That is because the new boards are still “wet” with the pressure treatment and are new. Once they dry out, in a few months, they will be the same size or close to it. Lay out the deck with the boards but don’t screw them down yet. Let them dry out, flipping them over often.
Will new deck boards shrink?
Do Deck Boards Shrink? Deck boards can both shrink and expand. This is why it is necessary to leave appropriate spacing between them when building a deck. Most deck boards are pressure treated, which means they will be somewhat wet when they’re new.
How much will new deck boards shrink?
Air-dried decking can often be installed with a gap less than 1/4 inch (6.5 mm) because the boards will likely end up shrinking in width rather than expanding. When installing new air-dried decking the proper gap ranges from 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) – 1/4 inch (6.5mm) depending on the environment.
How long does it take for pressure treated wood to shrink?
A Treated board will shrink about 1/4” after installation. Thus, fasten the planks as tight as possible. For 1×6 pickets, these shrink a little less than 1/2″.
Will deck boards shrink or expand?
Wooden decking boards are the most susceptible to shrinking and expanding. When exposed to moisture, they can easily absorb it and swell. When the boards dry out, it returns to its original size.
Does pressure treated wood expand and contract?
Even products that are sealed and treated are going to shrink. This most typically occurs across the width of boards, so builders should take into consideration the fact that their lumber will shrink over time. Additionally, as part of the drying stage of treated wood, the boards will crack, also referred to as checks.
How do you widen space between deck boards?
To widen the gap between the deck boards run the saw forward lightly touching one side, then check for clearance. If the space is still too narrow, make a second pass on the other side. You may have to make several passes using the same process to widen the space between the deck boards for desired spacing.
How much do deck boards expand?
1/4″
Usually the boards expand beyond that 1/4″ gap. Now the boards are buckling and possibly cracking since they have no place to go. This results in serious damage and the need to replace decking. Just to make things even more difficult, wood is anisotropic.
How much will a 5 4 deck board shrink?
Translation 5 ½” (138mm) treated decking will shrink about 7/16″ (11mm) but cedar only 9/32″ (7mm). So after a season of drying, both will have roughly the same spacing ¼” (6mm). Providing both deckings’ plenty of spacing for drainage.
Does pressure treated lumber shrink when it dries?
Over time, most treated lumber will shrink slightly across its width as it dries out. Take this small amount of shrinkage into account when laying decking or fence boards.
Should pressure treated deck boards be spaced?
And if so, how big should the gap be? Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your decking using wet boards, pressure-treated decking that has not yet dried out, then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink.
What is the spacing between pressure treated deck boards?
Leave Gap: If the pressure treated wood has been kiln dried after treatment (KDAT), leave a 1/8” gap (the thickness of an 8-penny nail) between the boards when attaching, since the wood will expand slightly over time.
How much space do you need between treated deck boards?
The amount of space between deck boards should be anywhere from ¼” to 3/8” inch. You want plenty of space for water to flow between the boards and to allow small debris to fall to the ground.
How far should deck boards overhang?
Between one and two inches of deck board overhang is ideal when you attach an outer fascia board, or at least 1 ¾” to 2 ¾” of overhang before installing the fascia.
How do you stagger deck boards?
A common method for staggering a deck is to start the first row with a full plank, then cut one-third of the next row’s first board off the end. The row after that has an additional one-third cut off and then repeat when you get back to a full board.
How wide is a deck board?
The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.
Does Trex decking expand?
Storage of Composite Decking
Because it is also prone to expansion in warm weather, your decking should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible to keep your cuts and board positioning as accurate as possible.
Should you stagger Trex decking?
Composite decking should not be staggered on a deck. Staggered decking requires butt joints, but composite decking expands and contracts with temperature changes making butt joints unsightly. It is better to design a composite deck with intentional design elements to avoid staggering boards for a wider composite deck.
Do composite deck boards expand and contract?
As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another.
