What length of deck boards is the best?

For a 12-foot wide deck, 2×8 southern pine or SPF lumber will span in one length with spacing between the joists of 12” OC or 16” OC, making it a good choice for deck joists. For an 8-foot deck, 2×6 lumber would be ideal.

What size wood should I use for decking frame?

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.

Is it better to stagger deck boards?

Staggering the deck boards decreases the number of screws or nails going into one joist, which can weaken or rot the joist more quickly. Staggering the joints strengthens the deck by spreading the seams across more joists instead of placing the stress on only one.

How do you stagger deck boards?

A common method for staggering a deck is to start the first row with a full plank, then cut one-third of the next row’s first board off the end. The row after that has an additional one-third cut off and then repeat when you get back to a full board.

Do deck boards need to end on joist?

All deck board should end on a joist, making sure to stagger deck board ends. While laying deck boards might seem easy and quick, you’ll want to take your time and do it right. One small mistake could result in you having to remove all the deck boards later to fix that extra-wide gap or crooked deck board.

How many joists do I need for a 12×12 deck?

10 joists
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.

Do you screw decking at every joist?

Each deck board should be fastened with two screws at each point where the board crosses a joist to ensure the stability and durability of your deck’s surface. Boards should be fastened to rim joists with three screws.

How far apart should deck boards be?

1/8 inch
Proper wood deck board spacing should have at least a 1/8 inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your wood or treated deck boards while they are still wet boards, then they should be attached without a gap between them.

What is the best length for a deck board?

Deck boards are available in 8, 12, 14, and 16-foot lengths, which means it’s not necessary to have seams unless the deck run is longer than 16-feet. However, many people prefer working with 8-foot lengths as they are easier to transport and may have fewer imperfections than the longer planks.

How much can you save by using shorter length boards?

Using shorter length boards (8-14 foot) can save you up to $2.35 per square foot, sometimes more if you’re using a hardwood like ipe. That means on an average sized deck (430 sq. ft.) you could save $1,011 by using shorts! To help you save money on your next project, we’ve put together six great patterns that primarily use shorter length boards.

How much can you save by using decking shorts?

Using shorter length boards (8-14 foot) can save you up to $2.35 per square foot, sometimes more if you’re using a hardwood like ipe. That means on an average sized deck (430 sq. ft.) you could save $1,011 by using shorts!

What is the average thickness of decking?

There is a nominal thickness and then an actual thickness. The most popular thickness for decking boards in North America is a 5/4 thickness which is an actual 1” thick. Use the table below to understand the most common board thicknesses: This varies a bit for different wood products companies.