Spacing Between Deck Planks

If the pressure treated wood hasn t been dried and is still wet with preservative butt the deck boards together when attaching since the wood will shrink some when it dries.

Spacing between deck planks.

Many jurisdictions following the international building code which requires a minimum 1 8 inch spacing between boards. Leave gaps between deck boards to achieve drainage. 5 4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. How to build a wood deck video.

When securing the decking it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. How long to wait before staining a new wood deck video. Account for this in the spacing by giving it a little more room between boards. Proper side to side deck board spacing allows for air water and debris to flow around the decking leading to a long lasting low maintenance deck.

For timbertech azek decking it s recommended to have a minimum 1 8 to 1 4 side to side gap between deck boards. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. But most decks need and can achieve spacing between the deck boards for drainage. Most composite decking materials like trex composite decking require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16 on center spacing for straight decking and 12.

The goal is to have about an 1 8 inch. For green material that is fresh and may still have some sap 1 8 inch spacing is the more desirable of the two. In most cases it s best to start with a full board on the outside edge of the deck and work toward the house so the odd board is less visible. Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch.

Spacing on deck boards in a humid area the summer heatwave is in full effect across most of the country and we continue to sell a lot of ipe decking. Before building a composite deck always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. There are also plenty of jig options if you prefer to buy one. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.

Watch this video to find out more. As the sap and moisture dissipate from the material it will have a natural tendency to shrink. The last board won t look good if it s skinny or cut at an angle. As discussed in best practices guide to residential construction.

How to install wood deck boards video. To prevent this it is recommended that decking boards be placed with a space between the rows ranging from 1 8 to 1 4 inch. Spacers individual spacers are a simple way to create a good size gaps between boards. Make your own jig a homemade jig can make spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck.

Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5 4 x 6 profiles. It is a great irony that the bulk of deck building happens when the thermometer passes 90 degrees.