Should a deck be perfectly level?

Most contractors suggest sloping the deck 1/4th- 1/8th of an inch for every foot of decking. With this slope, the difference isn't terribly noticeable to those standing on the surface but your chance of ponding is reduced greatly.

Should decking be laid level?

Decking is much easier to lay on a level surface. If it isn't level, you can still lay decking but it might be more difficult. Raised decking can give you extra height that may mean you're not overlooked by neighbours.

Should my deck slope away from house?

If your deck is attached to your home and its boards run parallel to the house, your deck should have a slope. It's best if your deck has a slope of about ⅛ inch per foot to ensure that water flows away from your home.

Should a deck wobble?

5) Does Your Deck Wobble? It does not necessarily mean that there is cause for concern if your deck wobbles as you walk across it. However, the wobbling could loosen joists from the rim joist or leger board over time. This issue can be easily fixed by fastening angle bracing under the deck.

Do deck joists have to be perfectly level?

Look for high/low/uneven joists using a tight string line. Joists must be level and in plane for a flat surface.

How to plane your deck

How do I know if my deck is stable?

Look at the joists

The joists, which also hold the deck up, are equally vital in making sure your deck is stable. If these show rot, that's a bad sign. If the wood is soft, or if you're able to push a screwdriver into the wood, that's an equally bad sign.

What is the minimum gap under deck?

Our decking installation guidelines recommends a minimum 4mm gap for 90mm boards and 6mm minimum for boards up to 140mm. When the gap is insufficient the boards can swell to the point where they are touching with no remaining gap.

What is the maximum allowable gap between deck boards?

The amount of space between deck boards should be anywhere from ¼” to 3/8” inch. You want plenty of space for water to flow between the boards and to allow small debris to fall to the ground. Deck board spacing greater than 3/8” of an inch can become problematic.

How much space should be left between boards on a deck?

When installing new air-dried decking the proper gap ranges from 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) – 1/4 inch (6.5mm) depending on the environment. If you are installing air-dried decking during a rainy or humid season you may want to place the boards with a 1/8 inch (3.5mm) gap.

What should you not do when building a deck?

Should deck boards touch the house?

A proper connection would have a 1/2” to 3/4” gap between the deck construction and the house to allow rain and meltwater from snow to flush through; this prevents rot from forming in the deck timbers, and/or in the adjacent wood of the house framing.

Why would a deck pull away from the house?

Many decks were installed over the years using nails to attach that board. Because of the weight carried by that board and the constant movement of the structure as it is used, those nails can loosen. At some point they will eventually fail and the deck could fall off of the house.

Should decks be level or sloped?

Most contractors suggest sloping the deck 1/4th- 1/8th of an inch for every foot of decking. With this slope, the difference isn't terribly noticeable to those standing on the surface but your chance of ponding is reduced greatly.

Does decking need to flush or overhang?

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.

Should decking be nailed or screwed?

Should I use Decking Nails or Decking Screws? Decking screws are better than nails when building a deck. Decking screws hold down your decking more securely than nails and will stop your decking from warping. Also, you can easily remove screws for deck maintenance without causing damage.

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.

Should I use 2x4 or 2x6 for deck?

Posts: 4x4s or 6x6s are standard for deck posts. Cut cleats and stiffeners from 2x4s; for joists and beams, use 2x6s, 2x8s, 2x10s, or 2x12s. Pick PT lumber with care.

Does it matter which way you lay decking boards?

What is the correct way to lay decking? Any decking board manufacturer or professional will tell you: “The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” The ridges are designed to allow for airflow, to stop moisture sitting in the ridge, and allow for a stronger structure.

Should deck be lower than floor?

Reduce the chance of water infiltration—install the decking a few inches below patio and entry door thresholds. It's true that decking installed at the same level as the interior flooring looks great and makes for a smooth transition, but unless you live in the desert, it's not a good idea.

Should you close in under a deck?

Debris like old leaves and wind blown trash that accumulates can be unsightly and smell bad. To prevent these issues, you'll need to enclose the area under your deck. Just like every other home renovation project, the options can be overwhelming. Maybe we can help with a few ideas.

What is code for spacing on a deck?

Spacing: In general, according to the International Building Code IBC, manufactured deck railing posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. If deck railing posts are spaced further apart than 8 feet, it becomes exceedingly difficult to meet safety requirements given that they should withstand up to 200 lbs.

What is the average life of a deck?

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

Why is my deck shaking when I walk?

Check the Spacing of Your Joists

One reason for a wobbly deck may be that the floor joists are spanning too great a distance. The easiest way to correct this problem is by installing a support beam and posts under the joists to cut the span in half.