How to Curve Trex Decking

You have a choice to make if you want to curve Trex decking. You can invest in Trex’s own custom curve heating and bending solution, which consists of a heating unit and separate forming table, or use comparable rigs from other manufacturers. This is likely the best solution if you are a professional deck installer, even at a cost of $3,000 to $5,500 as of publication. If you want to set up your own heating unit, you can do that instead although it will be a more time-consuming process and one that may lead to some board breakage.

Scrap wood
4-by-8 plywood sheets (2)
Drill and bit set
Wood screws
Sonotubes
1-inch dowels
1-inch paddle bit
Propane heater
Portable fan
Work gloves
Deck screws

Instructions

- 1
  Consult your deck plans for the curving radius of your curved Trex decking. Screw blocks of scrap wood in pairs to a sheet of 4-by-8 plywood to create a jig that can accept the heat-softened Trex deck board, which will be pliable like a noodle, in the correct curved shape.
- 2
  Link up sonotubes -- concrete forms -- to a length of at least 8 feet or longer if you are shaping longer deck boards. Rotate the bottom of one sonotube into the top of the next one. Press 1-inch dowels through holes drilled into the sides of the sonotubes at 1-foot intervals to serve as supports for the deck board. Lay a sheet of plywood across one end of the tube to keep the heat in.
- 3
  Lay the first Trex deck board onto the dowels in the sonotube chamber. Turn on a propane heater with a portable fan at the other end. Allow the deck board to heat until it is fairly soft. Put on work gloves then remove the deck board with the help of one or two assistants and gently lay it into the jig. Press the board into its curved shape and gently pat it down to smooth out any buckles in the soft material.
- 4
  Allow the deck board to cool completely. Remove the board from the jig and attach the board with deck screws promptly to the joists before it regain its original shape.

How to Frame a 45 Angle in a Deck

How to Build a Walkout Deck

Decks & Patios