Do you need space between deck boards?
Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your decking using wet boards, pressure-treated decking that has not yet dried out, then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink.
Do you screw deck boards to every joist?
Each board should recieve 2 screws per joist, spaced about an inch from each edge. Using your deck example—you should use nails to attach the joists to the deck framing but use screws to fasten down the decking itself.
How big of a gap do you need for a deck board?
Many jurisdictions following the International Building Code, which requires a minimum 1/8-inch spacing between boards. Generally, an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. Both sizes have their pros and cons.
What should the spacing be on a new deck?
Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your decking using wet boards, pressure-treated decking that has not yet dried out, then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink. Deck spacing isn’t anything to take lightly.
What’s the proper gap between pressure treated deck boards?
We include a description of tightly-butted tongue-and-groove pressure treated deck boards as well as typical 5/4″ thick pressure treated deck boards that should be spaced for drainage. Discussed here: What is the proper gap to leave between deck boards?W hy is it important to space deck boards apart by a small gap?
Is it OK to leave a gap on a deck?
Putting decking down do I realy need to leave expansion gaps or will just butting them up be OK You should have a gap. Most deck boards you buy will be fairly green and upon drying out will shrink across their width so whatever gap you leave will increase over the following weeks.