Most call this decking board reversible because it’s Ribbed/Reeded on one side and grooved on the other with eased corners. You should only install this with the reeded side facing down and thus not a truly reversible board. This profile of decking is difficult to maintain due to the deep grooves.
Should decking be installed Ridge side up or down?
Decking firm Softwoods backs up the argument, stating: "Every decking timber manufacturer will tell you: the proper way to install a board is ridge side down. "The ridges, they say, were designed to let air circulate underneath the boards.
Should decking have grooves on both sides?
So, it turns out the grooves really aren't for grip. Some decking has ridges on both sides for aesthetics, but generally, the ridges should be face down, with the smooth side on top. Millie Hurst is Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home. She first joined the team at the start of 2021.
Which way should a wooden decking board face?
Meanwhile another wood expert told FEMAIL the 'correct way to install a board is with the ridge side facing down', however the decking will still 'work fine' the other way around.
Is Ridge-side or groove-side decking better?
'It just depends on aesthetic and practical preferences,' he says. 'Most decking manufacturers advise ridge side down installation, as it enables air circulation beneath the boards, preventing excess moisture and mould.' He adds that moisture can decrease lifespan, so for long-lasting and robust decking area, go for groove-side down.
Should decking grooves face up or down?
However, every decking timber manufacturer will tell you: the proper way to install a board is ridge side down. The ridges, they say, were designed to let air circulate underneath the boards. This, according to them, prevents the buildup of moisture and, consequently, of mould.
Which side of a deck board goes down?
bark side downA 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.
Which side of wood decking goes up?
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. Wood shrinks and swells twice as much in the direction parallel to the growth rings as it does perpendicular to the growth rings.
Should decking be ribbed side down?
“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. These lead to a less slippery deck as the moisture can drain better, and it can air dry.
What is the correct way to install deck boards?
0:582:44Installing Deck Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRows just put them a little bit it's going to give you a lot better structure on the deck. But. IMoreRows just put them a little bit it's going to give you a lot better structure on the deck. But. I like to do with free drill all the place is that way they don't split. So. Much.
Are decking boards reversible?
Reversible Decking Most call this decking board reversible because it's Ribbed/Reeded on one side and grooved on the other with eased corners. You should only install this with the reeded side facing down and thus not a truly reversible board. This profile of decking is difficult to maintain due to the deep grooves.
Does the crown go up or down on deck boards?
For a board to have a crown, the edges of the wood must arch downwards rather than curling up – referred to as cupping.
How do I stop decking cupping?
The best prevention is to allow ventilation by spreading a healthy layer of coarse gravel over a plastic membrane that allows the rain water to run away and then dry. Skirting the lower sections of the deck also enables moisture to be trapped under the deck. Tops dry, bottoms don't = Cupping.
Does the crown go up or down on deck boards?
For a board to have a crown, the edges of the wood must arch downwards rather than curling up – referred to as cupping.
Are decking boards reversible?
Reversible Decking Most call this decking board reversible because it's Ribbed/Reeded on one side and grooved on the other with eased corners. You should only install this with the reeded side facing down and thus not a truly reversible board. This profile of decking is difficult to maintain due to the deep grooves.
What direction should porch boards run?
On most decks, the decking boards run parallel to the house and across the joists (either perpendicular or at a 45 degree angle).
Can you use the flat side of decking?
All About Grooves Grooved decking offers no superior grip over smooth decking. Laying your decking groove side up can aid water runoff, but this is only possible if your decking is laid at a slight angle. Flat, grooved decking can also lead to standing water and grime build-up, which can be time-consuming to clean.
Why do people put decking upside down?
A post on Instagram says that most people have installed their decking upside down as the ridges are there to encourage circulation and stop rotting - not provide more grip
What is the proper way to install a deck board?
Decking firm Softwoods backs up the argument, stating: "Every decking timber manufacturer will tell you: the proper way to install a board is ridge side down.
Should decking be smooth side up?
The Instagram user replied to people in the comments to say some decking has ridges on both sides for aesthetics, but in general the boards should be installed smooth side up.
Is there a right or wrong way to lay decking?
According to Calum Maddock from home improvement website HomeHow, there is technically no right or wrong way to lay decking. ‘It just depends on aesthetic and practical preferences,’ he says.
Can composite decking be installed on grooved wood?
He agrees that it’s important to allow for enough airflow underneath a deck, but ‘composit e materials can be installed on either the grooved-channel or woodgrain finish as its make-up is better equipped to deal with moisture.’
Is decking good for landscaping?
Decking is a great garden landscaping idea to make your garden more functional all year round. Related: Brilliant budget garden ideas – boost your outdoor space without breaking the bank! So, it turns out the grooves really aren’t for grip.
Is it ok to lay decking ridge side up or down?
If your decking is laid ridge-side up , the chances are you’ve got it the wrong way round. The correct way to lay decking boards for most decking is smooth-side-up, with the ridges there to prevent rot and mould.
Is it hard to clean ridges on a deck?
Laying decking with the ridges visible is certainly a lot harder to clean, as grime and mould gets stuck in the grooves. If your decking space is looking tired, our guide on how to clean and restore garden furniture will help.
What are ridges on decking called?
There are debates that just won’t end. Decking timber usually has ridges that run along the length of the board. Also called “grooves” or “reeds”. These ridges on the board may face up to provide functionality and aesthetics. Or they may be installed facing down, the orientation recommended by manufacturers as the correct way to install them.
What is the number to call for retro fit decking?
For more information on the variety of decking strip products we provide, give us a call on 02380 406796.
Do ridges on a deck keep you from sliding?
The truth about Decking ridges. So, contrary to popular belief, the ridges are not there to keep you from slipping and sliding around your deck. Nor are they intended to make your deck look nice. They are actually there as a structural feature to improve its longevity.
What is internal timber?
Internal building timbers with no risk of wetting or condensation. 2. Internal building timbers with a risk of wetting or condensation. 3. External building, fencing and landscaping timbers used out of ground contact. 4. External building, fencing and landscaping timbers used in ground contact.
Is a grooved deck better than a smooth deck?
Whilst grooved deck boards are often marketed as "anti-slip" there is no evidence to suggest that they perform any better or worse than smooth decking .
Can Class 4 deck support posts be cut?
Use Class 4 components should not be cut, notched or bored if they are then to be used in ground contact. If Use Class 4 deck support posts are cut then the cut end should not be placed in the ground.
Into the Groove
Decking timber usually have ridges that run along the length of the board. Also called “grooves” or “reeds”, these ridges on the board may face up to provide functionality and aesthetics. Or they may be installed facing down, the orientation recommended by manufacturers as the correct way to install them.
Up and Away
The reeded side of the timber boards make for interesting patterns that look sleek and pleasing, thus begging the builders to install them face up.
Down and Dirty
However, every decking timber manufacturer will tell you: the proper way to install a board is ridge side down. The ridges, they say, were designed to let air circulate underneath the boards. This, according to them, prevents the buildup of moisture and, consequently, of mould.
The Verdict
By all means… install the decking timber with the grooves facing down. It’s the proper thing to do.