For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s. The 5/4 decking (pronounced “five-quarter”), available in cedar and pressure-treated fir, is 1 inch thick and 5-1/2 inches wide with rounded edges that make for a splinter-free surface.
what is the standard size for deck boards?
Width: Six-inch wide boards are ideal in most cases. Four inch wide material takes longer to install, creates more gaps and requires a lot more fasteners—but you can use it. Eight inch wide boards, because of their greater width, have more of a tendency to crack and cup; avoid using them.
can I use regular lumber for a deck?
Both pine and standard “white wood” lumber work well for deck construction. Some pines are nearly as resistant to rot as cedar, and both of these options take paint well. Paint will increase the longevity of a pine deck to some extent, but cannot give the same results as cedar, redwood or treated lumber.
what wood is best for decking?
Naturally Superior: Redwood and Cedar For many purists, the only choices for decking are redwood or red cedar. Both of these western softwoods are prized for their rich color and natural beauty, and because they aren’t pumped full of chemicals or preservatives.
What size wood do you use for decking?
For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s. The 5/4 decking (pronounced “five-quarter”), available in cedar and pressure-treated fir, is 1 inch thick and 5-1/2 inches wide with rounded edges that make for a splinter-free surface.
Should deck boards have a gap?
The goal is to have about an 1/8-inch gap (the diameter of an 8d nail) between boards after the decking has dried to its equilibrium moisture content. If the decking is installed wet, as is often the case for pressure treated material, it is best to install the boards tight, letting gaps form as the wood dries. You may also read,
Can I use 2×6 for deck joists?
In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. The larger the deck, the larger the joists. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Check the answer of
Should I use deck boards or 2×6?
2×6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Overall, conventional decking profiles should be installed such that when seasoned, will have gaps between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch.
Should I use 2×4 or 2×6 for deck?
2x4s are never ok for floor joists! 2×6 is iffy and may not meet minimum code. I agree with Marksr, that 2×6 would be minimal. Use a 4×6 rather than 2-2×6’s for your beam. Read:
Should you countersink deck screws?
If you are face-driving deck screws, it is acceptable to “self-countersink” them. Some deck screws even have a little cutter head built into the screw, to facilitate countersinking.
Which way do you install deck 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.
How do you measure a deck board?
1- Calculate the amount of decking board rows Then divide the width of the deck by the width of your decking boards plus the gap between the decking boards, which is recommended to be 3-4mm.
How long does wood decking last?
So, back to the original question of “How long does decking last?” Using the correctly specified materials and paying attention to installation and ongoing maintenance, you can expect your timber deck to have a service life of at least 15 years and up to 30 years.
Is decking a good idea?
If you like clean lines and minimal detail, then decking is great for this. Minimal detail can, of course, be achieved with one size of paving but because the individual paving slabs are much shorter than deck boards, paving will always look slightly ‘fussier’ than decking.
How long will non pressure treated wood last outside?
Some say that untreated 2×4’s can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it’s exposed to and if it’s making ground contact.
