how can i widen spaces between trek on my deck?

No I'm sorry Jackie, but it's not advisable to rip the decking.

If it's possible to remove the fasteners (screws hopefully) without damaging the existing perhaps it can be spaced properly?

Trex will expand and contract, so you really need to place it following the manufacturers specifications. When it's hot there is a different spacing than if it's cooler.

We've placed these decks for years so we know what needs to be done.

What may be a possible solution that is cost effective, is to remove the the rows at the house, rip a couple of inches off of that at the house then space a few rows out. That may help, it will depend on where the posts are and how much needs to be corrected.

Have a couple of deck pro's look and see what they can do, get references. My condolences on your Dad.

Alter Eagle Construction & Design

http://www.altereagle.com/ | Construction & Design | http://decks-ca.com/ | Decks, California outdoor living | http://kingofcrown.com/ | Molding and finishing | http://installcrown.com/ | Crown tutorial

Dear Homespun:

I am a representative of Trex and came across your post and would like to to offer some assistance.

I understand that you have a deck that was not gapped to the Trex recommendations. We do offer a solution that may be of assistance to you. Please feel free to contact me directly at 800-BUY-TREX or question@trex.com and I would be happy to provide detailed instructions and assist you further.

Brittany

Trex Company

..and what would that solution be.

Alter Eagle Construction & Design

http://www.altereagle.com/ | Construction & Design | http://decks-ca.com/ | Decks, California outdoor living | http://kingofcrown.com/ | Molding and finishing | http://installcrown.com/ | Crown tutorial

If the gap in between the deck boards is too narrow use the Saw Guide by Lounsbury Products.
This circular saw attachment will make it easy to widen the gap. It can also straighten mismatched boards and clean out debris from in between the boards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWB22AOrBYw

If the gap in between the deck boards is too narrow use the Saw Guide by Lounsbury Products.
This circular saw attachment will make it easy to widen the gap. It can also straighten mismatched boards and clean out debris from in between the boards.

The video is at a new address:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=6K-g1KjRqUQ

I just used the Lounsbury circular saw attachment on a Trex composite deck. I thought the attachment was a bit kludgy (super glue), but it works. We've seen how much better the first deck looks with perfectly uniform gaps that I'm going to use it on another deck. A couple of things to consider:

1. After starting with a single blade and having to make multiple passes, I installed two new saw blades (24 tooth for composite decking) and did everything in one pass.

2. Work from right to left because the saw will throw the majority of the sawdust to the right. Have a way to clean up the sawdust that piles up as you work, like a Shop Vac.

3. Be patient. If the saw starts to bind, let off the pressure so it doesn't ride up out of the slot, which can cause kick-back and nick your deck boards. This is most likely to happen where debris clogs the gap. Cleaning out beforehand helps, or just do it with the saw and take your time.

Bottom line, worth the money.

I’d like to try this but thinking it would work better with only the back tab installed to fit between the boards. My boards have zero clearance so The front tab would prevent the blade from advancing. The back tab and blade should be sufficient to align the saw for a straight cut. I never knew I could install two blades on my saw so thanks for that tip I will definitely try and have several spare blades on hand. My deck is 16x23 so that’s a lot of cutting.