Should deck boards be diagonal?

It is usually best to start with the longest board length from a corner and work off of both sides. It is important to square the decking in order to maintain a consistent angle across the surface. For decks that are over 20′ wide, you should consider applying your decking diagonally to minimize butt joints.

Should deck boards be butted together?

We recommend butting treated deck boards together because as the moisture dries from the wood, the boards will shrink and naturally form gaps to allow water drainage. (Depending on moisture content, cedar, cypress and especially hardwood decking may require deliberate spacing for consistent joint sizes.)

Why do you stagger deck boards?

Staggering the deck boards decreases the number of screws or nails going into one joist, which can weaken or rot the joist more quickly. Staggering the joints strengthens the deck by spreading the seams across more joists instead of placing the stress on only one.

What is the correct way to lay decking boards?

If your decking is laid ridge-side up, the chances are you’ve got it the wrong way round. The correct way to lay decking boards for most decking is smooth-side-up, with the ridges there to prevent rot and mould.

Should deck boards be staggered?

Staggering the seams or butt joints where the boards meet is an important part of how to lay out the deck boards. Staggering the deck boards decreases the number of screws or nails going into one joist, which can weaken or rot the joist more quickly.

How do you stagger deck boards randomly?

A common method for staggering a deck is to start the first row with a full plank, then cut one-third of the next row’s first board off the end. The row after that has an additional one-third cut off and then repeat when you get back to a full board.

How do you cut angles on deck boards?

Cut Boards Choose two straight boards and cut one end of each at a 45-degree angle. A 10-inch power miter saw will not cut all the way across the board. Complete the cut with a handsaw. If you are experienced using a power miter saw, lift up on the forward edge of the board to finish the cut.

What is deck angle?

The angle the nose of the aircraft makes with the horizon is the “deck angle,” a somewhat nautical sounding term that simply means the angle the nose makes with the deck, that is, the ground (or perhaps the deck of an aircraft carrier?). …