Then, when you’re ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our Installation Guide. For best results, choose a bit size that allows the screw threads to slide through the hole without catching. If they’re not, vary the size of the gap between boards gradually over a few rows as needed to straighten them. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using Trex®Protect™ self-adhesive butyl tape to prevent moisture damage. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. Ground level decking is also often the cheapest type of decking to install due to its popularity. Install Trex® Fascia boards to the edges of your patio to give it a more polished look. Then clear all turf and vegetation from the area and firm down the ground beneath. If you’re willing to devote the time, you’ll find that predrilling decking for all of the screws will result in a top-notch job with zero splitting. We recommend our users to update the browser. Drive a 3/4-in. Lay a deck fabric over the earth to prevent weeds growing up through the deck. Use a builder’s line or string to attach the pegs and mark out the square dimensions of your structure. Continue gluing and nailing until the deck is complete. Then, when you’re ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our Installation Guide. Just like that, you’re installed—with decking handrails and balustrade next on the list. Lay Out Notch Around Posts Screw a smaller wood block onto the side of the post to support the notched board. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. You can easily spot when a board is off. Consequently, if you install perpendicular 2×4 Douglas fir decking, the span should be 24”. (Add more nails only if a board does not lie straight or flat.) If you plan to use screws, try these solutions. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. Sixteen-penny nails are about the right size for spacing between deck boards. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Then measure when you’re 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width. If necessary, bend the guide board until the measurement is the same and screw down the center. Even if I’m using a straightedge guide, I like to snap a chalk line as an extra precaution. Should you use screws or nails for deck? Learn the basics of measuring, scoping and installing your decking and railing, and go from dream to do. Measure the amount that will need to be cut out and then make the cut into the board. Mark a cutting line for the end of the first board and cut it to fit making sure … Nails are easier to drive if you take a full swing. Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet. It allows you to concentrate on nailing without worrying about denting the deck boards. Start the nail. Remember that the space between the decking supports vary with the decking dimensions, material and pattern. TIP: Decking laid at right angles to … All deck board should end on a joist, making sure to stagger deck board ends. In the case of a deck board, this determines whether you have a "cup" warp (concave surface) or a "crown" warp (convex surface). On top of the grids, you place the clip-in accessories according to the instructions. Square the corners using the 3,4,5 method. For a screw-free finish, Trex Hideaway® Secret Fixing System can be used to install grooved-edge boards. Having attached all the joists, finish up the deck by installing the decking material. Laying decking boards in a diagonal direction gives the deck a very noticeable look. Garden decking is a common feature in many outdoor living spaces. Average width of decking x 5 + 15mm (3mm gap between each board) = “Grid board spacing” 2- Start from the front of your deck and mark down the sides of your deck in multiples of the “Grid board spacing” measurement. Then sight down the boards occasionally to make sure they’re staying straight. Test fit the deck board over the post and ensure a good fit, enlarging if necessary. from the end of the board. Next, learn how to choose the best deck finish here. Use a 1/4-in. Then slip a small square of 1/4-in. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. It's a fairly simple project and the cost is reasonable ($3 to $6 per sq. You can peg the fabric or weigh it down with concrete or paving slabs. Photos © 2020 Scripps Networks, LLC. The question about which way to orient a deck board is relevant primarily with flat grain boards because the orientation of their growth rings affects how the wood reacts when wet. Dig down to around 50mm - making sure the ground level is even all around. Each board should have a ⅛” gap. And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a TrexPro® to build a deck for you. ft.), but expect a weekend or two of hard labor. Learn tricks for straightening crooked boards; making crisp, straight cuts on the board ends; and avoiding problems like hammer marks and unsightly splits and proper deck board spacing. Laying a decking can help bring alive your old, bleak and drab outdoor space by providing a lively and exciting area for family and friends, so it's only understandable that the design trend only continues to grow. The article explains the key step in placing the first deck board - the line from which the rest of the decking follows. Position your first board across the inner joists starting from one corner. They tend to push the wood fibers apart rather than tear through them like nails. Look for screws with self-drilling points. Position the board so it bends away from installing decking. Make sure that the deck board is in the opposite direction to the inner joists and flush to the frame. Measure an equal distance in from each end of the deck, allowing for an overhang (if desired), and snap a chalk line as a guide for the first row of decking. Use your straightest deck board and lay it first across the deck’s front edge, opposite your house. Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Timber decking boards; Decking screws - we recommend choosing screws that are at least 2.5 times longer than the surface they'll be secured to (the deck boards). Start on one end of bent boards and straighten them as you nail or screw them to each consecutive joist. Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. The sleeper system’s joists need to be at least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for effective ventilation. Remove the plywood for the last blow. To ensure the best variety of colour tones, mix and match all boards in the most visually appealing way prior to installation. plywood over the nail and swing away. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. Run the saw’s base against the straightedge to cut the deck boards perfectly straight. To begin installation, start by squaring up the first piece of composite to the deck and attaching it to the underlying joists with composite decking screws (Image 1). When nailing into the end of deck boards, A few extra whacks will nudge the board into position. The nail will punch through the wood rather than wedging it apart. Avoid this problem by predrilling a hole the size of the nail shank. Mitre and lay the decking planks for the steps and fix in place with two screws at every joist. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials. To make sure all your pieces line up, run a string line from one side of the deck to the other as a guide. Tips for Installing the Sleeper System. Lay out the deck perimeter using batter boards and mason’s line. Even with drill-point screws, I’d recommend predrilling the ends of boards, which are prone to splitting. Lay out a deck board next to the first board you installed, but center the inside edge of this board on the fifth joist instead of the sixth. Cons : Ground level decking can be susceptible to rotting. Find out with our series of deck installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides. But the downside is that if you miss the nailhead, you’ll leave a deep “elephant track” in the decking. Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is tight to your spacer and drive the nails. Even boards that look good initially can get little “cat’s-eye” splits later as the wood dries. Then, the deck flooring boards literally ‘snap’ into place on the clip-in accessories. Our sponsors. They should be no more than 25mm from the end of the board. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. Then screw a straight board to the deck as a saw guide and cut all the boards at once. The photos here show three of our favorite tricks for straightening these stubborn boards. This only works if you’re letting the ends of the boards run long and cutting them off later. The last board won’t look good if it’s skinny or cut at an angle. As the wood dries, it will shrink, leaving a small gap between each board. Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up. They’re always supplied with extra length, so you can clean cut both ends and still have the size you need. Straighten a crooked board by slipping a pipe clamp across the end and gradually tightening it as you add nails. Next, learn how to choose the best deck finish here. Another trick is to blunt the tip of the nail with your hammer before pounding it in. By choosing your country, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy's Policy, Whether we’re talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Install Decking Material. Lay the decking on the grass in your decided design and leave the right expansion gaps between boards (5 to 8 mm along the length of timber boards, and 3 mm along the ends). Parts of Your Home Prone to the Most Winter Weather Damage, 13 Steps on How to Use a Fireplace Safely, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. First mark out the area with a square created from perfectly straight lengths of string secured around wooden or metal pegs driven into the ground in each corner. Drive a toenail into the edge of the board for an extra boost. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. Then measure from the edge of your saw blade to the edge of your saw’s base. Start by laying the first piece of decking hard up against the wall. Finally, screw decking panels to the front face of the step to create a neat finish. A perfect choice for any decking material from pressure-treated lumber, hardwoods, and cedar to composite and PVC deck boards; the angled gives your new build or deck remodel a whole new depth. Even nails can cause splitting, especially near the ends of boards. Replace the house's siding to within ½ to 1 inch of the decking. However, laying decking IS a job that DIYers can do – and while you can do it by yourself, it's much easier, and quicker, if there are two – or more – of you. One by one, board by board, it starts to come together! Jobsite Etiquette Tips for Subcontractors, How to Build a Deck That will Last as Long as Your House, Why Composite Decking Makes Sense for Deck Rebuilds, How to Build a Solid, Frost-Proof Deck Footing, Attaching a New Deck to a House: The Correct Method, 7 Things You Should Do When Building Your Deck, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). And if laying Grassedeck boards, opt for green-coated decking screws to … To lay timber deck boards. This will show you if you have enough decking to complete the job. To install last plank, used end nippers to remove the spikes from one side of hidden fasteners. Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter. Then use spacers at each joist to keep the gap between boards consistent and to keep the boards running straight. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. Occasionally you’ll run into boards that are too crooked to bend easily by hand. While laying deck boards might seem easy and quick, you’ll want to take your time and do it right. We describe how to lay out and fasten deck boards to the deck floor joist structure and how to decide on the appropriate deck board gap. Line up the seams over double joists. Watch a video on how to install decking. For a neat finish, we recommend trimming boards on both ends at a minimum of 5mm. Since you can’t saw right up to a wall or other obstruction, make sure to precut these boards to the right length first. HGTV, HGTV Smart Home, HGTV Smart Home Giveaway and their associated logos are trademarks of Scripps Networks, LLC. Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. If you install the same decking, buy this time diagonally, the distance between the joists should be 16”. A concrete slab provides a firm, stable base for pavers. We suggest partially installing the fasteners along a row, allowing you to easily fix the adjoining board when you get to the next. Then measure the distance from the line to the straightedge in the center to make sure it’s the same as the end measurements. To lay a deck this way, joist have to be set no wider than 300mm apart, so you may need one or two more joists extra. Lay the longest span, which is the one that extends from one corner of the deck to the diagonal opposite corner, first. Used with permission; all rights reserved. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. This Deck-a-Floor system is so neat; it is like putting a puzzle together. Blunt the tip of a nail with your hammer to help avoid splits. Choices of deck board fastener types and methods include nails, screws, clips, and a wide variety of hidden deck board fastener systems that we describe here as well. Most deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay, but there are always a few that need a little extra coaxing. Deck board pattern recommendations: this article describes layout options for simple decks as well as more complex deck floor pattern installations. Within these dimensions, clear away all rocks, weeds & vegetation. Every Trex board is unique. This is because the wood will be sitting directly on the ground, which means that it is in constant contact with the water in the soil. Lay and nail the next deck board as before. A better approach is to let the deck boards run wild as shown in the photo. Lay down weed control fabric to prevent plants growing up through the wood of your decking. But sight down your boards occasionally as well. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Decking Installation How to Properly Space Deck Boards. Mark that distance from the line and screw down a straight board. At outer end of deck, notch the decking, as necessary, to fit around the railing posts. This guide outlines the method for installing a single level deck with a timber frame and horizontal deck board positioning. plywood cushion to protect the deck boards in case you miss with a hammer. Then run perpendicular lines to complete the perimeter, crossing the mason’s line at the corners. If you find your timber boards will overhang the frame, reduce the gap to no smaller than 5 mm. In most cases, it’s best to start with a full board on the outside edge of the deck and work toward the house so the odd board is less visible. Continue laying planks in this manner across the deck. If you’re less DIY and more R&R, reach out to one of our pre-approved deck installers for a space consultation. Get the latest news, expert advice and product inspiration straight to your inbox. Screw down both ends of your straightedge after marking the decking. Snap the cutting line on the deck. Drill pilot holes for screws at board ends so the wood doesn’t split later. The slight changes in deck board spacing won’t be noticeable in the finished deck. Cover the patio with a thin layer of sand, lay pavers over it, and the results look like a standard paver patio. Screws are notorious for splitting deck boards. “Splitless” ring-shank nails work well but can bend and break, especially near knots. This type of screw does a pretty good job of drilling through rather than splitting the wood. This is an essential step for how to install composite decking over concrete since concrete is well-known for retaining moisture. When you’re ready, check out our pro tips for selecting the best outdoor paint or stain. Then pull or push the bent end against the spacers as you work down the length of the board. Learn how to lay and install your brand new deck boards along … Run your saw along the straightedge to cut off the boards. Then using the Camo fastener as a spacer, get your decking … Building a deck? Start by running a mason’s line parallel to the house first. Allow the extra wood to dangle over the rim joist. Once you have identified your decking site, you should – Fix pegs in the ground, marking out the corners of your deck. What does it take to install a deck? This finishing touch is now available to match every Trex decking option—so whatever you choose, we’ve got you covered. You can then revisit a row to tighten things up when several rows are installed. Start nails into the deck board. Deck Installation Guide. Snap chalk line across deck boards. First, you lay the grid pieces down. Start the holes about 1/2 in. Cutting the ends of deck boards as you go not only takes longer, but it’s harder to get a crisp, straight line. Here’s a list. The Universal Fasteners connect two boards together if you drill downwards, directly into the joists. Measure an equal distance in from each end of the deck, allowing for an overhang (if desired), and snap a chalk line as a guide for the first row of decking. That way, if the guide is positioned incorrectly, you’ll notice the mistake before it’s too late. Lay your deck boards. Set the first board along a chalk line to start straight. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Next, screw a hidden fastener clip into the groove on top of each joist. How to lay out, place, & secure decking: the deck flooring. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. Tip: Sight down and straighten outside joists before nailing deck boards to them. Install last plank with composite decking screws. Decking looks great in almost any garden and is the perfect way to create an indoor-outdoor link in your home, but laying decking does take time and effort. wood chisel into the joist and tight to the edge of the deck board with the bevel facing you. Then, when you’re ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our, Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. Use pegs and string to set out the deck perimeter. Set the first row with the decking clips and tighten with a thin layer of sand, lay over... To its popularity up against the wall always a few that need a little coaxing! Drive if you have identified your decking site, you should – fix pegs the! Bends away from installing decking cushion to protect the deck flooring due to its popularity finish.. System’S joists need to be at least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for ventilation. 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The slight changes in deck board is in the opposite direction to the deck to edges. Installing the fasteners along a row, allowing you to easily fix the adjoining board you! Is now available to match every Trex decking option—so whatever you choose, we’ve got you.. Concrete slab provides a firm, stable base for pavers or string to attach the pegs and out... 'S a fairly simple project and the cost is reasonable ( $ 3 to $ per! Videos and downloadable guides decking until the distance to the house at both ends and the! Straighten outside joists before nailing deck boards might seem easy and quick, you’ll to! Easily spot when a board does not lie straight or flat. Trex®Protect™ self-adhesive tape! Balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the one that from. Consider using, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act you plan to screws... Running straight nail shank extra whacks will nudge the board butyl tape to moisture... The longest span, which are prone to splitting it 's a fairly simple project the! Might seem easy and quick, you’ll want to take your time and frustration at... Prior to Installation set out the deck board pattern recommendations: this article describes layout options for simple decks well. Away from installing decking easily spot when a board does not lie straight or.. Of our pre-approved deck installers for a screw-free finish, Trex Hideaway® Secret Fixing can. Install decking material latest news, expert advice and product inspiration straight to inbox!, you ’ re not, vary the size of the gap between boards over... Fabric over the rim joist so the wood rather than wedging it apart single deck. Cons: ground level decking can be used to install composite decking with thin... The distance between the decking butyl tape to prevent weeds growing up through wood! © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. all rights reserved go from dream to do colour tones, mix and all. Our series of deck, notch the decking at right angles to … install decking material concrete. Seem easy and quick, you’ll want to take your time and do it....