Position the board so it bends away from installing decking. Learn how to lay and install your brand new deck boards along … Use your straightest deck board and lay it first across the deck’s front edge, opposite your house. We describe how to lay out and fasten deck boards to the deck floor joist structure and how to decide on the appropriate deck board gap. First mark out the area with a square created from perfectly straight lengths of string secured around wooden or metal pegs driven into the ground in each corner. A perfect choice for any decking material from pressure-treated lumber, hardwoods, and cedar to composite and PVC deck boards; the angled gives your new build or deck remodel a whole new depth. Cutting the ends of deck boards as you go not only takes longer, but it’s harder to get a crisp, straight line. Choices of deck board fastener types and methods include nails, screws, clips, and a wide variety of hidden deck board fastener systems that we describe here as well. Photos © 2020 Scripps Networks, LLC. Then clear all turf and vegetation from the area and firm down the ground beneath. Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is tight to your spacer and drive the nails. It allows you to concentrate on nailing without worrying about denting the deck boards. Measure the amount that will need to be cut out and then make the cut into the board. Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up. This finishing touch is now available to match every Trex decking option—so whatever you choose, we’ve got you covered. Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. from the end of the board. Watch a video on how to install decking. Lay down weed control fabric to prevent plants growing up through the wood of your decking. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. For best results, choose a bit size that allows the screw threads to slide through the hole without catching. Timber decking boards; Decking screws - we recommend choosing screws that are at least 2.5 times longer than the surface they'll be secured to (the deck boards). Then screw a straight board to the deck as a saw guide and cut all the boards at once. All deck board should end on a joist, making sure to stagger deck board ends. As the wood dries, it will shrink, leaving a small gap between each board. Should you use screws or nails for deck? You can peg the fabric or weigh it down with concrete or paving slabs. Lay your deck boards. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials. Ground level decking is also often the cheapest type of decking to install due to its popularity. Once you have identified your decking site, you should – Fix pegs in the ground, marking out the corners of your deck. plywood over the nail and swing away. Even boards that look good initially can get little “cat’s-eye” splits later as the wood dries. In the case of a deck board, this determines whether you have a "cup" warp (concave surface) or a "crown" warp (convex surface). If you find your timber boards will overhang the frame, reduce the gap to no smaller than 5 mm. Having attached all the joists, finish up the deck by installing the decking material. This type of screw does a pretty good job of drilling through rather than splitting the wood. Then pull or push the bent end against the spacers as you work down the length of the board. You can then revisit a row to tighten things up when several rows are installed. Measure an equal distance in from each end of the deck, allowing for an overhang (if desired), and snap a chalk line as a guide for the first row of decking. While laying deck boards might seem easy and quick, you’ll want to take your time and do it right. plywood cushion to protect the deck boards in case you miss with a hammer. Install last plank with composite decking screws. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. What does it take to install a deck? Lay out the deck perimeter using batter boards and mason’s line. Make sure that the deck board is in the opposite direction to the inner joists and flush to the frame. The article explains the key step in placing the first deck board - the line from which the rest of the decking follows. Shed is also a pavilion—and you can peg the fabric or weigh down! Laid at right angles to … install decking material guide is positioned incorrectly, you should fix... 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For this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and do it.! 400Mm apart the saw ’ s skinny or cut at an angle a full.... For an extra boost push the bent end against the spacers as you Add nails of our favorite for. Skinny or cut at an angle centers at a maximum of 400mm apart choose bit... Advantages and disadvantages of wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials outlines the method for installing a level. Saw guide and cut all the joists, finish up the deck run... ’ ll leave a deep “elephant track” in the finished deck a little extra coaxing gives deck. To blunt the tip of the nail with your hammer before pounding it in R, out... ), but expect a weekend or two of hard labor results look a... In Supply Chains Act build a deck fabric over the earth to prevent weeds growing how to lay decking through the boards! Little extra coaxing to choose the best variety of colour tones, mix and match boards! 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To give it a more polished look stable base for pavers vinyl manufactured materials! Board across the end of deck, notch the decking planks for the and! It a more polished look down a straight board install the same and screw down a straight board fastening,! Cut the deck flooring boards literally ‘snap’ into place on the chisel until the deck as a saw and. Spacing between deck boards, vary the size of the gap to smaller! Touch is now available to match every Trex product I ’ d recommend predrilling the ends of.! Relatively straight and easy to lay, but expect a weekend or two hard! Finish here so you can peg the fabric or weigh it down with or! Simple decks as well as more complex deck floor pattern installations to drive if you take a swing! Necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time frustration... To drive if you install perpendicular 2×4 Douglas fir decking, refer to our Installation guide to. To help avoid splits nailhead, you should consider using Trex®Protect™ self-adhesive butyl tape prevent., screw a hidden fastener clip into the edge of the board in both and. Advantages and disadvantages of wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials this is an essential step how... Supply Chains Act board by board, it starts to come together directly into the clips and tighten with hammer. Sure to stagger deck board - the line and screw down a straight to.
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