Step 1: Install the Picture Frame Border

Select a square-edged (non-grooved) Trex Enhance board for the deck’s perimeter, ensuring a 1.25-inch overhang on both ends to accommodate picture frame borders and stair treads. Start installation at the outer rim, moving toward the house to maintain visual consistency, and pre-cut or notch the first two boards for easier fitting around posts. Additionally, factor in the thickness of the Trex Fascia when planning your frame construction.

Step 2: Measure, Cut, and Attach the First Board

Use 12-inch scrap wood blocks for a uniform 1.25-inch overhang, clamping the square-edge board on the rim joist to mark and cut at a 45-degree angle. Ensure clean, mitered corners with a sharp blade on a miter or circular saw. After securing additional blocks to the rim joist's outside, align and clamp the first boards in place.

Step 3: Fasten the Picture Frame Board

When fastening Trex decking, use Trex-approved composite deck screws with double threads for a neat finish. Using non-approved fasteners can result in mushrooming, an unsecure connection and a multitude of other safety and aesthetic issues. Secure the picture frame board with two screws at each joist, placed at least an inch from edges. Make sure they go into the rim joists below. To avoid splitting, pre-drill through the deck board only, not the frame, even if screws are positioned away from edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Second Deck Board

Measure the gap between the two installed blocks, subtract 11.25 inches for the frame boards and expansion gaps, and cut the second deck board to size. Just like with the first board, mark and notch out spaces for the railing posts.

Step 5: Install the Second Deck Board

Place the second board and use a ripped wood piece to maintain a quarter-inch gap, as it lacks a groove for hidden fasteners. Ensure a 5 and 5/8-inch distance from the block for proper alignment, and secure the board's outer edge with an approved exposed fastener.

Step 6: Transition to Hidden Fasteners

After securing the second deck board, transition to the Trex Hideaway system for the rest of the installation, ensuring a consistent quarter-inch gap. Follow the provided instructions closely.

Step 7: Install the Remaining Deck Boards

Install the remaining deck boards, ensuring a tight fit with the Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fastener Clips. You can start fastening from the middle of the board and work toward the ends, or from one end to the other, based on personal preference. 

Step 8: Cut and Install the Picture Frame Border

After installing the field boards, cut and notch the picture frame boards to length, using a clamped 2x4 for straight cuts. Secure them with Trex-approved screws, ensuring an eighth-inch gap between ends.

Step 9: Decking the Stairs

Begin by attaching fascia to the stringers, then add risers and treads, using the stringers as a cutting template. Secure risers and treads with two screws per stringer

Step 10: Finishing Touches and Preparing for Fascia Installation

Double-check that all boards and screws are secure and flush, then clean the deck of any debris.  Now that your deck surface is complete, you're ready to install the fascia boards for a polished look.

Step 1: Inspect and Prepare the Frame 

Before installing the fascia, inspect the perimeter of your deck's frame if time has passed since the last construction stage. Additionally, leave an appropriate gap at the ends of the fascia boards, adjusting for the temperature during installation to allow for expansion or contraction.

Step 2: Measure, Mark, and Cut the Fascia Board 

Start with a 1x12x12-foot fascia board, trim one end for a clean edge, and mark a 45-degree angle cut on the opposite end's back side. Set your miter saw to 45 degrees and cut.

Step 3: Pre-Drilling and Screwing 

Pre-drill holes and use Trex-approved fascia screws with a pre-drill bit to allow the fascia to float and prevent warping. Secure with screws two inches from each end and spaced at a maximum of 18 inches on center along the fascia.

Step 4: Install the Fascia 

With the fascia board cut to length and pre-drilled, you’re ready to attach it to the frame. Temporarily clamp the fascia, leaving slight gaps at ends for potential shrinkage and movement. Once aligned, securely fasten the fascia to the frame. Install your fasteners flush with the fascia. If you drill these fasteners fully, you run the risk of eliminating the floating effect that allows water to pass through the deck. 

Step 5: Repeat and Finalize 

Repeat the installation steps for fascia boards on both sides of the deck, checking alignment and making any necessary adjustments. 

Step 1: Prepare the Post Sleeves 

Start your Trex Enhance® railing installation by cutting the post sleeves to size using a miter saw, aiming for 38 to 39 inches above the deck for a 36-inch rail height. For horizontal configurations, a 40-inch length is typical.

Step 2: Install Post Skirts and Sleeves 

Install the post skirts first, then the post sleeves to avoid scuffs or damage. Ensure a snug, aligned fit to prepare for the rail sections.

Step 3: Prepare and Cut the Rails 

Assemble the rail sections from your kit, using three 3.75-inch blocks for support, ensuring code-compliant rail height. Ensure equal spacing for the bottom rail between post sleeves, mark for precision, and cut both rails to length.

Step 4: Drill and Attach Brackets 

Drill a 3/16 inch hole in the bottom rail's center for the foot block and add side holes for drainage. Attach brackets to the top and bottom rails. Check the alignment and make sure that everything is secure.

Step 5: Assemble and Install the Rail Section 

Place the bottom rail on a flat surface, supporting balusters with a one-inch decking scrap. Insert balusters into both rails, using a ratchet strap for a snug fit. Rest the assembly on 3.75-inch blocks, align with the post, and secure with a clamp. Fasten using the provided screws, but be careful not to damage the post sleeve.

Step 6: Install the Foot Block and Post Caps 

Secure the adjustable foot block under the rail, making sure it fits into the drilled hole. Tighten it. Install a wood screw to fix it in place and cover it with a sleeve. Finally, attach the post caps using adhesive, allowing ample curing time.

Step 1: Preparation and Initial Setup

Ensure you have all components from the Trex Enhance stair railing kit. Start the installation by attaching the lower post skirt and placing the lower post sleeve temporarily without cutting it to length yet.

Step 2: Spacing and Baluster Hole Alignment

Attach a scrap deck board beneath the bottom rail as a spacer to maintain proper height. Temporarily position the rails, ensuring equal distance of the elongated baluster holes from each post sleeve, with at least two inches for the top rail bracket. Place balusters at each end to measure the distance to the post sleeve. Then, position the top rail, aligning the holes equally from the post sleeves at both ends.

Step 3: Mark and Cut Rails

Carefully mark both ends of the top and bottom rails for cutting, as well as the lower and upper post sleeves at the top of both rails. Proceed to cut both rails to the predetermined length.

Step 4: Rail Bracket Installation

Align the bottom rail with the marked lines on the bottom post, temporarily clamp it, and attach labeled stair adapters to the rail brackets. Secure the brackets to the top and bottom rails using the provided screws, ensuring they are flush or slightly recessed from the rail's end.

Step 5: Foot Block Installation

Mark the center of the bottom rail for the foot block, ensuring it’s within four inches of the tread. Drill a 3/16 inch hole at an angle matching the stairs, then securely attach and align the foot block.

Step 6: Finalize Installation

Center and attach the rails to the post sleeves using the provided screws, aligning with previous marks. Place balusters in the bottom rail and secure the top rail. Adjust and tighten the foot block. Trim the lower post sleeve, then attach post caps with adhesive, securing them with tape while the adhesive sets.

Step 7: Cleanup and Final Touches

Finish the installation by checking that all parts are secure and properly positioned. Remove temporary supports, clean the area, and dispose of excess materials.

Congratulations on completing your 12x16 ft Trex deck build! Enjoy the beauty and functionality of your new outdoor space.