what can i use for deck board spacers

Full Answer

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.

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.

What is top down fastener?

TOPLoc top-down fasteners are color-matched screws that blend into your deck surface for a polished look.

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.

How do I space deck boards?

Starting at one end, space the boards out using thin wedges ( I cut them from decking boards). Tap them in tight and get the spacing right between all the boards. Also do the same at the next joist position (joist 2).

How wide should I space decking nails?

If I want a wide spacing, I use a rule (5mm), for something less, I use the decking nails themselves as spacers. (Yes, you still need to check you're right now and again, as described above.)

How thick should a wedge be for a board?

Just make sure the wedges are thin at the tip and slowly taper to about 8 to 10mm thick (total length maybe 75mm). Tap them in with a hammer to widen the gap and wiggle them to reduce the gap.

How to use old chisels?

I used some old chisels - drop the chisel between the fixed and 'going to be fixed' lengths and push against it as you nail in. The handle on the chisel stops it dropping through if it moves as you are getting ready to hammer and is easy to extract afterwards.