What are the actual dimensions of 5/4 decking?
What are the actual dimensions of 5/4 decking? Click to see full answer. In respect to this, what is the actual thickness of 5/4 lumber? Each quarter refers to 1/4 inch of thickness, meaning that a 5/4 board is roughly 1 1/4 inches thick.
What is the standard size of a deck board?
The most typical size, on the other hand, is 16 ft. with 1-inch thickness—commonly referred to as the 5/4 decking. As mentioned, deck boards come in several, complicated sizes.
What is the nominal dimension of a deck plank?
A deck plank’s nominal dimension refers to the cross-section dimension of the material before it has been surfaced or planed on all four sides. Thus, in essence, the value is larger compared to the “dressed” or actual dimension. Actual Dimension.
Can 5/4 deck boards span joists?
Some composite 5/4 deck boards carry recommendations for joists at 12” OC, while others are reinforced with fiberglass and can span joists at 24” OC. However, it is best to check with the local building inspector for allowances in your area.
What are the actual dimensions of 5/4 decking?
5/4 Decking Actual Dimensions 1″ x 5.5.” If you use 5/4 decking, you are getting two-thirds of the board of a 2×6. Like getting a Big Mac without the middle bun, still decking just less. There are some trades off with this difference. Some are positive, and some are not.
What are the actual dimensions of deck boards?
Deck boards are typically 12 or 16 feet long, about an inch thick, and roughly 5-½ inches wide - though wider or narrower boards are a growing trend in deck design. New looks are forming around multi-width deck boards: extra-wide boards and extra-narrow boards that you can combine for eye-catching deck board patterns.
How do you calculate the size of a deck?
The first step for answering “how to calculate how much decking I need” is to determine your deck's square footage, or area, by taking the length of your deck times the width (L x W). EXAMPLE: For a deck that is 16 feet long and 12 feet wide, multiply 16 by 12. This gives you 192 square feet, your deck's total area.
How are deck boards measured?
In most cases deck lumber is either a nominal 4" (3-1/2" actual width) or a nominal 6" width (5-1/2" actual width) dimensions. Multiply the actual width of the board by 12 inches and divide by 144 (one square foot).
Why are wood sizes not the actual size?
Maybe you've noticed that lumber sizes are often misleading. The "nominal" cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S).
How much gap do you leave between decking 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 length and width on a deck?
0:021:46How to Measure a Skateboard Deck: Width, Length & WheelbaseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to want to find the widest. Point take your measuring tape measure from rail to rail.MoreYou're going to want to find the widest. Point take your measuring tape measure from rail to rail.
What is the width of a deck?
The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.
How many square feet is a 12x12 deck?
A 12×12 deck has a perimeter of 48' and square footage of 144 square feet. And just for kicks, we'll say that the joists are 16” on center. The joist spacing doesn't matter too much for this example, except that we can determine the exact amount of fasteners needed (2 per board per joist).
What is the actual length of a 16 foot board?
Softwood Lumber LengthsLENGTH IN FEETLENGTH IN INCHESLENGTH IN METERS10 feet120 inches3.048 meters12 feet144 inches3.658 meters14 feet168 inches4.267 meters16 feet192 inches4.877 meters6 more rows•Oct 31, 2021
How do you read lumber dimensions?
The first number (2) refers to the thickness of the board in inches. The second number (4) refers to the width of the board in inches. The third number (8) refers to the length of the board in feet.
What is the actual size of a 4x4 post?
The lumber industry defines standard wood post sizes as 4x4 or 6x6. The outside dimensions of the standard 4x4 measure 3-1/2" x 3-1/2", and the outside dimensions of the standard 6x6 measure 5-1/2" x 5-1/2".
What comes first length or width or height?
It needs to be written Length X Width X Height. That is standard for measurements. It makes no difference in the order you have them listed.
How do you read dimensions?
For example, a window that is 24 inches wide by 30 inches tall would be written as 24" X 30". In the manufacturing industry, this standard window size is referred to as a 2030 or 2 feet by 3 feet. In a rectangular swimming pool, the dimension might read 16' X 30' X 9' or 16 feet wide by 30 feet long and 9 feet deep.
How long is a 2x4?
Because of this extra milling, a 2x4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2x4 is really only 1 1/2" by 3 1/2".
Can I use 2x6 for deck boards?
2x6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decks use 16" on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16".
Why is lumber not the actual size?
Maybe you've noticed that lumber sizes are often misleading. The "nominal" cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S).
Should deck boards have a gap?
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.
What is the average deck board width?
The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.
What is the difference between 5/4 and 2x6 deck boards?
Since 5/4×6 have a specific purpose, they are milled smoother and have a more rounded edge to prevent splintering and scuffing.
How thick should deck joists be?
If the board is too thin for the span, it will feel spongy or bouncy. Deck joists are commonly 12-inch, 16-inch, or 24” on-center (OC).
Why are 5/4x6 deck boards so smooth?
Since 5/4×6 have a specific purpose, they are milled smoother and have a more rounded edge to prevent splintering and scuffing. Cost may also be a factor and is determined by lumber grade. A premium 5/4×6 deck board is often less expensive than a lower grade 2×6 of equal length.
What is composite decking?
Composite Decking. Composite boards are manufactured from recycled plastic and wood to look like wood. They are very resistant to mold, insects, and rot. It is available in more than 24 wood tones and colors, and lengths up to 20-feet.
How many inches is one foot?
Mathematically, one-foot or 12-inches is divisible by 1-2-3-4-6-12, making the number of planks to cover a deck surface easier to calculate. Widths of 1”, 2”, 3” or 4” require more pieces and thus labor to cover the same area.
How thick is a deck board?
The most common deck board thickness in North America is 5/4” which, as noted above, is actually 1” thick. However, another thickness that is often seen in deck construction is 2”. While greater thicknesses can be used, it can add to the weight, affect the substructure and drive up costs.
What is the difference between 2x6 and 5x4 decking?
The main difference between 5/4 and 2×6 decking boards is the actual dimensions of the boards. 5/4 decking boards are the most popular size of decking and are cheaper than 2×6 boards. For high-traffic patios, however, 2×6 decking boards are a more solid and safe surface. They span a larger distance than 5/4 boards.
What is the purpose of decking boards?
The sole purpose of decking boards is to provide the finished surface of the deck, support the weight of people and furniture, and prevent anyone from falling between the joists. Proper deck board thickness will be indicated by a solid surface feel and if it is bouncy or spongy, the planks are too thin.
Why do I need joists on a deck?
The main purpose of the joists is to support the deck boards, as they are secured to the joists from above. During deck construction, the joists are spaced out evenly for a clean look, ease of installation, and strength.
What is the best material for deck boards?
Material. You essentially have three choices when it comes to deck board materials: natural wood, pressure-treated wood, and composites. Pressure-treated wood boards are constructed with fungal and insect repellant chemicals introduced into the wood fibers.
What is composite lumber made of?
On the other hand, composites are made from plastic materials and recycled wood , making them low-maintenance and very resistant to decay. Cost. Overall, pressure-treated lumber is the most cost-effective option since it is found in plentiful supply at all home improvement stores.
How thick is a wood plank?
When a tree is used to construct wood planks, they are generally milled to equal 1 or 2-inches thick and have varying width dimensions. After it’s cut, the wood is either kiln or air-dried, decreasing its moisture content. As the planks dry, the wood will shrink, effectively reducing the width.
DECK BOARD SIZE & PROFILE OPTIONS
Whether you’re designing a dream deck or renovating a dated outdoor space into an ideal backyard oasis, choosing the right sizes and profiles for your deck boards can be a confusing process.
COMPOSITE DECKING SIZES & PROFILES EXPLAINED
For our discussion, we’ll focus specifically on composite deck boards, though many of the same principles can apply to pressure treated wood decking. We prefer composite decking products and materials like Trex, Fiberon, Deckorators, and DuraLife to pressure-treated wood.
WHAT SIZE AND PROFILE DO I NEED ON MY DECK BOARDS?
Deck boards come in a variety of sizes and edge profiles, each serving a different purpose. Check out our high-level guide below to become a DIY expert and pick the sizes and profiles you need for your deck project.
DECK BOARD SIZE OPTIONS
Composite deck boards are typically offered in 12-foot and 16-foot lengths. Some brands, like Trex, feature a 20-foot deck board length which can be specially ordered.
DECK BOARD PROFILE OPTIONS
Composite deck boards offer different profiles on the bottom and/or side of the board.
