength, so as long as its well supported it should be ok. If your worried about it being slick, then just rough it up, but it shouldn't be a problem. They use it on pool decks, and boat deck, so it should be ok

 

[bweide]

It might work really well for building over swampy ground, since it wouldn't soak up water or rot. May build up some cross pieces from multiple layers of Trex and then build the decking out of single layer Trex.

 

[nov0798]

NO but it does get moldy! As long as the structure has I think 12 O.C. joists, youll be fine.

 

[gfs69]

One of the main areas that we were thinking of using it on is through a fairly wet area that basically sees mostly full sun light most of the time. Basically a board walk. This may help with the mold issue.

 

[nov0798]

NO, it wont. My deck sits in the sun almost all day, and still gets moldy, its just a fact of life.

 

[mudflap]

if it's free, use it...it's as good as wood or better, but it does swell when in wet conditions. i've seen it. even seen it decompose, as in exfoliation.

 

[cjohnson]

let us know

Try it and let us know. I would speculate it will be fine.

The trex I have used is smooth on one side, wood grain texture on the other.

I used trex to build an uncovered, outdoor shower and changing room. This structure is approx 12' x 8' and has an airy wall surrounding it.

The trex is attached to treated lumber. It is now 7 years old, it is used heavily in Summer, and has zero mold growing on it.

 

[TrailYoda]

NO, it wont. My deck sits in the sun almost all day, and still gets moldy, its just a fact of life.

I have a 2 year old deck with the same problem. The contractor that installed it said there is actually a class action law suit regarding the issue. Still to me it is mostly a cosmetic issue that would not stop me from using it if donated. As was pointed out it does not have much structural strength. It does have better traction that standard pressure treated wood.

 

[tyler243]

if it's free, use it...it's as good as wood or better, but it does swell when in wet conditions. i've seen it. even seen it decompose, as in exfoliation.

Yeah beware of if degrading. They have had huge problems with QC so it has not lasted. our deck made it less than a year in the elements before it started peeling away. :madmax: