Building A Deck
Decking & Stair Treads
Decking boards must endure both foot traffic and weather. During installation, consider the following to keep your decking attractive, durable and functional.
Installation: Decking and stair treads provide the deck’s walking surfaces. Proper planning and installation will provide an attractive and durable deck surface.
Layout: Plan the layout of your deck carefully. Proper planning saves time, money and labor, and reduces cutting and waste. For example, no cuts are required if the width of your deck is designed to match a typical decking board length (e.g. 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 feet).
Bark Side Up: For best appearance and performance, orient deck boards "bark side up" so visible growth rings at the end of each board form an arc pattern from bottom to top. This will help reduce weathering-related problems such as splits or cupping.
Decking Width: To avoid cupping and ponding of water on the decking surface, do not use lumber greater than 6 inches in nominal width (5 ½ actual).
Recommended Spacing for Treated Southern Pine Decking
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Spacing: The width of pressure-treated Southern Pine decking may vary due to moisture content, so spacing between boards should be adjusted at installation to compensate for shrinkage as the wood dries. Refer to the Recommended Spacing Table at right.
Spans: Southern Pine 5/4 radius edge decking (R.E.D.) and 2x6 lumber used for decking are both rated to span up to 24 inches on center when installed perpendicular to the joist system (boards must span across at least three joists). However, many pros recommend limiting the R.E.D. span to 16 inches on center to reduce board deflection (bounce). When decking is installed diagonally, space joists 16 inches on center for both R.E.D. and 2x6.
Fasteners: Select decking fasteners for optimum holding power and corrosion resistance for durability and appearance. See the Decking Fastener Guide for selection, installation and durability tips as well as proper nailing patterns.
Pre-Drill Holes: To reduce splitting, especially near board ends, drill a pilot hole about three quarters the diameter of the nail or screw. A good rule of thumb is to pre-drill anytime the fastener will be located within about 6 inches from the end of the board.
Joist Bearing: The ends of decking boards should bear over the full joist edge to maximize fastener holding and minimize end splits. Common practice is to abut deck boards over one joist. However, this provides only minimal bearing and a poor detail because the fasteners must be started too close to the butt end and driven into the joist diagonally. This risks end splits (even with pre-drilling) and poor fastener grip. Furthermore, protruding heads of toe-nailed fasteners create an unsightly appearance and potential trip hazard. On projects where abutment is necessary, best practice is to double the joists, giving each board end a full 1 1/2" bearing. Joist doubling should be planned in the deck layout so the abutment pattern is staggered for strength and appearance.
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