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Deck boards are typically 12 or 16 feet long, roughly 5-½ inches wide and about an inch thick – though specific dimensions can depend on the style of board you choose. Composite decking can come with two bottom profiles.
What is the most common deck board size?
The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.
What size do decking boards come in?
The length of the wood decking board is commonly available in 2 x 6, and 5/4 x 6. 5/4 x 6 inch wood is good for decking. While the 2 x 6 is thicker and stronger, their width varies as much as ¼ inches. If the nominal dimension for wood decking is 5/4 x 6 inches, its actual dimension will be 1 x 5½ inches.
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 is a standard deck board?
NOTE: Standard boards are often called a 5/4 board when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is typically somewhere between 1” and 1 ¼”. Thicker boards are often called a 2 x 6 when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is somewhere between 1.2” and 1.5”.
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″.
Should deck boards have a gap?
When using wood decking, you want a gap of at least 1/8 of an inch after your decking has dried out. If you’re using decking that’s already been dried out, you can leave a 1/8-inch gap when you install. Many decks will use “green” wood, or wood that hasn’t been dried down or kiln dried.
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.
How many deck boards do I need for a 12×12 deck?
For example, a 12-foot x 12-foot deck of 5/4 x 6 pressure treated wood decking on 16 inches on center spacing of joists will require: A 12-foot long deck with joists 16 inches on center will require 10 joists. 20 fasteners x 26 (number of rows of decking) = 520 fasteners. Add 10 percent to be safe.
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.
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.
What is the best spacing for 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 thick should decking wood 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.
How wide is a 6 inch deck board?
Lumber sizes are usually given in “nominal” measurements. The nominal measurements are a board’s size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides.Dimensional Lumber. Nominal Size Actual Size 6×6 5-1/2″ × 5-1/2″.
What is the actual width of a 1×6 deck board?
A 1×6, for example, actually measures 3/4″ x 5 1/2″. In this case, the planing is necessary for a smoother surface, so that the board could be used for interior applications.
What size is 5 4 decking?
5/4 Decking Actual Dimensions 1″ x 5.5.” If you use 5/4 decking, you are getting two-thirds of the board of a 2×6.
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”.
How far can a 2×8 span without support?
Based on different manufacturers’ specifications, the maximum span a 2×8 LVL is from 12′ to 15′. Spans are also affected by the species of wood used in the manufacture of the laminated joists, with western woods edging out eastern woods in unsupported span distance.
What is deck blocking?
Deck Blocking And Bridging Probably, the most commonly used technique is to install small pieces of material in a zig-zag pattern between the perimeter joists to create a rigid rim joist that prevents bounce and increases the strength of the rail attachment.
