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Should You Space Composite Decking

One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have a 1/4-inch to 3/16-inch gap between the decking boards (don’t exceed 1/2 inch). This space is important for two reasons.

When you are designing a new composite deck, one of the things that you must take into consideration is the amount of space that must be left between the boards. The gaps in your decking play a very important role. However, gaps that are too big or too small could cause a problem. Why Do You Need Gaps In Your Deck?

The gaps between your boards will be between 1/8 and 1/4 inches in most cases. Composite decking can have smaller gaps because it does not expand as much as wood. Anything larger than a 1/4 inch gap could lead to safety issues.

Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. Some brands, like WearDeck, let you get away with more – reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom, WearDeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches OC. So, when would you ever need to use 12 inches OC?

What is the gap between composite deck boards?

The gaps between your boards will be between 1/8 and 1/4 inches in most cases. Composite decking can have smaller gaps because it does not expand as much as wood. Anything larger than a 1/4 inch gap could lead to safety issues.

Do you need space between Trex decking?

Important points about gapping All deck boards must always be installed with a 6mm side-to-side gap. The Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners automatically measure the 6mm gap between grooved edge boards but you must still ensure the 6mm gap with the square edge boards.

Do you leave a gap between decking boards?

Determining Deck Board Spacing When using wood decking, you want a gap of at least 1/8 of an inch after your decking has dried out. If you’re using decking that’s already been dried out, you can leave a 1/8-inch gap when you install. Many decks will use “green” wood, or wood that hasn’t been dried down or kiln dried.

What is the proper spacing for Trex decking?

Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a maximum joist spacing of 16 inches OC.

Do Trex deck boards need to be spaced?

You must gap Trex® decking, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex decking boards. Gapping also allows for the shrinkage of the wood joist system.

What is the standard gap between decking boards?

When installing new air-dried decking the proper gap ranges from 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) – 1/4 inch (6.5mm) depending on the environment. If you are installing air-dried decking during a rainy or humid season you may want to place the boards with a 1/8 inch (3.5mm) gap.

How far apart do you space composite decking?

One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have a 1/4-inch to 3/16-inch gap between the decking boards (don’t exceed 1/2 inch). This space is important for two reasons.

Should there be space between composite deck boards?

The gaps between your boards will be between 1/8 and 1/4 inches in most cases. Composite decking can have smaller gaps because it does not expand as much as wood. Anything larger than a 1/4 inch gap could lead to safety issues.

How do you work out deck spacing?

First, convert the inches into feet (3.125 divided by 12) to get 0.26 feet. Then multiply 0.26 feet by 16 feet to get 4.16 square feet, the total area of board spacing.

What can I use as a spacer for decking?

Reuse Plastic Lids. Sixteen-penny nails work great as spacers when you’re installing deck boards, but they often fall through the cracks. Keep the nails in place by pounding them through plastic jar covers. They’re easier to move and will stay up on the deck instead of falling on the ground.

What is the spacing between TimberTech decking?

Spacing between boards should be 3/16″. The use of a spacer could add efficiency and help maintain proper spacing.

How do you measure deck board spacing?

Square footage of board spacing = (S) x Length of deck First, convert the inches into feet (3.125 divided by 12) to get 0.26 feet. Then multiply 0.26 feet by 16 feet to get 4.16 square feet, the total area of board spacing.

More Answers On Should You Space Composite Decking

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What’s the Proper Joist Spacing for Composite Decking?

12 inches, 16 inches, or 24 inches? Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a maximum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. Some brands, like WearDeck, let you get away with more – reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom, WearDeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches OC.

How Much of a Gap Should be Between Composite Deck Boards?

When you are designing a new composite deck, one of the things that you must take into consideration is the amount of space that must be left between the boards. The gaps in your decking play a very important role. However, gaps that are too big or too small could cause a problem. … Composite decking can have smaller gaps because it does not …

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The amount of space between deck boards should be anywhere from ¼” to 3/8″ inch. You want plenty of space for water to flow between the boards and to allow small debris to fall to the ground. … Should you be working with composite decking, you have similar expansion and contraction considerations. Composite decking is made with a …

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