When it comes to outdoor cooking, the grill is an essential component of any setup. It allows you to cook delicious food, soak in the fresh air and enjoy the company of friends and family. However, if you have a Trex deck, there are a few precautionary steps to take before setting up your grill.
In this article, we will go over how to protect your Trex deck while grilling. We’ll discuss everything from understanding Trex decks and grills to protective measures that can be taken to prevent damage caused by heat. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to outdoor cooking on your Trex deck, this guide will help ensure that your experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible.
Understanding Trex Decks and Grills
Before we dive into how to protect your Trex deck from the grill, it’s essential first to understand these two components. Here’s what you need to know:
A Brief History of Composite Decking and Trex Decks
Composite decking has come a long way since its inception in the 1990s. Early composites were susceptible to problems with fading, staining, mold/mildew growth, cracking/splitting/rotting issues – all issues that TREX engineers solved with time; making their product more durable than wood.
Trex decks are made of a composite material consisting of wood fiber or flour blended with plastic polymers such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). This creates an almost maintenance-free decking surface that won’t rot or splinter like natural wood.
Types of Grills and Their Heat Sources
Grills come in various forms – charcoal, gas-powered or electric – each offering advantages depending on one’s preference.
Whatever type you choose comes with different heat sources used during operation. Charcoal uses burning bits set alight with lighter fluid; Gas powered uses propane gas tanks directly connected to the grill. Electric grills provide heat via coils powered by an electrical socket.
Why Heat Can Damage a Trex Deck
Despite its durability, Trex decking can be prone to damage caused by heat when exposed excessively or direct contact. High temperatures can cause the material to warp, stain/grill marks and crack; issues that affect your deck’s aesthetic and speed up the rate of wear and tear on it.
Precautionary Measures Before Grilling on a Trex Deck
Taking necessary precautions before installing the grill is essential for protecting your deck from potential damage. Here are some essential tips:
Necessary Safety Precautions Before Installing a Grill on Your Deck
Before installing a grill on your Trex deck, ensure that it complies with local laws and homeowner’s association (HOA) requirements in your area. This requires providing enough clearance between grill components and surrounding structures or combustibles like furniture, plants, propane tanks and awnings.
If overlooked, these regulations can lead to problems with insurance if disaster strikes. To avoid unwanted situations when using open flame grills kindled indirectly close to nearby structures consider portability options like electric grills or multi-item clamp-on tabletops.
Make Sure Your Grill Is in Good Condition Before Placing It on the Deck
Regular cleaning and upkeep of the grill go hand-in-hand with preserving your Trex deck from damage. With regular upkeep comes fewer chances of grease/oil spills around your cooking station as well as protection against metal pieces corroding over time· Ensure that Your Grill Is Compact Enough Not to Cause Any Unnecessary Stress on Your Decking Surface
Your new deluxe outdoor gas BBQ may have all the bells and whistles of built-in side burners, drink cabinets but overlooking its size will take a toll on shared weight-bearing decks as contented barbecue enthusiasts pile up waiting for their turn next.
Tips for Safely Relocating an Existing Grill onto Your Deck
If you’re looking to relocate an existing grill onto your Trex deck, there are a few things that you should consider first. Make sure that the deck’s surrounding area is clear of any debris or combustible materials. This means thoroughly cleaning surfaces like adjacent flooring and wooden handrails that form part of the area.
Here is an essential checklist before moving your equipment in place;
- Test whether the deck can carry additional weight effectively
- Keep a fire extinguisher or other fire-safe gear on standby when cooking outdoors per advisement from USFA.
- Ensure that plumbing and wiring are well isolated with no sharp protruding edges or chipped paint.
Protective Coverings for Your Trex Deck
Using protective coverings like mats and screens can help protect your Trex deck from heat damage caused by grilling.
Overview of Protective Coverings You Can Use as Protective Measures
There are two primary protective covering types – Grill Mats & Splatter Screens – which we will go through below:
Using Grill Mats on Your Trex Deck
Grill mats are synthetic fiber mats that act as a barrier between your grill and decking surface during cooking, trapping any grease, marinades or food drippings preventing unsightly stains/blemishes on your otherwise sparkling clean Trex planks.
When choosing a grill mat for your Trex deck, ensure you get one that fits snug into space with proper measurement estimates well defined. Usually measuring not less than 32” x 60” long dimensions should be considered so it covers all areas containing flammable materials such as wood plank structures nearby·
Advantages of using grill mats include protection against grease oil spills and flame relief but don’t forget its recommendations as part of an effective cleaning regimen too. Never leave greasy messes to dry; wipe away spills with warm soapy water after use and store mat away safely once dry.
Installing Splatter Screens on Your Trex Deck
Splatter screens are another protective covering you can use to protect your Trex deck from the grill. These mesh or metal screens act as a barrier around your cooking station to prevent hot grease and oil from splattering onto the decking surface.
When it comes to splatter protection, one size doesn’t fit all types of surfaces. To ensure that your Trex deck stays protected effectively with a splatter screen around the cooking station, take accurate measurements of space and wall/floor cutouts and choose accordingly – Adhesive attachment vs Magnetic Attachment Method.
Not only are splatters screens useful for keeping your deck clean but also contribute towards improving cooking temperatures giving better grilling results consistently.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Trex Deck While Grilling
Maintain cleanliness and upkeep by following appropriate cleaning methods between grills while using your Trex deck.
Best Cleaning Methods to Keep Your Trex Deck Clean While Grilling
Regular cleaning remains essential for ensuring that performance is consistent over time; this includes clearing out any debris, spills or food substances between recessed grooves in decking planks to prevent trapping bacteria, mold or mildew infections.
Some cleaners like oxygen bleach products can be found well-stocked on online stores like Amazon, Home Depot and check manufacturer recommendations for detergent types ideal for composite decking material. And always stick with Soft-bristle brush alternatives when cleaning as hard abrasive cleaners could lead to scratching off its protective shield.
Long-Term Maintenance Suggestions That Protect Against Damage Caused by Grilling
Decking boards can expand or contract due to temperature differences during operation over time. Regularly check for damages caused by weathering – Things like scratched marks caused by metal objects stepping on tiles too often or accumulation of tough stains/caked-on grease should be scrubbed away as soon as possible.
Also, keep health safety manuals readily available around areas involving open flames amongst family members· Remember: Regular maintenance safeguards your Trex deck lifespan against wear and tear.
What to Avoid When Grilling on Your Trex Deck?
Grilling on the Trex deck comes with a set of rules to follow. Here are some things you should avoid:
Common Practices That Could Potentially Harm or Damage Your Trex Deck When Grilling
Don’t scrape grease into nearby gutters as it could cause clogging, unwanted messes and further compromise water resistance capabilities. Also no direct flame grilling, placing coals/solid fuel pits/drums directly onto surfaces without appropriate barricading is not recommended with composite decking materials.
Another thing to keep in mind is minimizing wear and tear by giving it time to breathe without stacking unnecessary weight or too many heavy furnishing. A suggested rule of thumb for reducing stress while moving heavy equipment or wheels around the surface area would be to use rolling trays of leveling kit for raising heights minor variations evenly across the paddled areas.
What to Do if Your Trex Deck Sustains Damage from Grilling
Even with all the precautions taken, accidents are bound to happen now and then· Here’s what you can do when damage is inflicted upon your Trex wood boards
Repair Suggestions for When Your Deck Has Sustained Damage from Grilling
Small burns may require treating with oiling techniques like sanding other scoured surfaces gently; larger damages may need replacing entirely.
In some instances, professional resources like certified repairmen come in handy options where expertise is required like bent planks requiring replacement section fronts needing a clean cut around exposed edges before being screwed down right into place evenly spaced out arrangements visually appealing while effective enough against slight movements.
Conclusion
Grilling on your trex deck doesn’t have to be risky when proper measures are put in place before open flames are set up. By following these tips and tricks highlighted in this guide, you can go about grilling without worrying about potentially causing damage to your trex deck.
From necessary safety precautions before installing a grill on your deck, protective coverings for your Trex deck and cleaning and maintenance suggestions that protect against damage caused by grilling, to what to avoid when grilling on your Trex deck, with the right know-how, you can enjoy the outdoor cooking experience while taking care of your Trex deck.
Q&A
- Q: Can I put my grill directly on my Trex deck without any protection? A: It is not recommended to place your grill directly on your Trex deck as it can cause discoloration and even melt the surface. A fire-resistant mat or a metal tray placed under the grill is a better option.
- Q: Is it safe to move my hot grill across my Trex deck? A: No, dragging a hot grill across your Trex deck can cause scratches and damage to the surface. Use caution when moving the grill and avoid doing so while it’s hot.
- Q: How can I clean grease stains from my Trex deck that were caused by grilling? A: To remove grease stains, use warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers which can cause damage.
- Q: Are there any specific types of grills that are safer for use on Trex decks? A: Gas grills are generally considered safer than charcoal grills as they produce less heat and smoke. However, it’s still important to use a fire-resistant mat or tray underneath the grill to protect the deck from high temperatures.
