Floor Spacing For Cedar Deck Boards

Keep the lines between the boards as even as possible for the best visual effect.

Floor spacing for cedar deck boards. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Cedar deck spacing tips cedar deck board spacing should be 1 8. Details of deck porch construction how to build a deck that won t collapse. It resists mold and mildew and easily cleans up with soap and water.

But that answer doesn t take into account a lot of factors and can pose problems further down the road. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. For decking materials always use pressure treated lumber pressure treated decking or treated deck components for any outdoor project. Conversely dry cedar boards should be spaced 1 4 apart to avoid damage when the material absorbs moisture and expands narrowing that gap.

Spacing the boards can be done quite simply. Then protect your wood decking with stains and sealers. The easy answer is 1 4. This is for the homeowners out there that are finally ready to put the finishing touches on their deck except for stains and sealants of course and are wondering exactly what cedar deck board spacing to use and why.

Deck board and framing member spacing. Larger gaps such as 1 4 allow more of this material to fall through the deck. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12 on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. 5 4 deck board trex rocky harbor pressure treated deck boards 16 ft.

Gaps that are narrow 1 8 can catch debris specifically on top of the joists and can be difficult to clean out. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Joist spacing for composite decking. How much space to leave between deck boards.

For a low maintenance decking option choose composite decking. Leave a 1 8 space between butted ends as cedar will also expand lengthwise. This article series discuss best porch deck construction practices including choice of framing materials decking or flooring choices installation how to select and use deck and porch structural and flooring fasteners actual deck porch framing construction details. Adjust spacing between deck boards measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft.

For a 1 8 inch space carry a 16 penny nail that can be stuck between boards to space them apart as they are attached. For a 1 4 inch space use the thick end of a wood chisel. Most decks use 16 on center spacing for joists. Redwood can be spaced similarly to cedar.

Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16.