Installing 5 4 Deck Boards

Most deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay but there are always a few that need a little extra coaxing.

Installing 5 4 deck boards. Use two nails across a 2 x 4 and three across a 2 x 6. Deck spacing isn t anything to take lightly. Use 3 1 4 long nails on nominal decking and 3 nails for 5 4 decking. When deck boards get wet they do not get wet consistently.

Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up. Many deck builders overhand the decking over the frame by about 1 4. When using pressure treated wood that s still saturated with preservative install the boards without a gap between them. This creates dimensional changes in the wood.

The wood on the top of each board is exposed to more moisture than the wood on the bottom. Installing double joists where the boards meet in a run takes pre planning meaning you need to know where the boards will butt and have a double joist. Screws take longer to drive than nails but hold boards more securely and will allow for easier removal if necessary. Deck boards no matter the thickness 5 4 or 2 should always be fastened on top of a double joist so there is enough nailing edge on each decking board where they are butted.

As a result the wood fibers on the top side expand more than the fibers on the bottom. If you install your decking using wet boards pressure treated decking that has not yet dried out then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink. Wood warps in the opposite orientation of the growth rings. Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is tight to your spacer and drive the nails.

Stagger butt joints as much as possible for a nicer appearance. Proper deck board spacing should have a 1 8 inch gap after the decking has dried out. Drive nails at a slight angle toward each other. As the wood dries it will shrink leaving a small gap between each board.

Start installing deck boards at the outside of the deck and work towards the house wall.