Can you use 2×10 for deck boards?
There is certainly no problem using the 2x10s for any of the structural framing of the deck. Using 2×10 treated lumber for decking is another matter entirely.
What type of lumber is best for decks?
Pressure-treated lumber is the best wood for outdoor decks when it comes to upfront costs because of its easy accessibility. However, pressure-treated lumber — and indeed, all types of traditional wood decking material — require the aforementioned rigorous, costly maintenance over time.
What size wood should I use for decking frame?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
Can you build a deck with regular lumber?
Yes, you can use untreated wood to build a deck, but not without preparing it first. You can’t, of course, pressure treat it yourself, but you will need to seal; the wood and stain/paint it to ensure the wood is ready to take on the harsh external weather.
How far can a 2×10 span for a deck?
Deck Joist Span Chart
| Joist Spacing (o.c.) | 16″ | |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir | 2×8 | 11′-1″ |
| 2×10 | 13′-7″ | |
| 2×12 | 15′-9″ | |
| Redwood, Western Cedars, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine | 2×6 | 8′-0″ |
How far can a 2×10 span without support?
How Far Can a 2×10 Beam or Header Span? A 2×10 beam – made up of two 2x10s nailed together – can span up to 11′ without support beneath a deck that is 4′ wide. For a more normal-sized deck, the same beam can span 8′, supporting a deck that is 8′ wide. You can also triple a 2×10 beam.
What type of wood is best for outdoor use?
9 Wood Species Best for Outdoor Projects
- Acacia. Acacia is a thick, strong hardwood with high oil content. …
- Black Locust. Black Locust is one of the strongest and stiffest domestic woods. …
- Cedar. Cedar is soft, light, and easy to work with. …
- Cypress. …
- Douglas-Fir. …
- Ipe. …
- Redwood. …
- Teak.
Is cedar better than pressure treated wood for decks?
Cedar ranks higher than pressure-treated wood in many aspects. Cedar is stronger and durable, resists warping, and requires less maintenance than treated wood. Cedar is also more eco-friendly, easier, and safer to work with. Save for its relatively higher cost, cedar is the better choice.
What is better for a deck cedar or pressure treated?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
Does outdoor wood need to be pressure treated?
Generally speaking, any wood used in outdoor projects should be pressure-treated. Wood details in your interior design (like cabinetry or furniture) do not need the same level of treatment.
Does deck wood have to be pressure treated?
As long as there’s a good chance that moisture can reach the wood, it should be pressure treated. This is why the International Building Code requires that siding and structural lumber used for the last six inches of the structure above the ground is pressure treated.
Is pressure treated wood good for decks?
In all, pressure treated wood, like anything, has its good qualities and its not-so-good qualities. But, with excellent features such as its resistant to fungal decay and termites as well as its attractive price-point, pressure treated wood is an outstanding choice to use for the construction of your deck.
What is a drawback of pressure treated wood?
Chemical risks.
Because this type of decking is treated with chemicals for protection, it can be hazardous when not handled correctly. If the wood is burned, trimmed, or cut, it can release harmful toxins into the air. Pressure-treated wood should not be used for gardens or come in frequent contact with food and water.
How long will a pressure treated deck last?
If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.
Why is treated lumber cheaper than untreated?
An obvious advantage of untreated lumber is its price; it’s much cheaper than treated lumber. Since CCA-treated lumber was taken off the market, new treatment techniques use high levels of copper, which is more expensive. As a result, the cost of treated wood has risen considerably [source: Morrison].
Can I leave my deck untreated?
It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date. If you choose to revitalize the natural color of the wood, we recommend our two-step maintenance clean.
Which is stronger treated or untreated wood?
Pressure treated lumber is no stronger than untreated lumber. The difference between the two is that pressure treated lumber will resist the elements better than untreated due to chemical preservatives added, and so will maintain its integrity in conditions that would cause normal wood to rot.
How do I know if wood is untreated?
To tell if the wood is treated, check tags, stamps, and markings of chemicals used. Smelling can also help you know if wood is treated. Treated lumber can smell oily, while untreated wood doesn’t. Treated wood also has a green or brown hue from the treatment process.
How can you tell the difference between cedar and pressure-treated wood?
Examine the wood for imperfections. Pressure-treated wood is made from pine, which often shows imperfections such as knots and splits. Cedar tends to be smoother and unblemished and is also less likely to warp. Look at the color of the wood if the deck has not been painted or stained.
How do you treat untreated lumber?
You simply soak the lumber in the borate solution. Most people just build a trough using 6-mil plastic sheeting. The different borate chemicals come with instructions telling you how to mix the powder with water and how long to soak the lumber.
