Sagging Deck Planks Repair 

I installed a TREX deck 15 years ago. Like yours, my planks gradually started sagging between joists. My joists were spaced 16 inches apart. I found out later that TREX needs 12 inch spacing on joists. I found your video, used your idea and now my trex is almost all level. Thanks for the tip. It worked out great.

Marvelous idea. Not at all what I was thinking would fix it. Thank goodness for professional people.

It looks like the boards are warping because the joist spacing is too large. (can't measure from the video but my guess would be 24") Depending on the composite manufacturer, the maximum spacing should be 12"- 16".

If you're using composite decking, which is not as rigid as PT pine, you need to space your deck joists no more than 12" apart so you don't get this sagging. More work and expense I know, but you have to do it. People need to thoroughly research their project any time they deviate from using time honored materials. Changing materials will almost always necessitate changing the underlying structure as materials have very different characteristics.

Should’ve gone with the spacers and specialty screw for that material. They make spacers that lock in the guides on the side of those planks

Thank you! I just tried this and it worked perfectly.

The joist spacing for composite deck boards should be no more than 16” apart. Your fix is relying on the screws to take the weight load on an angle, which will eventually fail.

Thank you, very informative.

Nicely done Sr, just the solution I was looking for 😎

Pure genius. You are my hero. Thanks Man

That's clever but wouldn't it be cleaner to take the board out and shim or tape the joist(s) below?

That probably won't hold after foot traffic.

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

Every composite board screwed into that joist had the problem. Not enough support.

Nice job. I'm going to try the same technique.

those additional holes now must look horrible and the new screws angled through the side. better than a deck that badly warped I guess.

Wow

Any recommendations if it is warping up?

Would it have the same effect if you placed the side angled screw in from underneath ??

It’s because you have butt joints on top of a joist on center and no support just before it for the boards to lay on

You didn't even stagger the boards!

Pretty smart

Maybe I would used the kreg jig and no holes would be seen anywhere.

That might work but you now have three holes that look like shit in your deck. Plus, your original holes for the decking look like hell. They're not evenly spaced and they're all over the place. Most people go with the trex spacers because it gives a nice clean look without all of the holes. This is not a good solution for people who want a nice looking deck.

Cheap composite crap! It should be warranteed against warpage.