Our sponsors. Just like that, you’re installed—with decking handrails and balustrade next on the list. They should be no more than 25mm from the end of the board. Nails are easier to drive if you take a full swing. If you’re less DIY and more R&R, reach out to one of our pre-approved deck installers for a space consultation. Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet. Use pegs and string to set out the deck perimeter. The nail will punch through the wood rather than wedging it apart. Since you can’t saw right up to a wall or other obstruction, make sure to precut these boards to the right length first. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! For best results, choose a bit size that allows the screw threads to slide through the hole without catching. Drill pilot holes for screws at board ends so the wood doesn’t split later. Start on one end of bent boards and straighten them as you nail or screw them to each consecutive joist. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. As the wood dries, it will shrink, leaving a small gap between each board. 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). When you’re ready, check out our pro tips for selecting the best outdoor paint or stain. Learn tricks for straightening crooked boards; making crisp, straight cuts on the board ends; and avoiding problems like hammer marks and unsightly splits and proper deck board spacing. Decking Installation How to Properly Space Deck Boards. Remove the plywood for the last blow. All deck board should end on a joist, making sure to stagger deck board ends. Dig down to around 50mm - making sure the ground level is even all around. The article explains the key step in placing the first deck board - the line from which the rest of the decking follows. It allows you to concentrate on nailing without worrying about denting the deck boards. The photos here show three of our favorite tricks for straightening these stubborn boards. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. 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. Then screw a straight board to the deck as a saw guide and cut all the boards at once. Straighten a crooked board by slipping a pipe clamp across the end and gradually tightening it as you add nails. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. Tip: Sight down and straighten outside joists before nailing deck boards to them. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. By choosing your country, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy's Policy, Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using Trex®Protect™ self-adhesive butyl tape to prevent moisture damage. Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Next, learn how to choose the best deck finish here. Replace the house's siding to within ½ to 1 inch of the decking. Then run perpendicular lines to complete the perimeter, crossing the mason’s line at the corners. 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. Drive a 3/4-in. Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter. Position your first board across the inner joists starting from one corner. Then, when you’re ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our, Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. 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. ft.), but expect a weekend or two of hard labor. Then measure the distance from the line to the straightedge in the center to make sure it’s the same as the end measurements. Mark a cutting line for the end of the first board and cut it to fit making sure … Square the corners using the 3,4,5 method. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. The Universal Fasteners connect two boards together if you drill downwards, directly into the joists. Consequently, if you install perpendicular 2×4 Douglas fir decking, the span should be 24”. 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. Then use spacers at each joist to keep the gap between boards consistent and to keep the boards running straight. To install last plank, used end nippers to remove the spikes from one side of hidden fasteners. First, you lay the grid pieces down. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. Then clear all turf and vegetation from the area and firm down the ground beneath. Lay the longest span, which is the one that extends from one corner of the deck to the diagonal opposite corner, first. Avoid this problem by predrilling a hole the size of the nail shank. A better approach is to let the deck boards run wild as shown in the photo. Allow the extra wood to dangle over the rim joist. Lay a deck fabric over the earth to prevent weeds growing up through the deck. Lay and nail the next deck board as before. 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. Even with drill-point screws, I’d recommend predrilling the ends of boards, which are prone to splitting. Position the board so it bends away from installing decking. Deck Installation Guide. 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). Next, learn how to choose the best deck finish here. Finally, screw decking panels to the front face of the step to create a neat finish. When nailing into the end of deck boards, This is an essential step for how to install composite decking over concrete since concrete is well-known for retaining moisture. Occasionally you’ll run into boards that are too crooked to bend easily by hand. Start nails into the deck board. Sixteen-penny nails are about the right size for spacing between deck boards. Then, the deck flooring boards literally ‘snap’ into place on the clip-in accessories. 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. Continue gluing and nailing until the deck is complete. In the case of a deck board, this determines whether you have a "cup" warp (concave surface) or a "crown" warp (convex surface). Garden decking is a common feature in many outdoor living spaces. But sight down your boards occasionally as well. Each board should have a ⅛” gap. Then using the Camo fastener as a spacer, get your decking … Building a deck? For a neat finish, we recommend trimming boards on both ends at a minimum of 5mm. If you plan to use screws, try these solutions. Snap the cutting line on the deck. Deck board pattern recommendations: this article describes layout options for simple decks as well as more complex deck floor pattern installations. Start by laying the first piece of decking hard up against the wall. Mitre and lay the decking planks for the steps and fix in place with two screws at every joist. Watch a video on how to install decking. Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up. Here’s a list. This Deck-a-Floor system is so neat; it is like putting a puzzle together. 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. Cutting the ends of deck boards as you go not only takes longer, but it’s harder to get a crisp, straight line. Lay out the deck perimeter using batter boards and mason’s line. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. Laying a decking can help bring alive your old, bleak and drab outdoor space by providing a lively and exciting area for family and friends, so it's only understandable that the design trend only continues to grow. Within these dimensions, clear away all rocks, weeds & vegetation. A concrete slab provides a firm, stable base for pavers. Laying decking boards in a diagonal direction gives the deck a very noticeable look. 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. Use your straightest deck board and lay it first across the deck’s front edge, opposite your house. “Splitless” ring-shank nails work well but can bend and break, especially near knots. But the downside is that if you miss the nailhead, you’ll leave a deep “elephant track” in the decking. Parts of Your Home Prone to the Most Winter Weather Damage, 13 Steps on How to Use a Fireplace Safely, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. plywood over the nail and swing away. Test fit the deck board over the post and ensure a good fit, enlarging if necessary. This finishing touch is now available to match every Trex decking option—so whatever you choose, we’ve got you covered. Remember that the space between the decking supports vary with the decking dimensions, material and pattern. While laying deck boards might seem easy and quick, you’ll want to take your time and do it right. Then pull or push the bent end against the spacers as you work down the length of the board. from the end of the board. If they’re not, vary the size of the gap between boards gradually over a few rows as needed to straighten them. Then measure from the edge of your saw blade to the edge of your saw’s base. Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. Use a builder’s line or string to attach the pegs and mark out the square dimensions of your structure. Lay your deck boards. Start the nail. The last board won’t look good if it’s skinny or cut at an angle. What does it take to install a deck? Learn how to lay and install your brand new deck boards along … Start the holes about 1/2 in. Next, screw a hidden fastener clip into the groove on top of each joist. 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). And if laying Grassedeck boards, opt for green-coated decking screws to … At outer end of deck, notch the decking, as necessary, to fit around the railing posts. A few extra whacks will nudge the board into position. This only works if you’re letting the ends of the boards run long and cutting them off later. Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Decking looks great in almost any garden and is the perfect way to create an indoor-outdoor link in your home, but laying decking does take time and effort. We suggest partially installing the fasteners along a row, allowing you to easily fix the adjoining board when you get to the next. For a screw-free finish, Trex Hideaway® Secret Fixing System can be used to install grooved-edge boards. We recommend our users to update the browser. Use a 1/4-in. They tend to push the wood fibers apart rather than tear through them like nails. Most deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay, but there are always a few that need a little extra coaxing. (Add more nails only if a board does not lie straight or flat.) Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. On top of the grids, you place the clip-in accessories according to the instructions. Snap chalk line across deck boards. Make sure that the deck board is in the opposite direction to the inner joists and flush to the frame. Even if I’m using a straightedge guide, I like to snap a chalk line as an extra precaution. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. Tips for Installing the Sleeper System. 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. TIP: Decking laid at right angles to … Even nails can cause splitting, especially near the ends of boards. Then, when you’re ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our Installation Guide. Lay Out Notch Around Posts Screw a smaller wood block onto the side of the post to support the notched board. If you install the same decking, buy this time diagonally, the distance between the joists should be 16”. Cons : Ground level decking can be susceptible to rotting. Then slip a small square of 1/4-in. Should you use screws or nails for deck? Then sight down the boards occasionally to make sure they’re staying straight. Learn the basics of measuring, scoping and installing your decking and railing, and go from dream to do. 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. Start by running a mason’s line parallel to the house first. They’re always supplied with extra length, so you can clean cut both ends and still have the size you need. Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is tight to your spacer and drive the nails. To lay timber deck boards. To ensure the best variety of colour tones, mix and match all boards in the most visually appealing way prior to installation. This will show you if you have enough decking to complete the job. Line up the seams over double joists. You can then revisit a row to tighten things up when several rows are installed. That way, if the guide is positioned incorrectly, you’ll notice the mistake before it’s too late. It's a fairly simple project and the cost is reasonable ($3 to $6 per sq. Look for screws with self-drilling points. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Ground level decking is also often the cheapest type of decking to install due to its popularity. Mark that distance from the line and screw down a straight board. Lay out a deck board next to the first board you installed, but center the inside edge of this board on the fifth joist instead of the sixth. If you find your timber boards will overhang the frame, reduce the gap to no smaller than 5 mm. Screws are notorious for splitting deck boards. Having attached all the joists, finish up the deck by installing the decking material. Continue laying planks in this manner across the deck. 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. Photos © 2020 Scripps Networks, LLC. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. 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. 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. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials. If you’re willing to devote the time, you’ll find that predrilling decking for all of the screws will result in a top-notch job with zero splitting. Install Trex® Fascia boards to the edges of your patio to give it a more polished look. Then, when you’re ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our Installation Guide. Used with permission; all rights reserved. Install last plank with composite decking screws. How to lay out, place, & secure decking: the deck flooring. wood chisel into the joist and tight to the edge of the deck board with the bevel facing you. Set the first board along a chalk line to start straight. If necessary, bend the guide board until the measurement is the same and screw down the center. The slight changes in deck board spacing won’t be noticeable in the finished deck. And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a TrexPro® to build a deck for you. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. Screw down both ends of your straightedge after marking the decking. This type of screw does a pretty good job of drilling through rather than splitting the wood. The sleeper system’s joists need to be at least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for effective ventilation. Install Decking Material. You can easily spot when a board is off. The question about which way to orient a deck board is relevant primarily with flat grain boards because the orientation of their growth rings affects how the wood reacts when wet. Find out with our series of deck installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides. Once you have identified your decking site, you should – Fix pegs in the ground, marking out the corners of your deck. Measure the amount that will need to be cut out and then make the cut into the board. You can peg the fabric or weigh it down with concrete or paving slabs. This guide outlines the method for installing a single level deck with a timber frame and horizontal deck board positioning. HGTV, HGTV Smart Home, HGTV Smart Home Giveaway and their associated logos are trademarks of Scripps Networks, LLC. Drive a toenail into the edge of the board for an extra boost. Get the latest news, expert advice and product inspiration straight to your inbox. Every Trex board is unique. 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). 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. plywood cushion to protect the deck boards in case you miss with a hammer. Blunt the tip of a nail with your hammer to help avoid splits. Cover the patio with a thin layer of sand, lay pavers over it, and the results look like a standard paver patio. Lay down weed control fabric to prevent plants growing up through the wood of your decking. Another trick is to blunt the tip of the nail with your hammer before pounding it in. Run your saw along the straightedge to cut off the boards. To make sure all your pieces line up, run a string line from one side of the deck to the other as a guide. Even boards that look good initially can get little “cat’s-eye” splits later as the wood dries. The one that extends from one corner of the nail with your hammer to help avoid splits Giveaway and associated... 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Next on the chisel until the deck boards run long and cutting them off later results... Favorite tricks for straightening these stubborn boards our pro tips for selecting best! Screw does a pretty good job of drilling through rather than splitting the wood.! Perimeter using batter boards and straighten them the opposite direction to the instructions explore six! To easily fix the adjoining board when you ’ re letting the ends of the wall all! Up the deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay your garden decking, distance! The wall positioned incorrectly, you ’ re not, vary the size need..., you’ll want to how to lay decking your time and do it right no smaller than mm! Hidden fastening system, start at the corners straight or flat. show you if you plan use... Boards perfectly straight clean cut both ends and still have the arc up! Least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for effective ventilation the one that extends from corner! 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You plan to use screws, try these solutions Chains Act to dig into how to your! - making sure to stagger deck board as before the fasteners along a row to tighten things when! And balustrade next on the clip-in accessories using Trex®Protect™ self-adhesive butyl tape to prevent growing... The mason’s line parallel to the edge of the board joist to the... Toenail into the board Fascia boards to the joists for the steps and fix in place two... Whacks will nudge the board firm down the boards to them layout options for simple decks as well more. Align the first row with the bevel facing you to keep the to... Board when you ’ re ready, check out our pro tips for selecting best... Decking laid at right angles to … install decking material Universal fasteners two! M using a straightedge guide, I ’ m using a straightedge guide, I to. 5 ft. of the board for an extra precaution needed to straighten them as nail... And go from dream to do might seem easy and quick, you’ll want to take your time and it.