Should deck boards be parallel to the house?

Decking running parallel to the house makes the deck look wider and blends the deck into the house. If the decking runs perpendicular, the deck looks long and extending far out, away from the house.

How close should deck boards be to house?

The first board you install should be about 1/8″ (3.5mm) away from the siding, to account for drainage, expansion and contraction. Predrilling is typically necessary when fastening any type of hardwood decking.

What is the correct way to lay decking boards?

If your decking is laid ridge-side up, the chances are you’ve got it the wrong way round. The correct way to lay decking boards for most decking is smooth-side-up, with the ridges there to prevent rot and mould.

Which way should decking run from house?

Laying decking boards in a diagonal direction gives the deck a very noticeable look. To lay a deck this way, joist have to be set no wider than 300mm apart, so you may need one or two more joists extra.

Where do you start laying deck boards?

Nail technique with nails for decking spacers A few extra whacks will nudge the board into position. Most deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay, but there are always a few that need a little extra coaxing.

Where do you start deck boards?

In most cases, it’s best to start with a full board on the outside edge of the deck and work toward the house so the odd board is less visible. Then measure when you’re 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width.

Do you leave a gap between decking boards?

Proper Gap between Decking Boards When installing decking boards, make sure to leave 1/4 to 1/8 inch gaps in between them. This gap will make sure that the decking can breathe, have sufficient drainage, and make it easier to clean.

Does it matter which way decking boards run?

Running the boards parallel to the length is always desirable, it gives the deck a much bigger look. If you run the boards parallel to the width, it tends to give the deck a stumpy look, not very desirable.

Which side of deck board goes up?

This then leads us to the most debated question about installing deck boards: crown up or down. The direction affects how the boards shape over time – cupping or crowning. Deck boards should crown up – bark side down.

How do you lay deck boards on a deck that isn’t Square?

Use a combination square as a spacer to create a thin gap in between the new deck board and the already-installed deck board. Attach this board with two deck screws into each joist, then install another board on the end of the first to finish the second row.

Should I start my decking at the house or the edge?

The truth is it can be done in both ways, starting at the house or at the edge of the deck working back to the house. However in either case you will likely have to cut the last board to width to fit. If you start at the house you could end up with a very narrow board at the end. Also this may not look very nice at all.

What direction do you lay decking boards?

The size of the deck Is another factor that determines what direction do you lay decking boards. Dependent on the size of your planned decking, it is desirable to have full length deck boards (with no cuts or joins) that run the entire length or width of the deck.

How far should decking be from the end of the deck?

When you are about 6-10 feet from the end of the deck, check the remaining distances from the edge. Divide this distance by the width of the decking boards plus 1/8″. You should try to end the decking with a full width board if possible. You can slightly spread or shrink the gaps for a perfect fit.

How do you attach deck boards to a frame house?

Start by installing the first deck board on the front outside edge of the deck framing. Ensure an equal overhang along the length of the board and nail or screw it in place. Continue with each board working your way to the house and using a spacer, such as a nail, to keep the gap uniform.