Most contractors suggest sloping the deck 1/4th- 1/8th of an inch for every foot of decking. With this slope, the difference isn’t terribly noticeable to those standing on the surface but your chance of ponding is reduced greatly.
Does a deck have to be perfectly level?
In a nutshell, the easy answer is this—no, your deck should never be level with your home. That’s because of the threat most feared by even the bravest DIYers and homeowners: water damage. If your deck or patio sits at the same height as your home, you’re making it easy for water to get inside and wreak havoc.
Should a deck have a slight slope?
How Much Should a Deck Slope Away from the House? A deck should slope ⅛” per foot perpendicular from a house. Regardless of deck orientation – which direction the deck boards run – a minimum slope of ⅛” is optimal for shedding water. If your deck surface is solid, then ¼” per foot is a better choice.
Should deck be Leveld or sloped?
Most contractors suggest sloping the deck 1/4th- 1/8th of an inch for every foot of decking. With this slope, the difference isn’t terribly noticeable to those standing on the surface but your chance of ponding is reduced greatly.
What is the proper slope for a deck?
A solid deck needs to be sloped between a 1/8″ (3mm) and ¼” (6mm) per foot to encourage water drainage. Decks with properly gapped decking boards require no slope as rain will naturally run off the boards even when level.
Do you need a gap in decking?
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.
Does decking need a fall?
REMEMBER: TO ACHIEVE RAIN WATER “RUN OFF” DECKING SHOULD BE LAID ON A SLIGHT GRADIENT. THE TOTAL LENGTH OF THE DECK SHOULD HAVE A FALL OF AT LEAST 1 IN 80 (1.25%) WITH THE GROOVES IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FALL. Make sure there is a separate joist under each butted board and clips hold both ends down on both sides.
Should decking be flat?
The correct way to lay decking boards for most decking is smooth-side-up, with the ridges there to prevent rot and mould.
Should decking be groove side down?
“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.
Does decking need grooves?
The grooves or reeds on a decking board are not there as an anti-slip measure, nor are they there to make your decking look prettier. They are designed to allow for airflow underneath the boards to stop moisture and mould build up.
Should deck boards be installed crown up or down?
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.
Should deck boards run 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.
Which side of deck board faces up?
In truth, the answer is very simple. 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).
