does decking expand

For centuries, decks have been constructed using traditional lumber with little regard for proper deck board spacing. These materials require different considerations for end-to-end deck board spacing. It can lead to rotting, warping, … Across the Midwest, South, and East coast the decking is swollen with high humidity. This is because proper deck board spacing varies based on temperatures at initial installation. The ends of . Because decks are outside, they are continuously exposed to changing humidity. Make the best choice for your home. Having a proper gap between boards … This not only looks unsightly, but it can also cost a lot to repair and can quickly become a hazard if left untreated. Deck Replacement: When Should You Replace Your Deck Boards? The chart below clarifies the appropriate deck board spacing based on the temperature at the time of installation. TimberTech PRO™ and TimberTech EDGE™ boards must be a minimum of 1/8” to a maximum of 3/16” deck board spacing. So, if you are building a deck that will be in direct sunlight, look for lighter color decking options and less dense products, such as TimberTech PRO Tigerwood or Sandy Birch decking … It’s time to Go Against the Grain®. But don't worry, there is an alternative option that's much more durable and has a longer life-cycle! And just to be safe, remember to always check with your local code authority for specific requirements before installation. Nov 4 2013 . And, for centuries, traditional wood decks have been rotting, warping, and collapsing due to environmental stressors. Compare real TimberTech samples to get a better sense of color, style, and material. Spark your creativity and start your personalized design plan. Here in the UK, it can be blazing sunshine one minute and freezing frost the next. Your decking installation instructions will likely include recommendations for spacing … It can lead to rotting, warping, splitting, and cracking. If the water inside the deck boards freezes, it expands - causing the boards to splinter and crack. Composite Deck Building - E-Trim Part 1 - YouTube . Although they don't expand and contract as much as wood boards, composite boards need room to move. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A board cut across the grain, or perpendicular to the growth rings, may expand as much as 1/4 inch for every 12 inches of width, while a quarter-sawn board may expand 1/8 inch. The ½” thick DuraLife fascia boards should then be installed below the decking … How to Ensure Proper Deck Board Spacing for TimberTech Decking. All of our composite deck boards have been engineered with the changing weather conditions in mind, meaning they can withstand whatever's thrown at them a lot better than real wood can. Common Composite Decking Problems: Your Questions Answered, Allow a 3-5mm gap on either side of the deck boards, Allow at least 5mm between deck boards and adjoining structures or posts. This eventually leads to boards drooping between the joists. Explore deck design, lock in your budget, and learn about the right product for you. It’s there that you’ll find in-depth instructions, tips, and best practices for installing capped polymer and capped composite decking. Metal decking … You should have an implement handy, such as a 16d nail, to ensure a … Custom deck design software, 3D outdoor living spaces. Temperature fluctuations: PVC decking will expand and contract with temperature changes. Deck board spacing is crucial for the looks and health of a deck – it’s not one size fits all. Remodeling your pool decking … Some types of Trex decking doesn’t move a bit and others have been found to shrink, expand, warp, twist, bow, cup and … Even the most temperate climates break down organic wood decking much faster than capped composites or capped polymer decking when constantly exposed to the elements. Composite Decking - Home Improvement Repair - Similar to Composite Decking - Home Improvement Repair Composite decking and skirting will expand and contract with changes in temperature. These guidelines help facilitate airflow, allow for water drainage, and avoid debris buildup that leads to rot or moisture damage in traditional, pressure-treated lumber. Composite decking is an excellent building material because it lasts longer than wood and looks great without staining, painting or sanding. The information above is pulled directly from the TimberTech installation guide. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Like most decking wood or composite there needs to be some space for expansion and contraction. I was sold the decking … Compressed-fibre cement is the latest kid to arrive on the alternative … The reason why real wood is known for being terrible at coping with changing weather conditions is that it absorbs so much water! Does your existing pool deck look outdated, boring and uninspired? Composite Decking vs Wood - GardenStructure.com › Home › Articles - Similar to Composite Decking vs Wood - GardenStructure.com Jan 6, 2014 Many millions of dollars are spent to glamorize composite decking .. Virgin Vinyl decking does expand … The expansion and contraction of wood decks are dictated by the moisture content in the air. As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. Over time, the moisture trapped within the boards will cause them to rot. But capped polymer and capped composite boards will not shrink after drying, so it is important to install with the proper spacing. It has been improving slowly over the years with the introduction of capped products and other upgrades, but still, the reports from … That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. Real inspiring. Your boards will start to disintegrate after only a few years. One brand, three ways to Go Against the Grain.® Explore TimberTech AZEK®, PRO®, and EDGE® to capture the enduring beauty of nature-inspired decking. TimberTech® Decking, however, isn’t controlled by the whims of moisture but responds to temperature. © Copyright DeckPlus 2020 | All rights reserved, Natural, long-lasting hollow composite decking, The perfect mix of durability and affordability, The ultimate in high- endurance luxury decking, Ideas for Your Garden: Decking Board Path. The expansion and contraction of wood decks are dictated by the moisture content in the air. Want to take a closer look at our composite decking ranges? If the water inside the deck boards freezes, it expands - causing the boards to splinter and crack. All of those wood fibers are like a bundle of straws, and they have sucked up the moisture that is in the … In the simplest terms, wood decks are not built in climate-controlled environments and are susceptible to expansion and contraction due to moisture. One of the great joys of decking is its flexibility. The longer the piece of decking, the greater its expansion and the more you have to account for this when building your deck. The Elevations steel deck framing system does offer efficiencies not found with wood, including the ability to build longer spans and extend cantilevers with Elevations joists and beams. Our capped polymer and capped composite decking lines combine recycled material with all the beauty of traditional wood. The wood itself does very little expansion or contraction, however the moisture in the wood expands and contracts quite a bit. Working in the morning when the material is still cool will make your work much easier. Composite decking comes in wide variety of colors, textures, … After a few hot summers and cold winters, all your deck boards will be cracked, warped and splintered. During more humid seasons, like summer, decking will soak up more moisture… It’s well known that TimberTech offers two different material types of decking: capped polymer and capped composite. Does Composite Decking Expand and Contract? Better Deck.™ Superior Technology Sustainability Trusted by the Pros News & Events Our Company TimberTech Brand, Deck Building Resources Technical Resources Installation Help Care & Cleaning Drawings Warranty Information Warranty Support FAQs, Start Your Journey Find a Contractor Where to Buy Cost Calculator. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It includes steel roof and floor decking, aluminum floor decking, and acoustical metal decking. It depends if it’s composite not so much anything i.e. See our Legal Disclaimer page for all legal notices. This means there's practically no chance of the boards rotting or disintegrating after a few years. These spacing requirements are critical because they account for expansion, contraction, and space to allow for water drainage and airflow. In addition, … Whenever there is a freeze the moisture in the wood expands … The other issue that we noted was the deterioration of the wood joists under the … The … Many homeowners complain that composite decking gets too hot, especially in direct sun. Design your extension to use 2x6s, if possible. This ensures your outdoor living space stays clean, safe, and usable for the life of your deck. These cookies do not store any personal information. See how others have transformed their outdoor spaces. Innovative technology, meet sustainable outdoor living. To make sure that there's enough room between the boards to allow for the small amount of expansion and contraction that can occur on particularly hot or cold days, you should: It's worth bearing in mind that even though composite decking does expand and contract a little bit, they don't take on water. For TimberTech AZEK® Decking it’s recommended to have a minimum 1/8” to 1/4” side-to-side gap between deck boards. All logos, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of CPG International LLC and/or their respective owners. Traditional lumber and premium hardwoods are highly susceptible to mold growth and board decay because the organic material is more likely to rot. Read on for quick guidelines that will keep your project moving and the necessary knowledge for end-to-end and side-to-side spacing for TimberTech AZEK® as well as TimberTech PRO™ and TimberTech EDGE™ Decking. Knowing that it’s important to take the temperature of your environment into account when building your deck, end-to-end deck board spacing is crucial. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Even though there’s significantly less of a chance of that happening with composite decking, it’s best to be vigilant. In unusually warm temperatures residual moisture in the boards evaporates quickly causing the boards to contract. As the composite decking heats up it not only expands … Metal decking is used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. The less moisture, the more the wood will contract. Unlike real wood, DeckPlus composite decking never needs to be stained or sealed to keep the water out. For a mid-range wooden deck… Ipe, being so hard, will expand … Why not order some samples of our decking to see the high quality, water-resistant finish for yourself? However, it can expand with heat and contract with cold. What colors and styles are available? How Boards Expand and Contract: When installing composite decking it is important to remember that it expands and contracts; the hotter it gets the more it will expand. Ⓒ 2020 AZEK Building Products. What Does 'Capped Composite Decking' Mean? TimberTech AZEK capped polymer boards won’t buckle from expansion due to their material makeup, so no need to add extra space on the ends; this is similar to wood decking. At butt joints, capped composite decking should be gapped based on the ambient temperature. Simply follow the chart below. Pressure-treated lumber is typically installed without a gap since the boards will shrink when they dry, creating the appropriate spacing. If decking expansion and contraction are some of your concerns while you're looking to re-design your garden, we think you'll find composite decking a great alternative to natural wood. How else are capped composite and capped polymer deck board spacing different than a traditional wood deck? This is simply a matter of adding on another sub … Compressed-fibre cement. The decking should be at the same temperature as the area where it will be installed. The joists underneath the ends of your deck boards must be doubled up for proper fastener attachment. To frame an extension that rises one step from the existing deck, lay out the post locations and cut the posts so the joists rest on the surface of the old deck. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In unusually warm temperatures residual moisture in the boards evaporates quickly causing the boards … As the wood splits, it becomes sharp and can lead to some pretty nasty splinters in your hands and feet. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The short answer is - yes, but only a little bit and it shouldn't cause the same kinds of issues that you see in real wood boards. Pool Deck Remodeling. Deck boards (including perimeter boards used for picture-framing) should be installed so they extend past the outer rim joists by less than 2” lengthwise and 1” width wise. Composite and plastic decking will also expand and contract significantly over time which compromises the rigidity. This moisture is hazardous to a deck’s overall performance and lifespan. E-Trim is short for expansion trim and it was designed to allow the composite material to expand and contract without and visual difference. As such, the features you have in your garden need to be able to withstand the constantly changing conditions! Capped polymer and capped composite deck boards, on the other hand, are installed at a minimum 1/8” gap between boards because they won’t shrink from drying like pressure-treated decking. Too little room in-between deck board spacing and your deck boards could buckle when they expand. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To put it plainly, side-to-side deck board spacing is easy. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We’re glad you asked! With the capped composite boards in the TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE decking lines, end-to-end deck board spacing needs to be taken into consideration. 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. This article covers why the material type and the fastener used need to be considered. Spacing and Layout. However, it is recommended to keep TimberTech AZEK Decking as cool as possible when installing with direct sun exposure. It’s typically predetermined by the fasteners used during install. As your needs change, you might start thinking your initial deck is too small and feel that you want to extend it. Our best-in-class warranties. Search for a contractor near you who can install TimberTech products. We believe in beautiful homes — and that includes the planet. PVC decking is resistant to moisture and rot because synthetic fibers are not absorbent. That way you'll have about a 7-inch step to the new deck. Can You Install Composite Decking Over Wood Decking? That’s why we developed a heat resistant composite decking … The color of the decking choice and the density of the product also make a big difference in surface heat. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Build the frame and toenail it to the old deck. Does wood on a outside of a deck does it expand or contract during the … And, understanding the deck board spacing requirements and the installation best practices for TimberTech Decking is easy when you consult the TimberTech Installation page. Once the wooden boards have taken on water, they are susceptible to damage from significant temperature rises and drops. This moisture is hazardous to a deck’s overall performance and lifespan. Composite decking doesn't swell or contract to the same extent that real wood decking does (especially if it's fitted correctly). Deck Banquette Seating - Made Using ReversaDek Decking Boards. Water drainage and airflow are critical to deck board spacing because mold and moisture damage threaten to ruin your deck’s aesthetics, substructure, and life span – especially with wood decks. Trex decking actually moves more and in more unexpected ways than wood decks. Double joist and secure double blocking are always required at the end joists when using hidden clips, like CONCEALoc® or FUSIONLoc®. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The only thing as enduring as our premium-performance decking? All Rights Reserved. Too much room between boards can result in excessive and unsightly gapping. Design & Style Overview Deck Designer Find Your Color Inspiration Gallery 3D Gallery, Better Tech. Real projects. Sadly, most composite decking falls into that category. Get into the nitty-gritty details of all side-to-side deck board spacing requirements in our official and detailed installation guides for each decking line (AZEK, PRO, EDGE, and specialty decking). The more moisture present in those fibers, the more they will expand, making the wood bigger. Unless you commit to keeping your real wood decking properly sealed (which takes a lot of work, annually) then you can guarantee that it will take on water and suffer the consequences sooner or later. In fact, we're so confident that our boards can withstand the test of time, that we provide each of our decking ranges with a 10-year warranty (minimum). Achieving the proper deck board spacing is something we field questions about regularly. Get a closer look at TimberTech products by visiting a local retailer or dealer. Self-adhesive tiles are also often a good choice if you want to expand the size of an existing deck. There … For adjoining structures or posts, remember to always allow for a 3/16” minimum gap where the decking meets the structure. break down organic wood decking much faster, Your Guide to Hidden Deck Fasteners for Composite Decking, Deck Inspection Tips for a Safer Outdoor Living Space. Real people. Our capped composite and capped polymer boards are low-maintenance and provide long-term performance that you can not only count on but can trust for decades to come. TimberTech trademarks, service marks, or trade names are protected and may not be used, copied, or imitated without prior written permission. This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. This can cause it to crack and make your deck potentially … For a mid-range deck (16-by-20-foot deck) made of a composite material, the national average construction cost was $17,249, which increased a home’s resale value by $11,252, for a 65.2% cost vs. value ratio.

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