Is it OK to flip deck boards?

Flipping the boards will give your deck a whole new look. If your old deck is starting to show its age, flipping the boards can give it a fresh, new appearance. It can save you money. If you're considering replacing your old deck, flipping the boards may be a more cost-effective option.

Can you use decking boards upside down?

They give the buyer the option of grooved side up or down – it's a preference. However, if you do find grooved deck boards with square, sharp top edges on the reverse plain back, they should definitely be fitted with the grooved side up.

Is it OK to stagger deck boards?

Decks feature planks for walking on, but if these boards are shorter than the deck's width, more than one plank has to be used per row. Patterns from staggered joints are a way of helping to spread any necessary planks throughout a pattern.

Should decking boards face up or down?

In truth, the answer is very simple. Lay deck boards so that the best-looking face is facing up! Wood is stable when its moisture content is held above 30%(fiber saturation point). As wood dries below 30% it shrinks.

Does deck board direction matter?

If the board is installed wrong side up (or bark side up) it will curve up on the edges when dry and water can gather and sit in the cup. That is a recipe for wood rot and problems. If you look at a dry deck board from the end grain you can see the rings in the wood.

WizTips: Flipping Boards

What happens if you don t leave a gap between decking boards?

Without the right deck spacing, the boards may expand, cup, and buckle out of place. As a result, you may have to replace broken decking, or reinstall the boards with wider spacing to prevent further cupping and buckling, which can be time consuming and expensive.

Should deck boards be butted together?

Treated wood is often still damp when delivered, so it is recommended to butt deck boards tightly together during installation as they will shrink slightly in width and length as they dry out. This will create acceptable gaps between the boards for water to drain off the surface.

Can you change the direction of deck boards?

The joists are running perpendicular to the home with the support beams running parallel. Changing the direction of decking boards on an existing deck, or a series of multi level decks is a great design technique that can really create subtle but distinct visual interest.

Should I leave overhang on deck boards?

Allow for Sufficient Overhang of Decking

A one to two inch overhang beyond the outer fascia board is sufficient. This means the installed deck boards should have at least 1.75 to 2.75” overhang before the fascia is installed.

Will deck boards shrink or expand?

Deck Boards & Shrinkage

Since the boards are generally installed outside, as time goes by sun exposure is going to dry the boards and make them shrink slightly. However, it won't end there. because of humidity fluctuate, the boards are going to keep on cycling between shrinking and expansion.

What is the minimum gap under decking?

How far apart should decking boards be? Expansion gaps are essential when constructing decking. The gap between each individual deck board allows for rainwater runoff, plus the natural expansion and contraction of the wood throughout its life. You need an expansion gap of 5-8mm between the boards.

How far apart should you nail deck boards?

The Sweet Spot – Most people agree that 3/16” is a good gap between boards. Going more than a ¼” may get a little too wide. The width of a nail head is just about right. Treated Lumber – Usually treated lumber will have some shrinkage so you can butt the boards almost right against each other during installation.

How far apart should 5 4 deck boards be?

If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking with boards with a 2x4 or 2x6 span can be 24 inches. If you run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together. Again, it's essential to know your local codes.

Should deck boards run parallel or perpendicular to house?

Running the boards parallel to the length is always desirable, it gives the deck a much bigger look.

How long should deck boards dry before installing?

One to two weeks is usually sufficient, as long as your wood is stored properly during this period. DON'T: Never install your wood decking or siding immediately. If your outdoor wood acclimates too quickly, you may get excessive surface checking, cupping, twisting, warping or other problems.

Do you start deck boards at house or end?

In most cases, it's best to start with a full board on the outside edge of the deck and work toward the house so the odd board is less visible. Then measure when you're 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width.

How much of a gap should be between deck boards?

Determining Deck Board Spacing

When using wood decking, you want a gap of at least 1/8 of an inch after your decking has dried out. If you're using decking that's already been dried out, you can leave a 1/8-inch gap when you install. Many decks will use “green” wood, or wood that hasn't been dried down or kiln dried.

How do I keep my deck boards from warping?

Use two screws at either end of the board and two more towards the outside of the board at every joist. This will keep the boards in place, giving them no room to move or warp. The longer your screws, the more securely your boards will be placed.

Why are my deck boards warping?

If you've left your decking maintenance for too long you might find the boards have warped, something that happens when the deck hasn't been adequately weather treated. It can also occur when the weather has been particularly bad.

Can you use 1x6 for decking?

When using 1x6 or 5/4x6, the deck must be constructed a minimum of 36” off the ground. There must be adequate air circulation underneath the deck in order to prevent cupping and warping of boards. In wet areas or over water, additional clearance is recommended.

What size wood is best for decking?

For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s. The 5/4 decking, pronounced "five-quarter," is available in cedar and pressure-treated fir, is one inch thick and 5 1/2 inches wide, with rounded edges that make for a splinter-free surface.