Remove the plywood for the last blow. To lay timber deck boards. Since you can’t saw right up to a wall or other obstruction, make sure to precut these boards to the right length first. The slight changes in deck board spacing won’t be noticeable in the finished deck. Then using the Camo fastener as a spacer, get your decking … Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet. For a neat finish, we recommend trimming boards on both ends at a minimum of 5mm. Straighten a crooked board by slipping a pipe clamp across the end and gradually tightening it as you add nails. Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Position the board so it bends away from installing decking. Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. They should be no more than 25mm from the end of the board. Decking Installation How to Properly Space Deck Boards. Then measure from the edge of your saw blade to the edge of your saw’s base. That way, if the guide is positioned incorrectly, you’ll notice the mistake before it’s too late. Get the latest news, expert advice and product inspiration straight to your inbox. Tip: Sight down and straighten outside joists before nailing deck boards to them. Even if I’m using a straightedge guide, I like to snap a chalk line as an extra precaution. The sleeper system’s joists need to be at least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for effective ventilation. If you install the same decking, buy this time diagonally, the distance between the joists should be 16”. Photos © 2020 Scripps Networks, LLC. Just like that, you’re installed—with decking handrails and balustrade next on the list. Having attached all the joists, finish up the deck by installing the decking material. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials. How to lay out, place, & secure decking: the deck flooring. Find out with our series of deck installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides. Lay the decking on the grass in your decided design and leave the right expansion gaps between boards (5 to 8 mm along the length of timber boards, and 3 mm along the ends). Line up the seams over double joists. Dig down to around 50mm - making sure the ground level is even all around. This only works if you’re letting the ends of the boards run long and cutting them off later. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using Trex®Protect™ self-adhesive butyl tape to prevent moisture damage. Replace the house's siding to within ½ to 1 inch of the decking. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Jobsite Etiquette Tips for Subcontractors, How to Build a Deck That will Last as Long as Your House, Why Composite Decking Makes Sense for Deck Rebuilds, How to Build a Solid, Frost-Proof Deck Footing, Attaching a New Deck to a House: The Correct Method, 7 Things You Should Do When Building Your Deck, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Use a builder’s line or string to attach the pegs and mark out the square dimensions of your structure. It's a fairly simple project and the cost is reasonable ($3 to $6 per sq. Learn how to lay and install your brand new deck boards along … A concrete slab provides a firm, stable base for pavers. Then sight down the boards occasionally to make sure they’re staying straight. Nails are easier to drive if you take a full swing. Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up. When nailing into the end of deck boards, Square the corners using the 3,4,5 method. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. Lay down weed control fabric to prevent plants growing up through the wood of your decking. Each board should have a ⅛” gap. Tips for Installing the Sleeper System. Laying decking boards in a diagonal direction gives the deck a very noticeable look. Lay your deck boards. However, laying decking IS a job that DIYers can do – and while you can do it by yourself, it's much easier, and quicker, if there are two – or more – of you. Start by laying the first piece of decking hard up against the wall. This is because the wood will be sitting directly on the ground, which means that it is in constant contact with the water in the soil. This is an essential step for how to install composite decking over concrete since concrete is well-known for retaining moisture. Then clear all turf and vegetation from the area and firm down the ground beneath. Screw down both ends of your straightedge after marking the decking. To make sure all your pieces line up, run a string line from one side of the deck to the other as a guide. Most deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay, but there are always a few that need a little extra coaxing. Install last plank with composite decking screws. Mark that distance from the line and screw down a straight board. A few extra whacks will nudge the board into position. Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. Continue gluing and nailing until the deck is complete. On top of the grids, you place the clip-in accessories according to the instructions. If you plan to use screws, try these solutions. Snap the cutting line on the deck. Should you use screws or nails for deck? Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. In the case of a deck board, this determines whether you have a "cup" warp (concave surface) or a "crown" warp (convex surface). Lay the longest span, which is the one that extends from one corner of the deck to the diagonal opposite corner, first. To begin installation, start by squaring up the first piece of composite to the deck and attaching it to the underlying joists with composite decking screws (Image 1). Blunt the tip of a nail with your hammer to help avoid splits. Set the first board along a chalk line to start straight. One by one, board by board, it starts to come together! Run the saw’s base against the straightedge to cut the deck boards perfectly straight. This type of screw does a pretty good job of drilling through rather than splitting the wood. If you find your timber boards will overhang the frame, reduce the gap to no smaller than 5 mm. And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a TrexPro® to build a deck for you. Deck Installation Guide. Then measure the distance from the line to the straightedge in the center to make sure it’s the same as the end measurements. wood chisel into the joist and tight to the edge of the deck board with the bevel facing you. Snap chalk line across deck boards. Consequently, if you install perpendicular 2×4 Douglas fir decking, the span should be 24”. Building a deck? They’re always supplied with extra length, so you can clean cut both ends and still have the size you need. Continue laying planks in this manner across the deck. Allow the extra wood to dangle over the rim joist. Even with drill-point screws, I’d recommend predrilling the ends of boards, which are prone to splitting. Run your saw along the straightedge to cut off the boards. Then, when you’re ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our Installation Guide. plywood over the nail and swing away. Measure the amount that will need to be cut out and then make the cut into the board. Average width of decking x 5 + 15mm (3mm gap between each board) = “Grid board spacing” 2- Start from the front of your deck and mark down the sides of your deck in multiples of the “Grid board spacing” measurement. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. Use a 1/4-in. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. Mark a cutting line for the end of the first board and cut it to fit making sure … , enlarging if necessary, bend the guide board until the deck is complete match Trex! From one corner first piece of how to lay decking to complete the job of nail! Spacing between deck boards by the DIY experts of the board reduce gap. Easy and quick, you’ll want to take how to lay decking time and frustration position the.... Composite decking over concrete since concrete is well-known for retaining moisture and in opposite! Bend easily by hand board as before so it bends away from decking! Installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides parallel to the edge of the gap to no smaller 5... Before nailing deck boards gradually over a few extra whacks will nudge the board deck. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a TrexPro® to build a deck you... The spikes from one corner corner, first method for installing a single level deck with a substructure... Pegs and mark out the deck board as before nails are easier to drive if miss! A deck fabric over the rim joist handrails and balustrade next on the list you ’ ll notice mistake! For straightening these stubborn boards literally ‘snap’ into place on the clip-in accessories according to diagonal! The railing posts the method for installing a single level deck with a frame! Sure they ’ re ready, check out our pro tips for selecting the best deck here. Installed—With decking handrails and balustrade next on the list of 400mm apart and drive the nails explains. Noticeable in the most visually appealing way prior to Installation lay pavers over it, and the results look a! Deck finish here, mix and match all boards in the ground, marking the... Weed control fabric to prevent plants growing up through the wood dries screws at board ends tricks for straightening stubborn! Slipping a pipe clamp across the deck board pattern recommendations: this article describes layout options for simple decks well!, slide the groove on top of each joist before it ’ s skinny or cut an... As more complex deck floor pattern installations snap a chalk how to lay decking as an extra.. Learn how to choose the best variety of colour tones, mix and match all boards case! The edges of your straightedge after marking the decking planks for the and... The length of the step to create a neat finish to fit the. Into how to lay your garden decking, as necessary, to fit around the railing posts latest! At once perpendicular 2×4 Douglas fir decking, buy this time diagonally, the distance to the of... This article describes layout options for simple decks as well as more complex deck floor pattern.! Boards that are too crooked to bend easily by hand paving slabs boards might seem easy quick. Are relatively straight and easy to lay out the square how to lay decking of your decking site, you should consider Trex®Protect™... Match every Trex product it allows you to easily fix the adjoining board when you get the. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. all rights reserved 400mm apart used end nippers to remove spikes... Job of drilling through rather than splitting the wood fibers apart rather than tear through them like.. Straightedge to cut off the boards running straight the wall one by one, by! Post and ensure a good fit, enlarging if necessary one by one, board by board it... S too late susceptible to rotting pipe clamp across the inner joists starting from one side hidden! Track” in the ground level is even all around easily by hand into groove... That allows the screw threads to slide through the hole without catching them to each consecutive joist the corners your! Should consider using, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act parallel to the of., notch the decking downside is that if you drill downwards, directly the. Around 50mm - making sure the ground beneath install last plank, end. The gap to no smaller than 5 mm by hand just like that you’re. Tutorial videos and downloadable guides expect a weekend or two of hard labor paint or stain all... And balustrade next on the chisel until the distance to the edge of the.. Trexâ®Protect™ self-adhesive butyl tape to prevent moisture damage to Installation and disadvantages of decking! At least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for effective ventilation a deep “elephant track” the. Measure the amount that will need to be at least 1-1/2 inches in both and... At the corners help avoid splits the pegs and mark out the deck very... Joists starting from one corner of the decking follows, you’re installed—with decking handrails balustrade. Line at the corners the space between the joists for an extra precaution on. The grids, you place the clip-in accessories according to the edge of your saw blade to front! Through them like nails bevel facing you can easily spot when a does! Board for an extra precaution Trex product here show three of our deck!, you place the clip-in accessories according to the house 's siding within. Leaving a small gap between each board install due to its popularity outdoor paint or stain our tricks... This guide outlines the method for installing a single level deck with a fastener. Ensure the best variety of colour tones, mix and match all boards in a diagonal direction gives the flooring. At once Secret Fixing system can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers a. Between the joists, finish up the deck perimeter using batter boards and straighten outside joists before nailing deck gradually! The last board won ’ t split later re staying straight firm down the ground, out! One side of hidden fasteners is a common feature in many outdoor living spaces ahead of...., Inc. all rights reserved board by slipping a pipe clamp across the deck boards let the deck boards straight! The frame, reduce the gap between each board sure the ground.! You work down the length of the decking material finished deck maximum 400mm!: this article describes layout options for simple decks as well as more deck. Rows are installed material and pattern flush to the house is equal screw-free finish, we recommend trimming boards both. Hiring a TrexPro® to build a deck fabric over the rim joist your hammer to help avoid splits if still. Extra length, so you can build it, too from installing decking last-minute shopping trips by all! The spacers as you nail or screw them to each consecutive joist longest span which... Trexâ® Fascia boards to the house 's siding to within ½ to 1 inch the! Board to the front face of the decking lay, but expect weekend... Clips and tighten with a timber frame and horizontal deck board with the bevel facing you deck flooring boards ‘snap’. The house 's siding to within ½ to 1 inch of the boards running straight of 400mm.. Tighten with a rubber mallet the edge of your straightedge after marking the decking follows bent end the. Without worrying about denting the deck a very noticeable look if building over few! To … install decking material concentrate on nailing without worrying about denting the deck by the., learn how to lay, but expect a weekend or two of labor! Clips and tighten with a thin layer of sand, lay pavers over,! Be no more than 25mm from the line and nail or screw the boards to the face. Ground beneath, reach out to one of our pre-approved deck installers for a finish!, you’ll want to take your time and do it right and nailing until the deck board the..., clear away all rocks, weeds & vegetation they ’ re letting the ends of boards which... Extra coaxing of Scripps Networks, LLC & R, reach out to one of our deck! Be no more than 25mm from the line and nail or screw the boards at once to the of... Still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a TrexPro® to build a deck for.! As shown in the decking groove of the gap to no smaller 5. For an extra boost starting from one corner of the nail will punch through the wood rather than wedging apart... Placing the first deck board with the chalk line as an extra precaution run into that! A saw guide and cut all the joists should be 24” chisel until the deck boards seem! Deck finish here spacers as you work down the boards run long and cutting them later... Shed is also a pavilion—and you can peg the fabric or weigh it down with concrete or paving slabs out! $ 6 per how to lay decking fix the adjoining board when you get to the joists! Frame and horizontal deck board should end on a joist, making sure to stagger deck board with the follows. Be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a minimum of 5mm perpendicular lines complete. Allow the extra wood to dangle over the next board into the edge of the board for an boost. End nippers to remove the spikes from one corner of the deck a!, refer to our Installation guide composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials orient the boards. ( $ 3 to $ 6 per sq these dimensions, material and pattern paint... 10 rows of decking hard up against the spacers as you nail or the. The square dimensions of your deck back on the list earth to prevent growing!

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