Should I space my decking boards?
If you install your decking using wet boards, pressure-treated decking that has not yet dried out, then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink. Deck spacing isn’t anything to take lightly. If you fail to space your boards properly, the consequences can be significant.
What is the standard spacing for Cedar decking?
Cedar Deck Spacing Tips Cedar deck board spacing should be 1/8″. This measurement is usually referred to in two ways:
Do Cedar deck boards shrink or expand?
First of all, cedar deck boards can shrink and expand depending on how high or low the humidity levels outside are. If it is especially dry outside then cedar wood will contract and shrink and if it is quite wet outside or it the humidity levels are high then cedar deck boards will expand.
Should deck boards be in a straight line?
Ultimately, the goal is to have consistent spacing and for the deck boards to be in a straight line. This can be challenging if you’re using natural wood decking because, often, wood decking has a crown, meaning the edge of the deck board has a curve to it.
Why is it important to space cedar deck boards?
How much space between cedar boards?
How much does cedar shrink?
What is the most popular deck in the US?
Does cedar shrink or expand?
Does cedar wood rot?
Is wood a porous material?
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Should I leave 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.
What is proper spacing for cedar deck boards?
Cedar deck board spacing should be 1/8″. These are the two objects that you can wedge between the boards to make sure that you are getting the correct spacing. If you like to use technology then you can use a deck spacer to make your life easier.
Should pressure treated deck boards be spaced?
Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your decking using wet boards, pressure-treated decking that has not yet dried out, then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink.
How much does cedar expand and contract?
Cedar wood shrinks on average about 1/8 inches and it can expand about as much. The amount of shrinkage and expansion depends on a lot of factors like the thickness of the wood, your location, the type of cedar wood, and more.
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.
What is the best spacing for 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.
Is it better to nail or screw 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.
What can I do if the boards on my deck are too close together?
To widen the gap between the deck boards run the saw forward lightly touching one side, then check for clearance. If the space is still too narrow, make a second pass on the other side. You may have to make several passes using the same process to widen the space between the deck boards for desired spacing.
What is the standard gap between decking boards?
Make sure you keep a gap between decking boards to let water drain away and allow for movement. A gap of 10mm between deck boards and external walls of adjacent buildings is recommended for drainage. Board spacing depends on the width of the board but a guide is 3-4mm for 90mm boards and 5-6mm for 140mm boards.
How do you work out deck board spacing?
EXAMPLE: Spacing in the previous formula equaled 3.125 inches and the length of the example deck is 16 feet. First, convert the inches into feet (3.125 divided by 12) to get 0.26 feet. Then multiply 0.26 feet by 16 feet to get 4.16 square feet, the total area of board spacing.
What is the correct way to lay decking boards?
“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.
Is it better to use 2x6 or 5 4 decking?
Many professional deck builders prefer to use 5/4 decking as it is lighter, less expensive, and typically of better quality and appearance than 2×6 decking. Additionally, they also prefer joists spaced at 16” O.C. for strength and durability, regardless of lumber dimensions.
Cedar Deck Board Spacing - Fine Homebuilding
I am building a deck that surrounds a pool. The surface is 5/4 x 6 cedar. The HO as requested that I install the deck w no gap between the […]
Spacing 5/4 Cedar or Pressure Treated Decking – Decks By E3
Contents. 1 Step by Step decking spacing installation. 1.1 Build a spacer, to consistently space cedar decking; 1.2 Installing the first decking board, starting spacing right; 1.3 Wood decking must be installed bark side down; 1.4 Correction lines correcting board spacing every half a dozen boards or so; 1.5 Spacing the last six deck boards; 2 A few extra decking tips. 2.1 What to do if the ...
Why is spacing important on deck boards?
Why The Correct Deck Board Spacing Is Important. Getting the spacing right on your deck is important for two related reasons: It allows snow and rain to pass through. You don’t want that moisture sitting on your deck and breeding stains through the years . Allowing water to move through will extend the life of your deck significantly.
Why is it important to allow water to move through a deck?
The downside is that leaves can get caught in the cracks, but those are easy to keep off then water and snow is. It allows evaporation to escape. This is important for homeowners that have unprotected decks with bare ground underneath.
What is the best deck material for Colorado?
Cedar decks are by far the most popular decks in Colorado, and therefore we are catering to the needs of homeowners building them. The spacing given here is for softwoods, because spacing on hardwood and composites can vary depending on the your preferences and budget.
Is spacing better for decks?
Not to mention consistent spacing will look better. Keep these things in mind next time you hear someone talk about building a deck with no spacing so that they can achieve a novel look. That look will only last under strict conditions. When in doubt, space it out.
Can you use a deck spacer?
If you like to use technology then you can use a deck spacer to make your life easier. For the clumsier of us out there, this can help avoid dropping the nail or pencil through the cracks. It’ll save a lot of cursing, too.
Can you use galvanized screws on cedar?
You want to use galvanized, powder-coated screws on cedar decks and fences. We recommend Guard Dog exterior wood screws because they are guaranteed against corrosion. This will prevent the “bleeding” that happens when cheaper screws corrode over the years and leave your fence or deck streaked with rust marks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 long should a deck spacer be?
Make a few to allow you to space the full length of the board. The board needs to be 3-4″ (75-100mm) long. Long enough to easily grab but short enough as not to overhang the decking board.
What happens when you put decking on the bark side up?
As it dries, the longer cells will shrink more, pulling the edges of the deck down and the water off the decking. When installed bark side up, the boards will cup, pool water and rot.
Why do you need to gap between deckings?
It is not good for the decking to pool water, which will increase rot and make your deck unsafe. Gapping between the decking allows for excess rain to drain off the deck.
What is 5/4 decking?
5/4″ decking was an innovative idea to reduce decking costs while improving appearances of wood decking. And caught on it has, now the majority of wood decking I install is 5/4″. I am not alone, as now most new wood decks are 5/4″. But the spacing of 5/4″ decking is a little different than traditional decking.
How many boards will a six board gap grow?
A simple story of multiplication. Six boards gapped large will grow less than 30 boards. Small adjustments will blend into the design. A large wedged decking board at the wall is ugly, and small adjustments can avoid that.
Can you cut 5/4 decking through a tree?
Yes, a lot of 5/4 decking boards are cut through the heart of the tree. So on one end of the decking, the rings may be smiling, but the other end is frowning. I get it, but you need to try at least. The good news is with edge screwing or face screwing.
Is it better to install decking boards tighter than final design?
All softwood decking will shrink. Therefore it is best to install decking boards tighter than your final design to account for shrinkage. With SPF treated decking, tight is best. With cedar with its lower shrinkage rate, a small 1/16″-1/8″ gap (2-3mm) works better.
How many boards are in a deck?
The deck is “60 boards” wide at it’s widest.
Do decks soak up?
Decks soak up and dry just as quick.
Can you install deck boards without spacing?
At customer's request, all deck boards are to be installed without spacing, regardless of recommended convention al installation specifica tions. Thus, customer accepts responsibility for alternative installation method and will not hold contractor, manufacturer or any other party liable for any problems that may occur during or after installation.
How much space between deck boards?
And according to code, you will need to leave a minimum of 1/8 in (0.32 cm) gap between your deck boards. If you’re living in a place with this code, you could be required to uninstall your boards. So make sure to check it beforehand.
Why Appropriate Spacing of Deck Boards Is Vital?
Having an appropriate space between deck boards is absolutely vital for a number of reasons. We have already talked about the shrinking and expanding that they will be subject to during the seasonal cycles. But there are three other reasons why you will want to leave enough space between deck boards.
What Do I Do About the Shrinking and Expanding of Deck Boards?
The best way to deal with the shrinking and expanding of deck boards is to leave proper spacing. The process is pretty straight forward. But it depends on what season you install the boards in.
Why do boards rot?
The moisture caught in the boards can also evaporate more easily. This is important to prevent the boards from accumulating moisture for too long and, as a result, succumbing to rots.
Why are boards bigger?
When these fibers hold moisture, they tend to expand, making the boards bigger.
When do wood boards contract?
During the more humid months of summer, the wood fibers in the boards will soak in more moisture, leading them to expand. And during the dryer months of winter, the boards will once again contract as they lose their moisture.
When do boards go flush?
This means the boards will go flush during the rest of the humid season, and then once they lose the moisture from the pressure treatment and the additional moisture accumulated during the wet season, they will contract back in the dryer seasons.
Why is it important to space cedar deck boards?
It is important to space cedar deck boards even if the amount by that the wood expands is minuscule. Mainly because you want some space between the boards for water to run through and to give the boards some space to breathe. Both is important to ensure the longevity of your deck.
How much space between cedar boards?
Both is important to ensure the longevity of your deck. So to ensure the longevity of your cedar deck I would highly recommend leaving at least 1/8 inch space between the boards. This will ensure that any water or snow can easily run through the spaces and does not sit on top of the board for too long.
How much does cedar shrink?
Cedar wood shrinks on average about 1/8 inches and it can expand about as much.
What is the most popular deck in the US?
Cedar decks are probably the most popular decks used throughout the US. Building your own cedar deck isn´t as hard as you might think considering you keep some very important things in mind.
Does cedar shrink or expand?
Cedar is known for eating certain types of screws. And the other big thing to keep in mind is that cedar tends to move quite a lot. So you have to take into account that cedar can indeed shrink and expand quite a lot.
Does cedar wood rot?
Even though cedar wood is quite resistant to rot it is not completely immune to it meaning it will rot eventually. And if you don´t leave enough space between the boards then water residue may speed up the rotting process quite drastically.
Is wood a porous material?
Wood is a porous building material which means it absorbs and disperses moisture from and to the environment. This will lead to the wood expanding and contracting.
