How Much Space Between Deck Boards
Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal.
How much space between deck boards. The goal is to have about an 1 8 inch gap the diameter of an 8d nail between boards after the decking has dried to its equilibrium moisture content. You only space engineered decking and even their specs are too much imo. The eighth inch spacing provides for a safer surface for walking.
The easy answer is 1 4. Both sizes have their pros and cons. Smaller gaps mean fewer trip hazards or opportunities for high heels or a child s fingers to get caught in the cracks.
Those decks were toe breakers once the boards shrunk and the spaces ended up over 1 2 wide. 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 more rigid feel 12 or less may be preferred.
But that answer doesn t take into account a lot of factors and can pose problems further down the road. If adding additional framing be sure to keep all boards level and in plane across the tops. Install the first course of decking material.
Composites composite deck boards will have basically no shrinkage so they need to be spaced with gaps from the get go. Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16 on center with the exception of max deck boards which allow for maximum 24 on center. The most common spacing measurement between deck boards is 1 8 inch.
Never space cedar or pt lumber since it will shrink more than expand. When securing the decking it is important to leave adequate spacing between the boards for water to drain. This question may be asked more than any other when it comes to installing a deck.