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The three common choices when it comes to wood decks are redwood, cedar and pressure-treated wood that can be made of various types of wood species. Redwood and cedar are both naturally insect and rot resistant and have a natural look, but each has its own inherent issues.
What size lumber is used for decking?
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.
Should I use 2×4 or 2×6 for deck?
If you use 2x4s for deck joists, it may cost more money and work in the long run. The material costs more than if you purchase 2x6s because the 2x4s can’t span as far, and you must create more beams and footings for support. You also can’t include guardrails and stairs with 2x4s as your support.
What is the best material to use for deck boards?
Best Deck Material Options for 2021 #1 Pressure-Treated Wood. Among the various types of wood decking, pressure-treated lumber is the most common. #2 Cedar Decking. Cedar is commonly regarded as a higher-quality material than pressure-treated lumber. #4 Composite Decking. #5 Hardwoods.
Is pressure treated wood good for decks?
Pressure-treated lumber is the logical choice for the structural part of your deck—the posts, joists, beams and other members you normally don’t see. Pressure-treated lumber can support more weight and span longer distances than cedar, redwood or other woods commonly used for building decks.
Should I use 2×6 or 2×8 for deck?
For upper-level decks, 2×10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.
Can I use 1×6 for decking?
Never use 1×6 or 5/4×6 material in close to ground applications. Spacing between boards: You must allow space for your deck boards to expand when they take on moisture, as they will inevitably do when exposed to wet weather, rain or high humidity.
Is 4×2 OK for decking?
4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist. These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too. When making your decking frame you should use a 400mm spacing between your timber joists.
Can I use 2×6 for deck boards?
Wood decking is commonly available in 2×6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. 2×6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.
How thick should decking boards be?
Most composite brands have the same thickness, but softwoods and hardwoods will range from 1″ to 2″ thick for decking. Softwoods should be at least 1 1/4 inches thick for a 16″ on center span. 2 inches thick will allow for a 24″ on center span.
What is the longest lasting deck material?
Aluminum and Steel Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
What is the cheapest wood for decking?
The cheapest decking material is usually pressure-treated pine, which can cost as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. There are solid wood and composite options that run $4 to $5 per square foot.
Is cedar or pressure treated wood better for decks?
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.
Which lasts longer cedar or pressure treated wood?
Cedar is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape.
How long will a pressure treated wood deck last?
It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
Do you need to seal pressure treated wood deck?
Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water. Jul 3, 1992.
How far can a 2×8 span for a deck?
Depending on various factors, the maximum span for a 2×8 floor joist is 16′ 6”. The maximum span for roof rafters is 23′ 9”. For headers, the maximum span is 11′ 2”. Finally, a single deck beam has a maximum span of 5′ 11” and double maxes out at 8′ 9”.
Can I use 2×8 for deck boards?
Q: Can I use 2×8 treated lumber as deck boards? A: No, that’s a not a good idea. Lumber wider than 6 inches should not be used as a flat surface. Wide, flat boards have a tendency to pool rain water, which can lead to cupping problems.
How many decking boards do I need for a 10×10 deck?
For a 10×10 square deck, you would therefore need twenty-two 10′ deck boards. Dimensions for deck boards can vary depending on the look you want and the deck board type you use. However, the most common is a 5/4” thick by 6” wide deck board of any length.
