Deck Building And Installation Tips

How To Install Hardwood Decking

BUILDING CODES AND PERMITS

When building an exterior deck, you should consult your local building codes office and obtain any required permits before starting your project.

STORAGE AND HANDLING

Before installation, you’ll want to store your hardwood decking wood in a place that avoids weather exposure and direct sunlight until you are ready to install. It is important to know whether your wood is kiln-dried or air-dried, as each requires different handling and storage procedures. *All of our decking is kiln-dried.

Kiln Dried Decking

Has a moisture content of 12 – 14% and is ready for installation upon delivery. Keep covered with a tarp to avoid exposure to the sun and elements. It is ideal to keep the hardwood decking package off the ground by supporting it on pieces of lumber to keep it elevated.

Air Dried Decking

Will need to acclimate to approximately 18% moisture content at the location of your project, prior to installation. To do this, calibrate a Moisture Meter to your precise wood species.

Hardwood Decking Material Application

DECK BOARD SPACING

We recommend the following deck board spacing.

Kiln Dried Decking

4” — set spacing between boards at 3/16”6” — set spacing between boards between 1/8” and 5/32”

Maximum movement, shrinkage, or swelling

4”—1/8″ up to 1/4″
6”—1/8″ up to 1/4″

Proper spacing between boards allows air to circulate, enabling room for expansion while the boards reach full seasoning.

SPAN

Start by first checking building codes for local regulations of joist spacing. The following are typical spans:

1×4 — 1×6 Decking: use joists on 16” centers
5/4×4 — 5/4×6 Decking: use joists on 24” centersInstalling on an angle: use joists on 12” centers

GROUND SIDE VENTILATION

The surface of your deck should be at least 16” above ground to generate enough air circulation under the deck to prevent the boards from cupping and warping. When your deck is over water or in particularly wet areas, allow additional clearance. A vapor barrier is necessary when deck installation is under 16” above ground to avoid moisture absorption on the decks underside.

DECK FASTENERS

Two stainless steel screws per joist is the best fastening option to avoid discoloration at the site of the fastener. While self-tapping stainless screws are available, they may require pre-drilling, which is required on the ends of boards.

HIDDEN DECK FASTENERS

While hidden fasteners may be more aesthetically pleasing, it is a less effective method opposed to screwing through the face of your deck. You may even feel involuntary movement from your deck boards. If you still insist on using hidden fasteners, ensure that proper ventilation and vapor barriers are used.

END SEALER

End Sealing is a common practice during manufacturing to avoid splitting and checking on the ends of boards. A clear, water-resistant wax, such as our Ipe Seal should be used. Remember to end seal again soon after cutting, which is also required under the manufacturer’s warranties. If neglected, it could nullify your warranty.

DECK FLOORING

Because T&G exterior applications don’t allow spacing for ventilation, we recommend installing with a pitch in a covered environment, referring to your local building codes and pitch requirements. Be sure to finish boards on all six sides to prevent moisture accumulation on the deck’s underside. Use stainless steel fasteners.

FINISHING OPTIONS

A water sealant can be used when you want your wood to develop into a natural silver color, whereas an oil finish with UV inhibitors should be used when you are trying to maintain the wood’s natural color.

REQUIRED DECK INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT

Crosscut: good quality chop saw with a carbide-tipped blade
Ripping: standard table saw, using a well-aligned fence and carbide-tipped blade
Screwing: through the face: countersink bit with a positive stop helps maintain a consistent depth

Drilling: highest quality drill bits
Fasteners: lubricate for easier assembly. Pre-drilling is a good way to avoid fasteners sinking too deeply into the wood
Routing or Planing: high speed steel or carbide cutters using moderately slow feed speeds

PRESSURE WASHING YOUR DECK

Pressure washing is a great way to keep your deck clean and to remove surface discoloration between oil treatments, but be careful to use a low pressure setting so that you don’t split the wood or strip the color.

SAFETY WARNING

Safety Glasses and Dust Mask: should always be worn as a safety precaution when working with lumbar. Injuries and allergic reactions may occur. Inhaling wood dust has been known to cause cancer. An active carbon filter dust mask is your best defense.