There are also plenty of jig options if you prefer to buy one.
Spacing between deck planks.
The primary function is to drain water from the deck.
Before building a composite deck always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking.
But most decks need and can achieve spacing between the deck boards for drainage.
Leave gaps between deck boards to achieve drainage.
How to install wood deck boards video.
Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.
As the sap and moisture dissipate from the material it will have a natural tendency to shrink.
Make your own jig a homemade jig can make spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck.
It is a great irony that the bulk of deck building happens when the thermometer passes 90 degrees.
The last board won t look good if it s skinny or cut at an angle.
For green material that is fresh and may still have some sap 1 8 inch spacing is the more desirable of the two.
Many jurisdictions following the international building code which requires a minimum 1 8 inch spacing between boards.
Spacers individual spacers are a simple way to create a good size gaps between boards.
Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5 4 x 6 profiles.
2x6 is thicker and is stronger but is also more expensive.
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.
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.
Watch this video to find out more.
When securing the decking it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain.
Account for this in the spacing by giving it a little more room between boards.
The goal is to have about an 1 8 inch.
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.
How long to wait before staining a new wood deck video.
As discussed in best practices guide to residential construction.
How to build a wood deck video.
Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal.
5 4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose.
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 deciding on how much space to leave between deck boards check with your local building code to see if it covers deck board spacing.