Spacing Between Deck Planks

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.

Spacing between deck planks.

Before building a composite deck always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. 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. Many jurisdictions following the international building code which requires a minimum 1 8 inch spacing between boards.

Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch. 5 4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. Watch this video to find out more. Make your own jig a homemade jig can make spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck.

For timbertech azek decking it s recommended to have a minimum 1 8 to 1 4 side to side gap between deck boards. When securing the decking it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. 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 build a wood deck video. There are also plenty of jig options if you prefer to buy one. Spacers individual spacers are a simple way to create a good size gaps between boards. 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. But most decks need and can achieve spacing between the deck boards for drainage. 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. Leave gaps between deck boards to achieve drainage.

It is a great irony that the bulk of deck building happens when the thermometer passes 90 degrees. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. 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 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. As the sap and moisture dissipate from the material it will have a natural tendency to shrink. 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. 2x6 is thicker and is stronger but is also more expensive.

How to install wood deck boards video. Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5 4 x 6 profiles.