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.
What is a good slope for a deck?
With a slope, the water is able to run off and drain sufficiently. You need to make sure that the slope is not noticeable but sufficient enough to do the job of draining. Most contractors suggest sloping the deck 1/4th- 1/8th of an inch for every foot of decking.
Do decks have to be sloped?
When decking is installed conventionally, with gaps between adjacent boards, sloping the deck surface is not necessary. Some decking products with limited drainage recommend sloping the deck frame to a 1/4” vertical per 12′ horizontal pitch.
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.
How do you calculate the slope of a deck?
Calculating the slope is very simple process.
- Measure out from the side of the house where you will mount the deck to the total distance the deck will extend from the house.
- Divide the distance measurement by five. …
- Use the divided measurement as the total amount of slope for the deck in inches.
Whats the meaning for a slope on a deck?
Deck slope means less standing water so as less chances of ice/slip/rot which is in accordance with industry good practice.
How much slope should a porch floor have?
Traditionally, boards are laid running perpendicular to the house. Make sure the porch floor has a slight slope to it—between 1⁄8″ and ¼” per linear foot for tongue-and-groove floors. (If the porch is deeper than 8′, use a slope closer to 1⁄8″ per foot to avoid a pronounced slant.)
Why is water pooling on my decking?
It sounds like your boards are tight up against each other. If water is pooling in between them you might also consider using a circular saw and ripping a long cut right between the boards to assist drainage. It might not be wide enough but it would certainly look better and in theory would be more effective.
Does decking need drainage?
A deck allows you to relax and entertain outside, but without proper drainage, it’s possible for water to pool underneath. This can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, mold and bacteria. If you have water standing under your deck after the rain, choose a drainage system that works for you.
What is the proper spacing between deck boards?
The Sweet Spot – Most people agree that 3/16” is a good gap between boards. Going more than a ¼” may get a little too wide. The width of a nail head is just about right. Treated Lumber – Usually treated lumber will have some shrinkage so you can butt the boards almost right against each other during installation.
How much space do you leave between decking boards?
¼” to 3/8” inch
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. Deck board spacing greater than 3/8” of an inch can become problematic.
Should I use 2×4 or 2×6 for deck?
Most builders stick to using a minimum of 2x6s for deck floor joists. If you want to add guardrails and stairs, you need at least 2x10s. 2×4 and 2×6 joists are ideal for ground-level decks without guards.
Should deck boards be butted together?
We recommend butting treated deck boards together because as the moisture dries from the wood, the boards will shrink and naturally form gaps to allow water drainage. (Depending on moisture content, cedar, cypress and especially hardwood decking may require deliberate spacing for consistent joint sizes.)
How many screws should I put in decking?
The general rule of thumb for standard deck fasteners is 350 screws for every 100 square feet of decking, which is based on standard 6″ wide boards (5-1/2″ actual), and 16″ joist spacing.
Where do you start laying deck boards?
Deck boards should sit 1 ½” off the edge of each side of your deck. Use your straightest deck board and lay it first across the deck’s front edge, opposite your house. Each board should have a ⅛” gap. All deck board should end on a joist, making sure to stagger deck board ends.
Should you use joist tape?
In order to protect your deck’s substructure from weathering and moisture, protective tape for your joists is a must.
