I use the following minimum dimensions (as measured away from the house) as general rules of thumb when planning decks:
- 8 ft. for special use areas.
- 12 ft. for general and social areas.
- 4 ft. for ground-level connections, paths, and stairs.
- 6 ft. for elevated connections with railings.
What is the actual size of a deck board?
Width: Six-inch wide boards are ideal in most cases. Four inch wide material takes longer to install, creates more gaps and requires a lot more fasteners—but you can use it. Eight inch wide boards, because of their greater width, have more of a tendency to crack and cup; avoid using them. Accordingly, how wide is a 5 4 deck board?
What is the length of a standard deck board?
Deck Length: 29'' or more. This is a "standard" skateboard, perfect for adults skating the streets and doing some tricks. 8''-8.25'' deck width is perfect for adult riders skating pools, ramps and parks. Would you like to go cruising with your skateboard?
What is the width of a standard deck board?
Read on for an overview, or give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316 to find out what profile fits your dream deck. 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.
What's the best wood for decks?
Best Types of Wood for a Deck Cedar. Cedar resists moisture, rot, and insect infestation, and offers more durability than many other types of wood. Redwood. Redwood, another premium deck wood, is easy to work with, naturally decay- and insect-resistant, and rugged enough to avoid warping, checking, and splitting. Douglas fir. ... Southern yellow pine. ...
What Is the Standard Deck Board Size?
What is decking on the ground?
How much OC can a 5x6 deck board span?
How thick should deck joists be?
What is the average deck board width?
How far apart should 5/4 deck boards be?
What is the difference between 5/4 and 2x6 deck boards?
See 2 more
Can I use 1x6 for deck boards?
Width of material: We recommend only 1x4, 5/4x4 or narrower boards. Never use 1x6 or 5/4x6 material in close to ground applications. Spacing between boards: You must allow space for your deck boards to expand when they take on moisture, as they will inevitably do when exposed to wet weather, rain or high humidity.
Should I use 2x4 or 2x6 for deck?
Most builders stick to using a minimum of 2x6s for deck floor joists. If you want to add guardrails and stairs, you need at least 2x10s. 2×4 and 2×6 joists are ideal for ground-level decks without guards.
What is the most common size deck?
between 300 and 400 square feetWhat is the Average Size of a Deck? For most builds, decks are wider than they are deep, with the longer portion of the deck running alongside the house. According to landscapingnetwork.com, the average size is between 300 and 400 square feet. Decks can also be multi-level, adding more space and dimension to your home.
How wide should I space my 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.
Why are decks called 5 4?
It simply refers to how many 1/4-inches thick the rough stock is. For example, 4/4 (read out loud as four-quarters) is 1-in. thick in the rough. 5/4 is 1-1/4-in.
Should I use 2x6 or 2x8 for deck?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
Is a 12x12 deck big enough?
Urban Oasis — A deck measuring 12' by 12' is the standard size for many apartments and city homes. This amount of space is more than enough to fit a modest furniture set and still decorate with greenery and standing lights.
Is a 10x10 deck too small?
A 10×10 deck is 100 square feet and it is impossible to say whether that will be big enough or too small for you. It is probably not large enough for entertaining because you generally want around 20 sq.
What does it cost to build a 12x12 deck?
Cost to Build a Deck by SizeSizePressure-treated wood Average cost per sq ftComposite decking Average cost per sq ft10x10$650$1,40010x20$1,300$2,80012x12$936$2,01612x20$1,560$3,3603 more rows
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.
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.
Do you screw deck boards to every joist?
Each deck board should be fastened with two screws at each point where the board crosses a joist to ensure the stability and durability of your deck's surface. Boards should be fastened to rim joists with three screws.
Should I use 2x6 for decking?
2×6 Deck Boards 2×6 lumber has many purposes from floor, wall, and roof framing to furniture. They are also used as deck boards, railings, and even deck joists. Typically, when used as decking, pine, spruce, and fir planks are pressure-treated to prevent rot and protect from insects, mold, and UV rays.
Can I use 2x4s for decking?
For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s. The 5/4 decking (pronounced "five-quarter"), available in cedar and pressure-treated fir, is 1 inch thick and 5-1/2 inches wide with rounded edges that make for a splinter-free surface.
Are 2x6 good for deck?
You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9'0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9'10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).
Is 2x6 better than 2x4?
1. 2x6s Will Result in a Better Insulated Home – Usually. Not surprisingly, a 2x6 frame construction allows for more space between your interior and exterior walls. This extra space alone typically doesn't result in better insulation, but it does offer more room for added insulation.
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 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.
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.
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What is rim joist?
The rim joists are the joists that make up the outside of the frame. If the deck is fastened to a house or other building, the board that fastens to the house framing is the ledger board. The ledger board is another joist and is usually the same size lumber as the other joists.
What is a deck frame?
A deck frame is essentially a wooden platform raised off the ground and supported by beams and posts. The posts stand on concrete footings called piers. The platform frame is made primarily from of 2-by lumber called joists. On a small deck, the beams are sometimes incorporated into the joist framing.
How far apart should joists be on a deck?
The minimum joist size is a 2-by-6, which may span up to 11 feet 7 inches without additional support if they are spaced just 12 inches apart.
What happens if a deck is large?
If the deck is large, you’ll end up buying more joist hangers, more bolts and you’ll have to dig and pour more concrete footings.
How far apart should a 4x10 beam be?
The distance required between posts depends on the beam size. A 4-by-10 beam that supports a joist span of 12 feet, requires posts no more than 9 feet apart.
What is the benefit of a 4x12 beam?
On a large deck, using the 4-by-12 beam will save you the labor and cost of pouring additional footings and installing additional posts. If the deck is high enough to walk under, it also increases the open space beneath the de ck for a patio or storage area.
How high should a deck post be?
If the deck is below 6 feet, then we can use a 4-by-4 post, but if the deck is over 6 feet high, then a 6-by-6 post is required.
What is joist spacing?
Joists are typically spaced out evenly for stability, ease of board installation and a clean look. Joist spacing is the distance between each joist, and are measured in inches from center-of-joist to center-of-joist. Joist spacing is typically referred to as “On-Center” or “OC”, e.g, 16” OC. The bigger the space between the joists, ...
Why are deck joists set upright?
They are set upright for strength, usually fastened to the house at one end, and sitting on top of a central support beam near the other end. Joists support the decking boards, which are fastened onto the joists from above. Joists are typically spaced out evenly for stability, ease of board installation and a clean look.
What is the MOR for decking?
Sometimes referred to as bending strength, MOR is a measure of a product’s strength before it ruptures (break s).
How wide should a boat deck board be?
The more narrow the decking board, the less it will move and the less it will cup. This is why in boat decking construction and flooring you will typically see a nominal 3 (actual 2.5”) or nominal 4 (actual 3.5”) wide deck board being used. In applications along the coast, over water, boardwalks over rivers, the narrower board will provide the needed dimensional stability. Where there is limited air flow under the deck or drainage issues, the narrower deck board can again prevent unwanted cupping and movement.
How thick is a deck board?
There is a nominal thickness and then an actual thickness. The most popular thickness for decking boards in North America is a 5/4 thickness which is an actual 1” thick. Use the table below to understand the most common board thicknesses:
What is composite decking made of?
One of the most popular options for homeowners in the past 20 years has been composite decking, made of modified plastics and other materials. They made a splash in the market for their variety of colors and affordability, but over time the downsides have become more well-known.
Is decking board stronger than joists?
The wider your joist spacing, the stronger decking board you need. Within a given wood species or decking product, the thicker the board, the stronger it becomes, relatively speaking. Conversely, the stronger your decking board, (based on MOR and thickness), the wider the joist spacing you can afford. One of the most popular options ...
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.
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.
Why should a deck be sized?
By Scott Schuttner. A deck should be sized so that it is both in scale with the house it is attached to and adequate for the functions it needs to perform. As with most building projects, enlarging the deck makes it easier to accommodate all the features you want, but it makes the deck more expensive too. Although deck costs vary ...
How much space do I need for a deck?
One rule of thumb suggests about 20 sq. ft. of deck per person for social situations. On top of that, you’ll need to add extra square footage for furniture, grills, and planters. I like a minimum dimension of 12 ft. in both directions for all social areas.
How tall is a sandbox?
12 ft. for general and social areas.
What factors drive up the cost of a deck?
The desire for clear lumber, extensive landscaping, and problems with the site (such as steepness or drainage) are other factors that can drive up the price. And if you require the services of an electrician and a plumber to add lighting or a hot tub, this will also increase your cost.
Does it cost twice as much to double the size of a deck?
Trade secret. Doubling the size of a deck doesn’t necessarily mean that it will cost twice as much. When it comes to framing and decking materials, cost is almost directly proportional to size, but it’s harder to generalize about labor.
Is a large deck more expensive than a smaller deck?
In addition to affecting cost, the size of a deck has a lot to do with its overall feel. Besides being more expensive than a smaller deck, a large deck that tries to answer too many needs can feel like a parking lot rather than a cozy and inviting space. Remember too that size is relative. A small house is better served by several small decks, ...
Is a small house better than a large house?
A small house is better served by several small decks, either separated or on different levels, whereas a large house might need to be balanced by a big, unbroken expanse. If you need the square footage of a large deck to accommodate several different functions, consider opting for two (or more) smaller decks.
What is Cumaru wood?
For other readers: Cumaru is a Brazilian teak wood floor ing sold both as an interior floor and as decking or deck tiles - such as from online vendor Advantage Lumber https://buyhardwood.advantagelumber.com/ and others listed below. Cumaru is about twice as hard as oak, average in dimensional stability.
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.
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.
What nail to use for kiln dried stock?
When installing kiln-dried stock, use a 16d nail as a spacer to leave enough space for the boards to swell slightly and still leave an adequate drainage space.
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 to change the look of a deck?
Do I want a traditional or modern look? There’s no getting away from the fact that you can completely change the look of a deck by changing the width of board you choose. You can create a highly modern look by choosing extra-wide boards or indeed by choosing extra-narrow boards. It really is up to you what sort of image you want to create as well as the furnishings you plan to include in your finished project.
Why can't you opt for a shorter board?
Because of this, with hidden fixing, there’s no reason why you can’t opt for a shorter board, which will normally increase your choice and reduce your cost.
Is Hitachi regulated?
Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. The register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk
Can you lay boards across the full width of a shape?
No matter whether you plan to lay your boards from the inside of your desired shape outwards or if you prefer to lay them across the full width of the shape, you’ll be able to use a mix of longer and shorter boards, which will help reduce the cost of your project and will increase the options you can choose from.
Can you run short boards across a deck?
With a long narrow deck for example, you can use short boards and run them across the width of the deck to give an illusion of reducing the length and increasing the width. Another alternative is to create a ‘pattern’ on your deck so that the length of your deck seems to be reduced.
What Is the Standard Deck Board Size?
Common deck board widths are 4”, 6” and 8”. The widths are readily available in most lumber or building supply stores, and the number of pieces easily calculated into deck dimensions. Other widths may be used for aesthetics and effect.
What is decking on the ground?
A deck is commonly a platform raised off the ground by posts or blocks that support beams that carry joists that the deck boards fasten to. Beams are often under the joists but can be part of the joist frame on smaller decks. The load a deck can support is based on the dimensions and spans of the materials from which the frame is constructed. As with deck boards, the greater the span and the thinner a joist, the more it will flex and bounce.
How much OC can a 5x6 deck board span?
Deck board thickness determines the distance it can span between joists in many building codes. A 5/4”x6” deck board is rated for 12” OC and 16” OC, and a 2”x6” plank can span that plus 24” OC. A 2”x6” plank will flex more when supported at 24” OC than the other two distances, and a 5/”x6” will flex more at 16” OC than at 12” OC. The two most common deck board thicknesses are 5/4” and 2”. Greater thicknesses could be used, but increased weight affects the substructure, and greatly increases costs.
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).
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.
How far apart should 5/4 deck boards be?
Most building codes limit 5/4 deck boards to maximum joist spacing of 16” OC if laid perpendicular (at right angles) to the joists. Deck boards that are laid at an angle to the joist are limited to 12” OC (or less) joist spacing. 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 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.
