Installing Deck Boards Grain

Start on one end of bent boards and straighten them as you nail or screw them to each consecutive joist.

Installing deck boards grain.

Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up. 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. And if you re still feeling overwhelmed consider hiring a trexpro to build a deck for you. I ve kept brand new boards chosen by myself in my garage away from the sun and most of the 80 or so boards were already showing signs of cupping.

A slight overhang is permitted with the goal being to hide the wood rim joist. They should be curving upwards like they are forming a smile. You may want to predrill the screw holes at the ends of the boards to prevent the wood from splitting. Find out with our series of deck installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides.

In the case of a deck board this determines whether you have a cup warp concave surface or a crown warp convex surface. Securely fasten the deck boards and apply an annual coating of water repellent. What you want to do is put the best face of the board up. Most deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay but there are always a few that need a little extra coaxing.

Learn the basics of measuring scoping and installing your decking and railing and go from dream to do. If you look at a dry deck board from the end grain you can see the rings in the wood. It may be necessary to rip cut the fascia board to fit the outside rim board of the deck. Many deck builders overhand the decking over the frame by about 1 4.

And the good news is that the answer is simple. Start installing deck boards at the outside of the deck and work towards the house wall. Pick the best looking surface and install the decking best face up. There has been conversation about this amongst deck builders for years.

Grain up or down. That way you will see what side is cupping before installation. As the wood dries it will shrink leaving a small gap between each board. Stagger butt joints as much as possible for a nicer appearance.

My take is this. Grain direction bark side up pith side up doesn t really matter. That is a recipe for wood rot and problems. If the fascia or rim board requires ripping down make sure that the cut edge is positioned down not up which exposes the core material.

Facts and fictions about wood by u mass amherst professor paul fisette covers the deck board orientation issue in myth 9 of his list. If the board is installed wrong side up or bark side up it will curve up on the edges when dry and water can gather and sit in the cup.