Spacing Between Deck Planks

Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.

Spacing between deck planks.

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 primary function is to drain water from the deck. Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch. Watch this video to find out more.

2x6 is thicker and is stronger but is also more expensive. As the sap and moisture dissipate from the material it will have a natural tendency to shrink. As discussed in best practices guide to residential construction. How to build a wood deck video.

Many jurisdictions following the international building code which requires a minimum 1 8 inch spacing between boards. 5 4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. But most decks need and can achieve spacing between the deck boards for drainage. Most composite decking materials like trex composite decking require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16 on center spacing for straight decking and 12.

The goal is to have about an 1 8 inch. Account for this in the spacing by giving it a little more room between boards. Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5 4 x 6 profiles. When securing the decking it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain.

Leave gaps between deck boards to achieve drainage. The last board won t look good if it s skinny or cut at an angle. 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. For green material that is fresh and may still have some sap 1 8 inch spacing is the more desirable of the two.

Make your own jig a homemade jig can make spacing a lot easier and more uniform across the deck. Spacers individual spacers are a simple way to create a good size gaps between boards. To prevent this it is recommended that decking boards be placed with a space between the rows ranging from 1 8 to 1 4 inch. How to install wood deck boards video.

How long to wait before staining a new wood deck video. Before deciding on how much space to leave between deck boards check with your local building code to see if it covers deck board spacing. It is a great irony that the bulk of deck building happens when the thermometer passes 90 degrees. Before building a composite deck always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking.

If the pressure treated wood hasn t been dried and is still wet with preservative butt the deck boards together when attaching since the wood will shrink some when it dries. Spacing on deck boards in a humid area the summer heatwave is in full effect across most of the country and we continue to sell a lot of ipe decking.