How much space should be 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.
What is the ideal gap between decking boards?
- Deck drainage (pitch the deck slightly, such as 1/4" in 10 ft and assure there are drainage gaps between boards)
- Proper deck flashing at building abutments and ledger board
- Ventilation under and through the deck (thus gaps affect ventilation and thus moisture uptake) No air movement under deck means more moisture retention and shorter deck life. ...
What size gap should I use between decking boards?
The goal is to have about an 1/8-inch gap (the diameter of an 8d nail) between boards after the decking has dried to its equilibrium moisture content. If the decking is installed wet, as is often the case for pressure treated material, it is best to install the boards tight, letting gaps form as the wood dries.
How much space between deck floor boards?
The first thing you need to consider and check is if your local building code covers deck board spacing. There are plenty of jurisdictions that follow the International Building Code. And according to code, you will need to leave a minimum of 1/8 in (0.32 cm) gap between your deck boards.
What is the best spacing between deck boards?
What if Space Between Decking Boards is Too Wide?
What does it mean when a deck has a gap?
Why do you need a gap in a deck?
How much gap between composite deck boards?
What happens if you don't space your deck?
Why do deck boards expand?
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What is the best spacing for deck boards?
¼” to 3/8” inchThe 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 gap between decking boards UK?
5-8mmHow 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.
Should you leave a space between 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 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.
Do deck boards shrink or expand?
Deck boards will shrink, and not only that, they will even expand. Fibers have the ability to hold moisture in them. So when the outside environment is humid, the fibers collect moisture and expand, leading the boards to expand. In the dryer seasons, they lose moisture and shrink as a result.
How much gap do you need between composite decking boards?
One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have a 1/4-inch to 3/16-inch gap between the decking boards (don't exceed 1/2 inch). This space is important for two reasons.
Should I screw or nail deck boards?
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 pressure treated deck boards 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 much space between deck boards?
Proper wood deck board spacing should have at least a 1/8 inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your wood or treated deck boards while they are still wet boards, then they should be attached without a gap between them. The gap will be created as the fresh wood slows dries and contracts within the first month.
What Should Deck Board Spacing Be?
From natural and pressure-treated decking options to the rich, versatile colors of composite deck boards; learning how to install deck boards properly can truly make your outdoor space shine to its fullest. Whether attaching the deck boards via wood deck screws or color-matching deck fasteners, or using a proprietary hidden deck fastener system; learning what deck board spacing should be is crucial.
What is the purpose of spacing between deck boards?
Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Gaps that are narrow (1/8”), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out. Larger gaps, such as 1/4”, allow more of this material to fall through the deck.
Why is decking important?
Your choice in decking is very important because it is the surface you will see, walk on, maintain and have to live with for years to come. Do some research on our site to find a material that lends itself to your tastes.
What is man made decking made of?
There are over a hundred different man-made decking products on the market today. Most are composed of wood-plastic composite, capped composite, vinyl and aluminum. They offer low-maintenance and a variety of appearances. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What kind of wood is used for decking?
People used redwood, cedar, pressure-treated pine and even some exotic hardwoods. Wood has some beautiful natural characteristics, but also requires some maintenance. Decking comes in many forms these days. There are over a hundred different man-made decking products on the market today.
Is ventilation necessary for a deck?
Ventilation below the deck is also enhanced by the gaps between the deck boards, but this is only important in ground-level decks. For lumber decking, both the moisture content of the lumber and the environment its installed in matter.
How much gap between 6 inch boards?
A 1/4" gap between 6-inch wide boards can give as much as 1/2" total gap if the boards are installed damp or wet and then dry out - a bit more than desired - as your question suggests. However the risk of buckling or of loss of drainage when the boards are fully expanded in wet weather is perhaps the determining concern.
How thick is pressure treated deck board?
We include a description of tightly-butted tongue-and-groove pressure treated deck boards as well as typical 5/4" thick pressure treated deck boards that should be spaced for drainage.
How much spacing should I use for a Cumaru deck?
I would follow the specific hardwood seller's recommendations on spacing; Unless you have different instructions from the provider of your specific Cumaru decking, you should use a 1/4" gap for deck board spacing for Cumaru decking, though you might be ok with 3/16" for more-narrow deck boards.
Why do deck joists need to be protected?
In decking applications subject to continuous wet conditions or the buildup of leaves and tree debris, it is best to protect the tops of the joists from moisture.
What is Vycor deck protector?
Another proprietary product for this application, Vycor Deck Protector™, is available from Grace Construction Products. Membranes such as Vycor Deck Protector can also be used as a barrier between pressure-treated joists and joist hangers, flashings, or other metal hardware to reduce corrosion.
What is the space for hardwood floors?
Many sellers of hardwoods instruct to space at 3/16 – 1/4”. Thank you. - Anonymous by private email 2019/10/16
Who wrote the best practices guide to residential construction?
This article series includes excerpts or adaptations from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss, courtesy of Wiley & Sons . Also see our BOOK REVIEW of that book.
How much space do deck boards need?
How much space deck boards will need depends on the outdoor temperature at the time of installation.
How much spacing between boards?
A minimum of 1/8” to 1/4” side-to-side spacing between the boards, depending on which fastener you use.
Why is deck board spacing important?
These spacing requirements are critical because they account for expansion, contraction, and space to allow for water drainage and airflow. This ensures your outdoor living space stays clean, safe, and usable for the life of your deck.
Why is wood decking susceptible to mold?
Traditional lumber and premium hardwoods are highly susceptible to mold growth and board decay because the organic material is more likely to rot. Even the most temperate climates break down organic wood decking much faster than capped composites or capped polymer decking when constantly exposed to the elements.
Why are deck boards rotting?
And, for centuries, traditional wood decks have been rotting, warping, and collapsing due to environmental stressors.
Why is water drainage important for deck boards?
Water drainage and airflow are critical to deck board spacing because mold and moisture damage threaten to ruin your deck’s aesthetics, substructure, and life span – especially with wood decks. Even though there’s significantly less of a chance of that happening with composite decking, it’s best to be vigilant.
What is side to side spacing?
Simply follow the chart below. Proper side-to-side board spacing allows for air, water, and debris to flow around the decking, leading to a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck.
Why spacing deck boards?
Makes for Easier Cleaning. Another benefit to proper deck board spacing is that the spaces help make it easier to sweep away debris from the surface of the decking. While debris may not seem like a big deal, it will take away from the aesthetic of your deck.
What is deck spacing?
Spacing on a deck refers to the small edge-to-edge gap between decking boards, not the ends of the boards. While this gap is fairly small, it is still a crucial component to any good deck. 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, ...
Why Is Deck Spacing Necessary?
The most important reason to have a spacing gap is to allow the boards the room to expand and contract naturally.
How to determine spacing for wood boards?
The best way to decide the appropriate spacing for your boards is to check the moisture content of the wood before installation. The amount of moisture in the wood will let you know whether the wood will expand or shrink right away. As the humidity increases, the moisture content increases which causes the wood to expand.
Why is it important to maximize air flow underneath and around deck boards?
In order to minimize cupping and expansion / contraction of the boards throughout the seasons , it is important to maximize air-flow underneath and around the deck boards.
What is the gap between 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.
What is the moisture content of exterior wood?
Typical moisture contents for exterior wood products are between 10% and 14%, depending on the local climate and humidity - anything above 15% is considered high moisture content and thse boards will likely continue to shrink.
How many inches of joist spacing for 45 degree deck?
Composite decking brands also generally require 12 inches O.C.joist spacing for 45-degree or angled composite deck board applications. This ensures that
How many inches should deck joists be?
Deck joists are typically spaced either every 12 inches or 16 inches on center. The maximum joist spacing you can use will depend on the size and allowable span of your joists.
Why Do I Need To Plan My Deck With The Right Joist Spacing?
It’s essential to plan your joist spans and joist spacing correctly - this makes sure your deck will meet building codes and makes it much quicker and easier to get the building permits you need to get started on your deck project. More important than all that, though: joist spacing and span requirements are based on tried-and-true industry standards, and they’re in place to make sure your deck is safe and structurally sound for you, your family, and your friends.
When do you need 1/4 inch gap for decking?
If the deck is installed in the winter, then you definitely need that 1/4″ gap. In the humid climates you might want to bump that out a 32nd or a 16th of an inch for insurance. So when your customer answers your “when” question and tells you they want a 1/4″ gap in May. Then you need to run some numbers and figure out just how much that decking is going to expand and contract throughout the year.
How much gap should I use for a deck in the winter?
In the above scenario where I installed the deck in the summer, I could install it with very little gap. In the winter I would end up with a typical 1/4″ gap. You still want a little gap just to let rainwater drain through. With no drainage comes standing water and a whole new set of movement issues.
What happens to IPE decking in the summer?
The good news to this is that installing a deck during this weather assures you that your Ipe decking (or whatever wood species you choose) is at one extreme of the wood movement spectrum. In other words, the wood will move, but only in one direction (contracting instead of further expanding). Decking is swollen with high humidity all across the Midwest, South, and East coast. All of those wood fibers are like a bundle of straws, and they have sucked up the moisture that is in the air, expanding the board width.
How does moisture affect decking?
The moisture content of the decking boards, how long they have had time to acclimate to your environment. How much sun the deck receives, how much rain, temperature swings throughout a day, ventilation beneath the deck, and so much more. All of these factors will effect the amount of space you put between your deck boards.
Do boards expand evenly?
In reality, boards don’t always expand evenly, and it will vary depending on where the board was located within the original log. Usually the boards expand beyond that 1/4″ gap, and now the boards are buckling and possibly cracking since they have no place to go.
Do quartersawn boards move?
Quartersawn boards barely move across the width whereas flatsawn boards will move the most (the examples above use flatsawn boards since this is most common). Now not only will the gap change, but it may not change consistently across the entire deck. Choosing Deck Spacing Between Boards.
How to make a wood board not split?
Drill pilot holes for screws at board ends so the wood doesn’t split later. Start the holes about 1/2 in. from the end of the board. Blunt nail tips. Blunt the tip of a nail with your hammer to help avoid splits. The nail will punch through the wood rather than wedging it apart.
What to do if you miss a nail on a deck?
But the downside is that if you miss the nailhead, you’ll leave a deep “elephant track” in the decking. Use a 1/4-in. plywood cushion to protect the deck boards in case you miss with a hammer. It allows you to concentrate on nailing without worrying about denting the deck boards. Next, learn how to choose the best deck finish here.
How to straighten crooked boards?
Straighten a crooked board by slipping a pipe clamp across the end and gradually tightening it as you add nails. This only works if you’re letting the ends of the boards run long and cutting them off later.
How to boost a board?
Drive a toenail into the edge of the board for an extra boost . A few extra whacks will nudge the board into position.
Can nails split boards?
Even nails can cause splitting, especially near the ends of boards. Avoid this problem by predrilling a hole the size of the nail shank. Another trick is to blunt the tip of the nail with your hammer before pounding it in. “Splitless” ring-shank nails work well but can bend and break, especially near knots.
How Far Apart Should You Place Floor Joists on a Composite Deck?
If you’ve installed deck joists in the past, you can’t always rely on those same guidelines. Composite materials have changed drastically over the years, improving in both performance and appearance.
How many inches between joists for composite decking?
Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a maximum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. Some brands, like WearDeck, let you get away with more – reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom, WearDeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches OC.
Why is Joist Spacing So Important?
If the joists are not all the same exact height, the deck’s surface will be uneven.
What happens if you space joists too close together?
However, if you space your joists too close together, it will be difficult to install supporting elements such as joist hangers, blocking, and flashing .
What does "on center" mean on deck joists?
What Does “On Center” Mean? The distance between two deck joists is measured in inches “ on center”, commonly abbreviated as “OC”. If you were to draw a line down the center of two joists and then measure the distance between them as 16 inches, that measurement is 16 inches on center.
Why is my deck failing?
Your deck can begin to fail prematurely if the framing is weak. Be sure to follow your composite decking manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, and keep the following tips in mind.
How to support joists?
Support your joists with blocking. Blocking is a common technique that involves putting small pieces of decking material between joists to increase rigidity and prevent them from twisting or sagging. Blocking can be done along the perimeter of the frame, mid-span, or both.
What is the best spacing between deck boards?
Generally, an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. Both sizes have their pros and cons. The eighth-inch spacing provides for a safer surface for walking. Smaller gaps mean fewer trip hazards or opportunities for high heels or a child’s fingers to get caught in the cracks.
What if Space Between Decking Boards is Too Wide?
Despite your best efforts to get the right gap between each deck board, you’ve ended up with gaps that are too wide. What do you do? Is ripping up the boards and doing a full reinstall your only option?
What does it mean when a deck has a gap?
Smaller gaps also mean your deck won’t drain quite as well as a deck with larger gaps. It is also more likely to trap debris. Smaller gaps mean more boards, which means more weight on your deck. Quarter-inch spacing does allow for better ventilation, drainage and debris removal.
Why do you need a gap in a deck?
While the gap in your deck boards may seem like a small step in a deck project, the gap size you choose serves a significant purpose. Decking board spacing provides airflow through your deck, allowing evaporating air to escape. This helps to keep your deck’s framework dry and rot free.
How much gap between composite deck boards?
Like real wood, composite boards will also expand and contract as the humidity changes. Leave at least a 1/8″ gap between composite boards. Determining the gap with pressure-treated decking can be a bit more complicated.
What happens if you don't space your deck?
Deck spacing isn’t anything to take lightly. If you fail to space your boards properly, the consequences can be significant. Poorly spaced boards can lead to damage to deck boards and even your deck framing, or it may leave gaps that may make your deck unsafe for walking. Quick Navigation [ show]
Why do deck boards expand?
Because decks are outside, they are continuously exposed to changing humidity. During more humid seasons, like summer, decking will soak up more moisture, causing the boards to expand.
