How Much Space Between Composite Deck Boards

Larger gaps such as 1 4 allow more of this material to fall through the deck.

How much space between composite deck boards. Smaller gaps mean fewer trip hazards or opportunities for high heels or a child s fingers to get caught in the cracks. The easy answer is 1 4. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low maintenance decking. A 1 4 gap between 6 inch wide boards can give as much as 1 2 total gap if the boards are installed damp or wet and then dry out a bit more than desired as your question suggests.

But that answer doesn t take into account a lot of factors and can pose problems further down the road. Other benefits of the duralife step clip system include providing complete joist protection no tape needed and is designed to automatically create a uniformed 3 16 space between each composite deck board. 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. The primary function is to drain water from the deck.

The last board won t look good if it s skinny or cut at an angle. This question may be asked more than any other when it comes to installing a deck. Both sizes have their pros and cons. If you re planning to replace old wood decking with pvc or composite measure the deck joist spacing first.

This space is important for two reasons. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. However the risk of buckling or of loss of drainage when the boards are fully expanded in wet weather is perhaps the determining concern. First it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner safer and less prone to moisture problems.

One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have a 1 4 inch to 3 16 inch gap between the decking boards don t exceed 1 2 inch. Duralife step clip composite decking hidden fastening system can reduce installation times by up to 50 percent. How much space to leave between deck boards. Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch.

Gaps that are narrow 1 8 can catch debris specifically on top of the joists and can be difficult to clean out. If you plan to install your decking at a 45 degree angle your joists may need to be 12 inches apart. Adjust spacing between deck boards measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft.