What should deck spacing be?

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 is the best deck spacing?

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.

What is the normal gap between decking?

Adequate spacing between boards provides for possible expansion and also caters for ventilation: · Decking boards up to 90mm wide must have a minimum of 5mm gap between board edges. Decking boards wider than 90mm must have a minimum of 8mm gap between board edges.

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.

How far apart should pressure treated wood be spaced?

Leave Gap: If the pressure-treated wood has been kiln-dried after treatment (KDAT), leave a 1/8” gap (the thickness of an 8-penny nail) between the boards when attaching, since the wood will expand slightly over time.

How to Space Deck Boards

Should I nail or screw pressure-treated decking?

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.

How far apart should joists be for pressure-treated decking?

How wide apart should decking joists be? In North America, joist spacing for residential decks is 12″ to 16″ apart, or according to local building code. Most decks require 16″ spacing for the deck itself, with 12″ spacing used for special applications, such as stairs or commercial structures.

Do you leave spacing between deck boards?

Ideally, with most wood, you want to leave about an 1/8-inch gap between boards after the decking has dried. You can use a spacer to make sure you're consistent throughout the whole deck. Pressure-treated lumber is usually wet when you install it, so you should install those boards tightly together.

Should deck boards be installed crown up or down?

A board that is correctly installed right side up (or bark side down) will form a crown and allow water to run off the edges. 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.

Should you start decking at the house or edge?

You have two options of where to start laying the boards: either at the house wall or the deck rim. Starting at the rim is easier because you do not have to plan the location of each board. If there is space for only a narrow board at the house, it will be supported well and won't look bad.

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.

Should deck boards overhang or flush?

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.

What is the most popular deck size?

The standard or average deck size is between 300 and 400 square feet for most homes. Your deck must be large enough to support guests while still providing space for anything you want to place on the deck, like a grill or a hot tub. The height of your deck is another factor and is determined by the height of your home.

Should deck framing be nailed or screwed?

Screws are superior for laying down the decking. They hold things flush better and have a better fastener/tensile strength, which keeps boards from popping up over time. However, unless you use more expensive structural screws you need to use nails for structural elements and joists.

Do decking grooves go on top or bottom?

Having grooves on the bottom of your decking planks allows for greater airflow from the timber frame beneath and the underside of the board. This is especially important as it prevents the build-up of damp conditions which can lead to wood rot. Additionally, this can also help negate the risk of timber warping.

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.

Do you screw deck boards to every joist?

Tip #1 - Fastening Deck Boards

This means using two screws on each end, and using two screws towards the outside of the boards at every joist along the way. Doing this will help keep the boards firmly in place and won't give it the freedom to warp or cup.

Will pressure treated deck boards shrink?

Even products that are sealed and treated are going to shrink. This most typically occurs across the width of boards, so builders should take into consideration the fact that their lumber will shrink over time. Additionally, as part of the drying stage of treated wood, the boards will crack, also referred to as checks.

Can Trex decking be installed without gaps?

All deck boards must always be installed with a 3-5mm end-to-end or end-to-width gap between boards. There must also be a 6-13mm abutting gap between the boards and other objects such as garden walls or houses.

How much gap do I need for 2x6 decking?

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.

Should I leave a space between pressure-treated deck boards?

Leaving a gap between boards is critical for a well-built deck that will have space to drain, dry, expand and contract without causing the wood any damage. But, you also want to be sure you leave the right size gap: Go too small, and there won't be enough space; go too big, and the gap can become a safety hazard.

Should deck joists be tight?

You want these joists snug, so it is a good sign when the joist fits but is too tight to slide in. Using your #10 nails, and holding the joist in the bracket (the top of the joist should align precisely with the top of the beam or frame here), pound nails into the joist-holding holes.