Does it matter which way you lay decking boards?
“The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” The ridges are designed to allow for airflow, to stop moisture sitting in the ridge, and allow for a stronger structure. These lead to a less slippery deck as the moisture can drain better, and it can air dry.
Which way should deck boards face?
Lay deck boards so that the best-looking face is facing up! Wood is stable when its moisture content is held above 30%(fiber saturation point). As wood dries below 30% it shrinks. Wood shrinks and swells twice as much in the direction parallel to the growth rings as it does perpendicular to the growth rings.
Jun 7, 2022
Should the grooves on decking be up or down?
However, every decking timber manufacturer will tell you: the proper way to install a board is ridge side down. The ridges, they say, were designed to let air circulate underneath the boards. This, according to them, prevents the buildup of moisture and, consequently, of mould.
Should the Crown be up or down on deck boards?
A board that is correctly installed right side up (or bark side down) will form a crown and allow water to run off the edges. If the board is installed wrong side up (or bark side up) it will curve up on the edges when dry and water can gather and sit in the cup. That is a recipe for wood rot and problems.
Which side of a deck board goes down?
This then leads us to the most debated question about installing deck boards: crown up or down. The direction affects how the boards shape over time – cupping or crowning. Deck boards should crown up – bark side down.
Are decking boards reversible?
Our deck boards are reversible, machined to different grooved profile on each side giving you a choice of finish to create a modern, elegant decking area to transform any outdoor space.
How do you know which way a board will cup?
And lucky (or is it unlucky?) for us, you can pretty much predict which way the board will cup simply by looking at the orientation of the end-grain. As you can see in the drawing to the right, the wood typically cups away from what would be the center of the tree, or in the opposite direction of the growth rings.
Why are my deck boards cupping?
When the external forces become too powerful for the wood, the wood will move, typically cupping upwards at the outside edges. Too much sun on the top, combined with too much moisture below.
Sep 11, 2019
Should deck boards be staggered?
Staggering the deck boards decreases the number of screws or nails going into one joist, which can weaken or rot the joist more quickly. Staggering the joints strengthens the deck by spreading the seams across more joists instead of placing the stress on only one.
Which way does the crown of a board need to go?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: All the way down the board and as I put my eye and look at it I can clearly see that there is a very slight hump. This way in other words.
Which way do crown deck boards go?
“Bark side down” orients the board so the end grain growth rings curve upward. This creates a crowning warp when wet. As a result, water is shed from the board, as opposed to pooling on it. Also, the exposed board face is heartwood (closer to the tree’s center) versus sapwood, and heartwood is more decay-resistant.
Jan 27, 2020
How do you lay decking boards?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Start laying the full length five quarter by six boards deck boards must have spacing between them to allow for water and debris to pass between the boards. If you're using pressure-treated lumber.
Should deck boards be parallel or perpendicular to house?
The default direction decking runs on an attached deck is parallel with the house. A few reasons for this are deck framing construction, water runoff and appearance. Decking running parallel to the house is beneficial structurally, aesthetically and costwise.
When laying deck boards where do you start?
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. Then measure when you’re 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width.
May 15, 2019
How do I make sure the first deck board is straight?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: In order to make sure that the wood doesn't split when we put in our two and a half inch decking screws i'm going to pre-drill it with an 8-inch. Bit. Using a clamp i'm going to readjust.
Do you screw deck boards to every joist?
Each deck board should be fastened with two screws at each point where the board crosses a joist to ensure the stability and durability of your deck’s surface. Boards should be fastened to rim joists with three screws.
How do you lay deck boards on a deck that isn’t square?
Use a combination square as a spacer to create a thin gap in between the new deck board and the already-installed deck board. Attach this board with two deck screws into each joist, then install another board on the end of the first to finish the second row.
