Use 2×6 planks for 16” or 24” OC joists, or if running diagonally to 16” OC joists. As lumber dries, it may split, cup and warp. The minimum joist size is a 2-by-6, which may span up to 11 feet 7 inches without additional support if they are spaced just 12 inches apart. However, if planning to place a hot tub or similar weighty object on the deck, check with the local building department. Additionally, if you plan to cantilever the end of the deck over a support beam, the non-cantilevered span must be at least twice the length of the cantilevered span. Trex Enhance Basics 12-ft Clam Shell Grooved Composite Deck Board. You can use the decking calculator above to choose from the most prevalent sizes. Available in lengths from 1.8m to 4.8m we have the perfect decking for you. Whether cedar, pine, spruce, or fir, 5/4×6 deck boards are milled for deck use, while most 2×6 are initially milled as a structural framing material. A 2×6 will give a more solid feel to a deck with 16” OC spaced joist than a 5/4×6 beck board will, so if the deck is high traffic or expected to host large numbers of people, the thicker material is often the better choice. This is more likely to occur to occur in lower-grade boards, where knots and uneven grains are already present. For an 8-foot deck, 2×6 lumber would be ideal. Check the distance between joists and select the deck board dimensions best suited for how the deck will be used. . Use 2×6 planks for 16” or 24” OC joists, or if running diagonally to 16” OC joists… x 8 ft. #2 Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Lumber, Enhance Naturals 1 in. Joists spaced 16 inches on center will take both 5/4 and 2-inch deck boards (which are actually 1-1/2 inches thick). I hope you have a better understanding of the types of deck boards on the market, and how to choose the right dimension lumber for your deck. Untreated pine, spruce, or fir can be used as decking. TimberTech decking brings you high-style, low-maintenance composite decking products— all backed by industry-leading warranties. Once installed, ipe has few disadvantages as a decking … Learn about our variety of composite durable decking options for creating your outdoor living oasis. x 6 in. Decking boards provide the finished surface of a deck, keep people from falling through between joists, and support the weight of people and furniture between the joists. When a tree is cut down and then milled into planks, it is commonly 1 or 2-inches thick with varying dimensions in widths. The planks are still planed to the same finished or actual dimensions, but more board feet may be produced per log. Some composite 5/4 deck boards carry recommendations for joists at 12” OC, while others are reinforced with fiberglass and can span joists at 24” OC. Each piece of lumber is unique and carries physical characteristics that may include the following: knots, warping, shrinkage, swelling and/or splitting. Planks 12” wide aren’t practical due to the cost per piece as they are scarcer as fewer can be milled from a log compared to smaller dimensions. This double treated Ground Contact lumber must be used for applications where treated lumber is difficult to maintain, repair or replace. ): 5/4 in x 6 in in Wood Decking Boards, 2 in. Here we will focus only on the decking materials, but if you want to know the total cost to build a deck… The nominal dimensions of lumber are commonly based on the rough cut size before being planed smooth on all four faces. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Cedar should be protected against UV damage with a clear stain or sealer every 2 to 5-years. Ipe is a gorgeous dark-brown wood that maintains its appearance with only minimal maintenance. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. x 6 in. Enjoy the WeatherShield 1-1/4 in. Item #1217529 Model #CS010612E2G01 Check the chart below for a quick comparison. A 5/4”x6” deck board is rated for 12” OC and 16” OC, and a 2”x6” plank can span that plus 24” OC. The stain or sealer should be resistant to UV, mold, and insects. Since 5/4×6 have a specific purpose, they are milled smoother and have a more rounded edge to prevent splintering and scuffing. Click & Collect or delivery options are … In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. The size of the deck determines the length of the joists and unsupported span they must cover, and it influences the joist spacing. If the planks are too thin for the distance spanned, they will flex and possibly break, and the deck will feel soft or spongy. (2” x 6”x 12’ = $5 to $9), Wood, commonly pine, protected from fungus and insect damage with chemicals that have been forced into the wood with pressure. Beams are often under the joists but can be part of the joist frame on smaller decks. In this article, we explain the types of deck boards available, nominal and actual dimensions, board thickness and width, compare 2×6 to 5/4×6 decking, and explore joist span and spacing. 2 x 6 boards … An inexpensive choice that will require cleaning and staining once or twice a year, or a wood-look synthetic polymer that won’t fade, split or mold for 50-years, but costs 10-times more. Lumber sizes are usually given in “nominal” measurements. It is recommended you check your local building codes before proceeding. Then use spacers at each joist to keep the gap between boards consistent and to keep the boards running straight. For a 12-foot wide deck, 2×8 southern pine or SPF lumber will span in one length with spacing between the joists of 12” OC or 16” OC, making it a good choice for deck joists. Decking (deck flooring): the surface - the layer of decks on the joists. Wood-plastic composites are claimed to last over 25 years while the manufacturers of PVC decking claim the boards … Deck board spacing is crucial for the looks and health of a deck – it’s not one size fits all. Treated lumber is critical to the performance and safety of an entire system or construction such as deck joists, beams and ledger boards. Select 5/4×6 inch deck boards to fasten in a perpendicular pattern to joists spaced 12” or 16” on-center (OC), or diagonally on 12” OC joists. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. A 2x8 up to 12 feet; 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet. A nominal or rough cut 2×6 planes down to 1-1/2”x5-1/2” while a 5/4×6 dimensionally is actually 1”x5-1/2”. The plank thickness should provide a solid feel for the unsupported distance between joists. But sight down your boards … It is important to note, though, that the thicker lumber dries slower and won’t twist, bow, or cup as much as the thinner material. You need these gaps to drain water. An additional benefit of treated lumber is its defense against rot and … This is especially useful when having to tweak your spacing to square your boards. ArmorGuard Decking … x 16 ft. pressure-treated decking board 5350253, for above ground use is pressure-treated to help protect against rot, decay and termites at The Home Depot Note: product may vary by store Click to learn how to select the right lumber for your project Get Everything You Need (12) Available Lengths: 12 ft (365 cm) 16 ft … 1" Grooved Porch Floor Board Actual Face: .94 in x 4.5 in (24 mm x 114 mm) Actual Overall: .94 in x 4.5 in (24 mm x 114 mm) Can also be used for decking applications. As it dries, you should expect slight changes in width and length. Sixteen-penny nails are about the right size for spacing between deck boards. Cost and maintenance, though, are two factors to consider when choosing deck boards. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Nominal Product T x W (In. Southern yellow pine is responsibly manufactured, safe, and environmentally friendly when used as directed.Treated wood is typically still wet when it’s delivered to The Home Depot or job site. Grooved(for hidden fastening) deck boards are available in 12, 16 and 20 ft. lengths. The deck width size matters because you want a board … Planks of 8 and 10-inch width are more costly per plank and square-foot coverage than smaller widths and less frequently used. Are you ready to build or resurface a deck but don’t know what deck board dimensions are right for your plan? This double treated Ground Contact lumber must be used for applications where treated lumber is difficult to maintain, repair or replace. The actual measurements are the final size… (1” x 6”x 12’ = $60 to $68), Aluminum planks are weather and waterproof boards up to 36-feet in length. Cost may also be a factor and is determined by lumber grade. x 8 ft. #2 Prime Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Lumber Pressure-Treated Pine meets the highest grading Pressure-Treated Pine meets the highest grading standards for strength and … All Rights Reserved. Expansion Gap: These are small gaps between each board. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost. x 5-1/4 in. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. It can also create a trip hazard if it dips too far. Southern yellow pine is responsibly manufactured, safe, and environmentally friendly when used as directed.Treated wood is typically still wet when it’s delivered to The Home Depot or job site. Trex Enhance Basics 12-ft Clam Shell Grooved Composite Deck Board. Available in many different anodized or powder coated finishes, as well as silver, sand, or gray tone aluminum. Ipe is a hard exotic premium deck board that goes under names such as Brazilian Walnut, Tabebuia Serratifolia, Pau D'Arco, Ipe Tabaco, or Bethabara. Dimensional lumber is what is produced by planing the rough cut lumber smooth. When you’re finished perusing this article, you should have a better knowledge of deck board dimensions and how to select what’s best for your project. Ipe Wood Deck Boards . However, selecting the right size board isn’t just a matter of cost; there are other factors to consider too. Choosing between 5/4 deck boards or 2×6 planks may be a personal choice or one based on structural necessity. The load a deck can support is based on the dimensions and spans of the materials from which the frame is constructed. Actual dimensions: 1.3 in x 5.5 in x 12 ft (33 mm x 140 mm x 365 cm) 1.3 in x 5.5 in x 16 ft (33 mm x 140 mm x 487 cm) 1.3 in x 5.5 in x 20 ft (33 mm x 140 mm x 609 cm) Our square edge boards install traditionally like wood–with deck … Joists are commonly spaced at 12” OC, 16” OC, and 24” OC. Fasteners: nails, screws, or hidden clips to attach decking boards. Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine meets. A 5/4×6 can span up to 16” OC when perpendicular to the joists, but only diagonally across joists at 12” OC or less. Deck board thickness determines the distance it can span between joists in many building codes. Decking boards come in varying thicknesses that can be a bit confusing. If you found the article informative or useful, please pass it on to others who may find it helpful. Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. Square edge deck boards (for picture framing, stair treads and … It is resistant to mold, insects, and rot, and is available in six wood tones. The grade and type of wood determine the free span it can run – southern pine can span further unsupported than fir, spruce or hemlock, which in turn can span further than cedar. x 12 ft. Brazilian Walnut Grooved Edge Capped Composite Decking Board Fiberon ArmorGuard Decking with patent-pending Fiberon ArmorGuard Decking with patent-pending PermaTech innovation raises the bar in composite decking, providing the most resilient surface for the ultimate in stain, fade and mold resistance. x 16 ft. #2 Prime Ground Contact Southern Pine Pressure-Treated Lumber, 2 in. come in five different sizes ranging from 1/8″ to 5/16″, allowing you to customize the gap between your boards. Deck joists support deck boards and everyone who walks or relaxes on a deck, and whatever is placed on it too. ArmorGuard 15/16 in. x 5.5 in x 16 ft. Rocky Harbor Grooved Edge Capped Composite Decking Board, Good Life Escapes Composite Decking Board, Good Life Weekender Composite Decking Boards, AZEK Vintage PVC Multiwidth Decking Board, Pressure-Treated Pine meets the highest grading. The surfaces are rough to touch and show milling saw marks. 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