What widths are decking boards?
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.
Are wider deck boards better?
Narrower boards work best. 4” nominal (3-1/2” actual) wide deck boards perform better than wider (6” nominal) deck boards. Because there are more gaps between the deck boards, 4” nominal deck boards provide about 44% more top of deck ventilation than 6” nominal decking.
What size do decking boards come in UK?
The most common decking widths are 90mm to 150mm, with 120mm and 140mm in between. The width option you choose for your project can make a big impact in the ultimate effect, so get creative to achieve the best look for your decking while staying within your budget.
What gap should be between decking boards?
1/8 of an inch
Determining Deck Board Spacing When using wood decking, you want a gap of at least 1/8 of an inch after your decking has dried out. If you’re using decking that’s already been dried out, you can leave a 1/8-inch gap when you install. Many decks will use “green” wood, or wood that hasn’t been dried down or kiln dried.
How wide is a 5 4 deck board?
Lumber sizes are usually given in “nominal” measurements. The nominal measurements are a board’s size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides….Decking Planks.
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 5/4 × 6 | 1″ × 5-1/2″ |
| 6/4 × 6 | 1-5/16″ × 5-1/2″ |
What is the actual width of a 5 4 deck board?
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 is the best thickness for decking?
16” on center = Standard for residential decking applications. 12” on center is recommended for a sturdier underfoot feel, when using standard deck board thickness of 1”. 24” on center = Sometimes used for commercial applications such as docks and boardwalks; wider joist spacing requires greater deck board thickness.
Should deck boards be bark side up or down?
“Bark side down” orients the board so the end grain growth rings curve upward. This creates a crowning warp when wet. As a result, water is shed from the board, as opposed to pooling on it. Also, the exposed board face is heartwood (closer to the tree’s center) versus sapwood, and heartwood is more decay-resistant.
What sizes do decking come in?
The length of composite decking boards comes in 6′, 12′, 16′ and up to 20′. The width of the composite board also varies and can range from 1 to 2 inches thick and 4 to 6 inches wide.
What is a standard decking size?
The average deck size is between 300 and 400 square feet. Generally, a deck should be wider than it is deep, with the longer dimension running along the house.
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.
Does it matter which way you lay decking boards?
A board that is correctly installed right side up (or bark side down) will form a crown and allow water to run off the edges. If the board is installed wrong side up (or bark side up) it will curve up on the edges when dry and water can gather and sit in the cup. That is a recipe for wood rot and problems.
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.
Which deck is better 2×6 or 5 4?
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.
What size wood should I use for decking frame?
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.
Does it matter which way deck boards run?
The default direction decking runs on an attached deck is parallel with the house. A few reasons for this are deck framing construction, water runoff and appearance. Decking running parallel to the house is beneficial structurally, aesthetically and costwise.
Why do decking boards have grooves?
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.
How wide is a composite deck board?
Composite decking size refers to the length and width of the boards used for deck building and repairs. Most manufacturers offer composite decking boards in 12′, 16′ and 20′ lengths. The width varies by brand and style and can range from one to two inches thick and four to six inches wide.
Whats a good width for a deck?
A good size deck starts at 12 feet by 12 feet but can be as small as 8 feet by 8 feet for limited specialty use, such as a sitting area or a barbeque area just outside of the kitchen. Also deck should be no larger than the largest room in the house and not exceed 20% of the house square footage.
What is a good width for a deck?
12 ft. for general and social areas. 4 ft. for ground-level connections, paths, and stairs.
Do you need to pre drill deck boards?
Good news, wood deck boards only need to be predrilled if screwing within a 1 ½” (38mm) of the deck board’s end. Deck screws installed in the field, not close to the board’s end or edge, need not be predrilled. Predrilling is required near the end of deck boards to make room for the screw.
Why are my deck boards shrinking?
Deck boards will shrink, and not only that, they will even expand. Fibers have the ability to hold moisture in them. So when the outside environment is humid, the fibers collect moisture and expand, leading the boards to expand. In the dryer seasons, they lose moisture and shrink as a result.
Should you leave a space between 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.
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.