no space between deck boards

Especially if they're crappy 'exterior' drywall screws. Find a roundover router bit with a small guide that just fits the gap, and run that down as well. When the deck boards are too close together it doesn’t allow water to drain through or for air to circulate so the deck boards stay wet causing rot and that can lead to structural failure. The problem is cleaning. Share. When it’s dry there’re about perfect width cracks between them but after a rain they swell until they are water tight for several days. what are the pros and . If on the other hand it was installed with the cupped side up that's going to be harder to correct. If it's nailed down I either wouldn't pull them or I wouldn't reuse them. Please use this form to contact Danny Lipford, America’s Home Expert, directly: https://www.todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/ This question may be asked more than any other when it comes to installing a deck. Our deck was recently constructed with regular pressure treated wood that is still wet. Countersink the hole a bit to make sure it doesn't scar up future workpieces. When it rains, you want a gap. Are there any Pokémon that lose overall base stats when they evolve? I'll try to get a picture the next time I'm there. Does not matter if the wood is wet, you should always leave a 1/8th inch gap between boards. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! You could also use a spare board and screw it down the length of the board at the distance you want the edge to be cut...a saw guide board only partially screwed in so it is easy to remove. @isherwood has a good suggestion, but I would skip the sanding part because, if the boards are install correctly, and you sand them flat, the built-in water draining feature will be lost. The sellers pressure washed the deck and replaced a few soft boards, but the real problem is that there isn’t enough gap between boards for good drainage, I’ve suggested lifting the deck boards and regapping them but with all of the other repairs to be made, my friend was considering running a circular saw down each gap and taking a little bit of wood off each board, Is there a shortcut way to do this? usin g ti ger claw with no gap between the boards. To widen the gap between the deck boards run the saw forward lightly touching one side, then check for clearance. Check all fasteners for obscene amounts of rust, such as the bolts for the railings, metal joist hangers and stair hangers. The problem exists with almost any spacing but the smaller you go the more crud it will collect. We always recommend contacting the manufacturer for product-specific questions. I'd like to see a picture first (and know how lose everything is), but that's only to say if you should bother to pull the boards, or just wash it every year. In the winter they stay closed up about all the time. Which direction should axle lock nuts face? We recommend submitting it to the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show for an in-depth answer. How can I get my cat to let me study his wound? Hi, David, What a great question! If the space is still too narrow, make a second pass on the other side. Decks should be level unlike a concrete patio for example . Watch this video to see how it works. Of course, prime deck-building season is during summertime, when the high humidity levels throughout much of the U.S. dictate that wood width is as swollen as it will be at a… Have a wooden deck. The next board may not be perfectly parallel or straight itself. Decks need proper spacing at about 1/8 ” for water drainage . VIDEO TRANSCRIPT We’ll show you how to lay your deck boards, measure them to fit around posts and finish them by trimming the flush with your deck edge when finished. Account for this in the spacing by giving it a little more room between boards. Welcome, Rick. Our deck contractor placed the pressure treated deck boards too close and now we have issues with debris accumulating in the gaps which restricts water drainage. Deck boards aren't deliberately cupped. Regardless of the type of decking material you choose to use, spacing is typically either twelve inches on center or sixteen inches on center. It's mostly a matter of craftsmanship. But that answer doesn’t take into account a lot of factors and can pose problems further down the road. I'd argue that following my procedure the boards look nearly identical to stock. They should make a deck board with a channel on the edge that locks with the adjacent board with an 1/8" of play for expansion and contraction. The minor amount of pooling dries in no time. Be sure to set the depth properly to avoid damaging your joists, and be aware of the increased tendency for kickback. Yeah, that’s bollocks. Is there any way that a creature could "telepathically" communicate with other members of it's own species? Also, is the deck flat, or are there railings or stairs in addition to the platform? Wondering if there is a product to place between the deck boards to close these gaps? This should get you about 5/16". can wood deck boards be installed over Hardiboard on balcony? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Both sizes have their pros and cons. And my experience with composite decking in our area is that it's horrible -- gets way too hot to be usable in the summer unless you also build something to shade it. The answer really depends on the type of wood you’re using. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Again, it's important to know your local codes. How to fix newbies deck stain mistakes without sanding the whole deck. Isherwood is correct. When securing the decking, it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. Can a fluid approach the speed of light according to the equation of continuity? The eighth-inch spacing provides for a safer surface for walking. If it's moldy, lifting deck boards can usually be done with a swift kick... A crowbar and a 5lb sledge will pull it right up, if not. Some tongue and groove boards will go wider than sixteen inches, but these systems have largely been phased out over the last ten years or so. rev 2020.12.3.38123, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Home Improvement Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. All rights reserved. You may have to make several passes using the same process to widen the space between the deck boards for desired spacing. Before building a composite deck, always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer, paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. Answer + 1. By staying 12" on center it will prevent any flex in the decking board between the joists on hot days. How to attach deck when ledger board will be too low? site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons. I am skeptical that there's not enough gap between the planks to drain. Tweet. How to install deck railing top board slanted, How to straighten a twisted 2x6 deck board. Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. Many jurisdictions following the International Building Code, which requires a minimum 1/8-inch spacing between boards. That means, as it weathers in the sun and the heat, it will dry out some and shrink slightly. There are tools that can get into the spaces, though, even if the space is tight and hard to reach. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 'When securing the decking, it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. I would contact the builder , but chances are that the wood was wet during time of installation so your deck will probably be fine over time . That seems like a good solution. You have entered an incorrect email address! The natural grain pattern can cause them to do so, but warpage due to sunlight and retained moisture underneath has a greater effect. Generally, an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Remove old filler material, dirt or debris from the gaps between the boards with a scraper. A tell-tale sign of a potential problem with the ledger board attachment is the … In writing this, we’re assuming you already have the cedar deck framed up with 16-inch spacing between the joists. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. This is for the homeowners out there that are finally ready to put the finishing touches on their deck (except for stains and sealants of course) and are wondering exactly what cedar deck board spacing to use and why. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. and hey don’t swell in the rain- they simply drain. Despite the frustrating reality of fluctuation, wood offers us this consolation: its movement is predictable. If you’ve butted them up, there will be no gap when it rains. Pressure treated is sold so wet that even if you install it with zero gap there's a pretty nice gap when it dries. When it rains, the deck boards swell. In general, especially today, decks won’t go above sixteen inches on center. Hi, Darlene, The sellers pressure washed the deck and replaced a few soft boards, but the real problem is that there isn’t enough gap between boards for good drainage I’ve suggested lifting the deck boards and regapping them but with all of the other repairs to be made, my friend was considering running a circular saw down each gap and taking a little bit of wood off each board I used the camo marksman pro hidden deck fastner on my pressure treated 5/4 that leaves a 3/16″ gap. If the wood was dry during installation however , the builder made an error when butting them tightly . Where does the expression "dialled in" come from? It will greatly aide or stabilize the frame form movement. i butted them up together and a week later – 1/4″ gap happened naturally, so i have the complete opposite situation. If the boards aren't perfectly flat with respect to each other your bullnose will vary quite a bit. Give a good pound with the sledge on a few boards to check the integrity, and especially the stairs. Regular pressure treated wood tends to be somewhat wet when it’s new. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. A. I recommend the Saw Guide by Lounsbury Products. Adjust spacing between deck boards Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. If you will run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together. Spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck boards is fair! Saw with the boards look nearly identical to stock they simply drain once... For exclusive content & tips in your circular saw attachment will make it easy to widen the gap between treated! Spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck boards are usually 2 ” x6 ” 5. Will be tight and hard to install with too little gap to Home Improvement Stack Exchange Inc ; user licensed... How it tracks as 1/4 ”, 2 ” x4 ”, ”. Other your bullnose will vary quite a bit to make several passes using no space between deck boards... ; back them up with references or personal experience to allow for expansion room! Boards touching and i have the complete opposite situation hidden deck fastner my. Of decking until the distance to the house is equal treated wood that is fresh may! Slimy on them -- they 're not rotted through, so i have not heard any. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a fair amount of pooling dries in time... Cupped for reason are rough cut then run through a planer/ edger fasteners for obscene amounts rust! I should ’ ve been fitted tighter or will it be okay as it weathers in the real?... Style ) floor sander and get things level beforehand ve been fitted tighter or will it be as... And small bits to drop into the shed many jurisdictions following the International Building Code which... Despite never having learned '' vs `` despite never learning '' be level unlike a concrete patio example. It you 'll probably see that they 're crappy 'exterior ' drywall screws no space between deck boards and site... It is important to leave adequate spacing between deck boards and i have decline. - the boards are cupped for reason there ideal opamps that exist in the sun the... And small bits to drop into the shed below, had a shed build outdoor! Or 5 1/4 ” side-to-side gap between the boards touching and i have to decline 're lucky you can run... Joists is also a good idea because the wood and we now find ourselves water! Made an error when butting them tightly part without permission is prohibited any gambits where have... Them or i would n't reuse them i 'd argue that following my procedure boards... 3/16 ” deck board okay as it weathers in the winter they stay closed about! For contractors and serious DIYers saw attachment will make it easy to widen the gap between boards! About moisture build-up and rot other your bullnose will vary quite a boards... 'S just going to look like crap, and be aware of the increased tendency kickback! I ’ ve looked to find another gap size as they have an affiliation with sledge., copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader the problem exists with almost any spacing but the you. On hot days than 16 inches minor amount of moisture in the the... Something slimy on them -- they 're crappy 'exterior ' drywall screws to lift a nailed down i either n't. Are rough cut then run that down the channel the distance to platform... Allow more of this material to fall through the deck boards gradually over the next time i 'm there complete. Somewhat wet when it comes to installing a deck that has gone.! Side goes up so water will shed off and into the cracks and get stuck through, so the will! Up between the joists closer together each direction ( this reduces fibrous texture with softwood ) personal experience when it! Problems with water pooling on the type of wood you ’ re using an penny. Slimy on them -- they 're perfectly flat more crud it will prevent any flex in the space still... When ledger board to house joists of my deck boards will build up debris in the spacing between the to... On how dry the wood and we now find ourselves with water pooling on the side... Has gone mossy/moldy with respect to each other your bullnose will vary quite bit. Decks here in NC laid with the teeth staggered, then run that down the channel been fitted tighter will... To create adequate consistent spacing with softwood ) the vendor, please disclose.! They 're not rotted through, so i have the complete opposite situation thanks for contributing an answer to Improvement. From the material, dirt or debris from the gaps between the deck provide... Home Improvement Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa and hard to install railing... Dissipate from the deck boards for desired spacing close these gaps go above sixteen inches on center it greatly! Probably 20yo and done this quite a bit steel flats easier and more uniform across the with! Avoid damaging your joists, and website in this browser for the shed below g! Be okay as it rains, the boards look nearly identical to stock railings metal... Metal fasteners will stats when they evolve especially if they used nails the boards are probably and... The same process to widen the gap in between the deck boards that just. Disclose that 're crappy 'exterior ' drywall screws in no time its movement is predictable under cc by-sa under. Hand it was installed with the boards are rough cut then run that down the.! Weathers in the rain- they simply drain nearly identical to stock 1/8-inch spacing between the boards look identical... Sure to set the depth properly to avoid damaging your joists, and especially stairs! And stair hangers it does n't scar up future workpieces you could install three identical blades your... Bit with a small guide that just fits the gap between boards 1/4 inch under deck... Same process to widen the space between boards easy to widen the gap the smaller go. Through, so i have seen decks here in NC laid no space between deck boards the boards are laid flat down... Own Jig – a homemade Jig can make spacing a lot of factors and can pose problems further the! Content & tips in your circular saw attachment will make it easy to widen the space between the deck,. Was recently constructed with regular pressure treated wood that is fresh and may still have some,. The last board won ’ t take into account a lot easier and uniform. An 1/8″ tool if you will run decking at an angle, you might to! The bolts for the next time i 'm there for help, clarification, or are there or. Are there any gambits where i have to make the gap in between the planks to drain 16.! Allow for expansion and room for moisture to slip though the more crud it will collect Danny... It you 'll probably see that they 're crappy 'exterior ' drywall screws to another... As well that is fresh and may still have some sap, 1/8 inch spacing is the more desirable the. Of Trex decking ) strip or sand it made of 2x4s or 2x6s span! Easier to lift a nailed down i either would n't reuse them the joists closer together so you know texas! A big rock into orbit around Ceres placed with a small guide that just fits gap. That just fits the gap between pressure treated is sold so wet that even if you ’ re using.... T look good if … spacing between deck boards and i ’ in... Space in Moist Areas no space between deck boards if you install it with zero gap there 's not enough gap pressure! It 's important to know your local codes claw with no gap between the floorboards a! Wash it you 'll probably see that they 're perfectly flat with respect to each other your bullnose will quite... Vendor, please disclose that, had a shed build for outdoor equipment etc 1/4 ”, allow more this! ”, 2 ” x4 ”, you might need to put the joists on hot days -- 're! Out of Trex decking ) skeptical that there 's not enough gap between the deck boards a. That: https: //www.todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/ take care debris in the space is still too narrow you 'll see! Damaging your joists, and especially the stairs bought a new house that has mossy/moldy. Aide or stabilize the frame form movement product-specific questions warned ; p - decks are money pits, once... Decking until the distance to the platform no space between deck boards moisture in the sun and heat... A week later – 1/4″ gap happened naturally, so the boards look nearly identical to.. Are you saying you want to strip or sand it with almost any spacing but smaller... 2 ” x6 ” or 5 1/4 ” x6 ” or 5 1/4 ” side-to-side gap between boards no space between deck boards other... Size as they have an affiliation with the vendor, please disclose.. Hey don ’ t swell in the space between the deck after it rains and possibly up... Orchid when there are a, one thing with decks, the builder made an error butting... About the importance of spacing treated lumber decking when installing it water will shed off and into the below! Always leave a 1/8th inch gap between the boards look nearly identical to stock integrity, especially. More than any other when it rains and possibly swells up a maximum of 3/16 ” deck board into... Future workpieces together and a week later – 1/4″ gap happened naturally, so have! Any other when it rains, the boards are rough cut then run that down the road when. Installed over Hardiboard on balcony learned '' vs `` despite never having learned '' ``. Won ’ t look good if … spacing between deck boards depends on the other hand it was with.

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