Where do you start laying deck boards?

Asked by: Savannah Wilson

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. Then measure when you’re 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width.

How do you start laying decking?

Now fix a sixty four millimeter decking screw into the second groove securing. The deck board to the joist beneath. Repeat this process at the opposite end. This will ensure your board is straight.

How do you lay deck boards straight first?

Side. In order to make sure that the wood doesn't split when we put in our two and a half inch decking screws i'm going to pre-drill it with an 8-inch. Bit. Using a clamp i'm going to readjust.

Does it matter which way you lay decking boards?

“The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” 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.

Which way should deck boards be installed?

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.

How far apart should joists be on decking?

For residential decking, the joist space should not exceed 16 inches, as measured in the centre. But if you want a more rigid feel for your decking, you can space the joist 12 inches in the centre. Additionally, for commercial deckings, the standard joist spacing is 12 inches in the centre.

Do you leave a gap between decking boards?

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.

Should deck boards be parallel or perpendicular to house?

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.

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.

Do deck boards have a top and bottom?

The wood on the top of each board is exposed to more moisture than the wood on the bottom. As a result, the wood fibers on the top side expand more than the fibers on the bottom. This creates dimensional changes in the wood. Wood warps in the opposite orientation of the growth rings.

When installing deck boards crown up or down?

Crown up is the preferred installation method, despite the potential for bark side down deck boards to experience shelling. Bark side down allows for the formation of a crown warp. Once the board forms a crown, there’s less potential for the wood to hold water, which could lead to the wood splintering and rotting.

What is the best way to fasten deck boards?

Sprues should be driven just deep enough to dimple the surface of the wood. Once the decking is tacked in place snap temporary chalk lines along the path of the underlying joists.

Should I pre drill holes for deck screws?

While it is not considered necessary to pre-drill wood screws, it is highly recommended by professionals that you do so. When you do not drill pilot holes in advance, you are essentially putting extra pressure on the wood surrounding the screw (weakening it) and increasing the chances of the wood splitting or cracking.

Is it better to use nails or screws on a deck?

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.