Spacing Between Deck Planks

The last board won t look good if it s skinny or cut at an angle.

Spacing between deck planks.

Many jurisdictions following the international building code which requires a minimum 1 8 inch spacing between 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. 5 4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. Before building a composite deck always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking.

Watch this video to find out more. Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5 4 x 6 profiles. Make your own jig a homemade jig can make spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck. 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.

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. When securing the decking it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. Leave gaps between deck boards to achieve drainage. Spacers individual spacers are a simple way to create a good size gaps between boards.

Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch. For timbertech azek decking it s recommended to have a minimum 1 8 to 1 4 side to side gap between deck 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. There are also plenty of jig options if you prefer to buy one.

As discussed in best practices guide to residential construction. Account for this in the spacing by giving it a little more room between boards. 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. The primary function is to drain water from the deck.

But most decks need and can achieve spacing between the deck boards for drainage. 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 boards provide a few critical functions. 2x6 is thicker and is stronger but is also more expensive.

How to build a wood deck video. As the sap and moisture dissipate from the material it will have a natural tendency to shrink. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. How long to wait before staining a new wood deck video.

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. How to install wood deck boards video.