How Much Space Between Decking Boards
A 1 8 gap can easily be accomplished through the use of an 8d nail.
How much space between decking boards. Install decking with 3 pressure treated compatible deck screws instead of nails. Use three fasteners equally spaced across the width of the fascia board at the top middle and bottom locations of the board 2 fasteners for riser boards and spaced approximately every 12 along the length of the board. For timbertech azek decking it s recommended to have a minimum 1 8 to 1 4 side to side gap between deck boards. The last board won t look good if it s skinny or cut at an angle.
A convenient way to get consistent spacing is by using a 6 penny or 8 penny nail between each course of decking. Cumaru deck board shrinkage air dried hardwood decking can shrink laterally approximately 1 16 or more on 4 wide boards and up to 1 8 or more on 6. Cumaru deck board expansion hardwood decking may expand by as much as 1 8 on 6 wide boards and 1 16 on 4 wide boards during times of high moisture thus proper gapping is recommended. In this case some space between the boards is a good idea because the wood can actually expand slightly over time.
Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. The width of the nail is 1 8 inch. Use two nails for each joist to deck board connection. When deck boards are too tight water will not be able to drain causing the wood to rot over time.
When fastening always leave a 1 8 gap between the top of the fascia and the bottom of the deck boards. The moisture content of the decking boards how long they have had time to acclimate to your environment. How to space deck boards. Stagger butt joints as much as possible for a nicer appearance.
Locate screws about 3 4 from the edges of boards. Lay the boards in place using several 8d nails as spacers. All of my deck boards were pretty much damp when i got them. Start installing deck boards at the outside of the deck and work towards the house wall.
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. The folks at yellawood recommend using an eight penny nail between rows to create adequate consistent spacing. Whether you choose 1 8 or 1 4 spacing there are a variety of ways to achieve uniform spacing between your deck boards. The most common spacing measurement between deck boards is 1 8 inch.
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.