Composite Deck Spacing: How to Get It Right?
When you have an outdoor deck, you definitely want to keep it safe and extend its life. However, if your wood deck is broken, you should consider replacing it with a composite deck. Composite deck boards don’t have any natural variations. This is because they are made from wood fibers and polymers in a controlled environment. As a result, they are flatter, more stable, and last longer than wood decks.
However, composite and PVC decks are the same as wood deck boards. They need to be installed with gaps between the boards. Deck materials can grow and shrink in these areas. These voids also allow water to escape, making the deck last longer. Fortunately, deck spacing is easier to grasp when using composite deck boards. This is because the boards are straight and do not need to be machined.
This article talks about why deck plank spacing is important. In addition, you can learn how much space you should leave and the tools and methods needed to handle the spacing correctly. If you want to improve the surface of your wood deck or build a new deck from scratch. These tips will help you get just the right amount of deck spacing.
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Table of Contents
Why Is Deck Spacing Necessary?
Leaving space between deck boards reduces the impact of Mother Nature on your deck. Deck boards are free to expand and contract without touching each other. Water and dirt won’t build up because they will flow through. Additionally, air will flow better, which stops moisture from building up. In other words, proper deck spacing will make your deck more durable.
Expansion and Contraction of Materials
Traditional lumber can experience significant expansion and contraction when there is a change in temperature or humidity. Composite deck boards do not expand and contract like wood. However, they can still experience slight changes in size when temperature or humidity changes.
In addition, the pressure-treated cedar that makes up the substructure of the deck will “move” when the temperature or humidity changes. If the substructure supporting the deck changes significantly, the safety of the deck will be compromised. Pressure-treated cedar can move with the ground if space is left between the deck planks. This prevents them from buckling, bending, and damaging fasteners.
Drainage
Accumulated moisture can cause wood to become damp, moldy, and rot. Therefore, allowing water to drain from between the boards prevents moisture buildup. A good drainage system prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and rot. In order for joists to last for a long time, they also need to be properly drained.
Applying waterproof tape to deck joists is another way to protect them. This waterproof membrane does not add to the cost of deck installation. However, it will make the joists and fasteners last longer. Additionally, you can apply waterproofing material to the cut surfaces of the boards for this purpose.
Maintaining Air Circulation
Keeping a good distance between boards also allows air to flow around the boards. This prevents moisture from building up and stops fungal growth and board rot. Decks that are close to the ground and used as gardens are prone to water accumulation. In this case, some contractors leave the gaps wider than usual. This allows more air flow, and the wood will dry out more quickly.
Cleaning and Removing Debris
Because of the gaps between the boards, leaves, twigs, seeds, and other biomass will not accumulate on the surface of the deck. Instead, they will fall through the holes. Leaving enough gaps between deck boards not only keeps your deck looking good, but it also makes cleanup easier. This is because you won’t have to sweep and clean as often. Of course, every once in a while, you’ll need to remove debris from underneath the deck as well.
Visual Appeal
Leaving the same amount of space between each deck plank will make the decking project look more aesthetically pleasing. It will make the deck look better overall and add to the beauty of your outdoor living area. We all know that an aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space can make you and your family more comfortable.
Follow the Manufacturer and Building Codes
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for spacing and connecting components as indicated in the installation guide. If the homeowner doesn’t, their warranty will be voided, and the deck will be less durable.
In addition, you’ll want to check the neighborhood building codes. Some codes will specify the spacing between deck planks. The building inspector may ask you to explain how the joist spans are calculated and where the foundation is located. Should the joists be spaced 12 inches or 16 inches apart?
Different Ways To Space Composite Deck Boards
Most companies that make composite deck boards, such as Trex and EVODEK, will tell you exactly how to install them. Some manufacturers say that 3/16-inch spacing between boards is just right. Others say leaving 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch spacing is best. Regardless of the spacing, there are tools and methods you can use to adjust the spacing.
Using Deck Shims
Nails, wood shims, and almost any other small object of the same size can be used as spacers. However, the best spacers are made specifically for this job. They are usually made of plastic and have a finger grip that makes them easy to put down and pick up. They also have a wedge that makes them easy to remove after the boards are attached. Additionally, they have a flange that ensures they are held in place vertically.
Every 24 inches, you should put two or three spacers between the planks. To find out how much space you should leave between the planks at the “butt”, check with the manufacturer. Make sure there are enough stops in the joist channel to support the ends of the butt joints.
You can also use a “buffer plate” to avoid butt joints altogether. It can be used to create “picture frames” and other deck patterns. In these decking plans, the ends of the composite planks do not meet. Instead, the ends of these boards are on a single horizontal board. This method reduces or eliminates painful butt joints. In addition, cutting the deck into separate sections reduces the likelihood that nearby planks will be affected by expansion and contraction.
Using a Deck Wrench
A deck wrench, also called a jig, is a useful tool. It can be placed across the width of the deck boards, with a pin or other filler on each side of the boards to create a suitable gap. Many jigs have pilot holes that make it easy to screw in screws in the correct position on the board. Alternatively, it can be screwed from the surface or at a 45-degree angle from the edge. EVODEK composite decking can also be installed with the help of spacing jigs like this one for hidden fasteners.
Using Cord
Before laying the deck planks, it is necessary to ensure that the framing is flat and smooth. This can be done by pulling a string line across the deck. The joists should be on the same plane as far as possible. Use shims to pad up any joists that are too low. Use a power planer to plane down any boards that are too high. This method can also be used before installing fascia boards and deck railings.
Drawing Lines with Chalk
To draw a long, straight line, nothing beats a chalk line. It is also very simple to use. Hold one end of the line with a nail or helper and pull it tight between two points. Then, pluck the string. This will cause the chalk to fall along the string, leaving a straight line that can be used to guide the position and spacing of the deck. Don’t forget to consider water overflow at the edge of the deck.
Tips For Maintaining Your Composite Decking Spacing
Simply place the planks in the correct position and fasten them to the framing. You’ll be able to maintain the plank spacing and achieve the deck of your dreams. In addition, you need to keep your deck clean by using water and a brush to remove any dirt or dust stuck between the planks. You can also use mild soapy water to clean the surface of the deck and rinse it off with water.
To Summarize
In conclusion, proper spacing of composite decking is critical to its durability, aesthetics, and overall performance. Proper spacing allows for natural expansion and contraction and improved drainage. This prevents deck boards from warping or buckling over time.
Just follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and account for temperature fluctuations. You’ll ensure that composite decking remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Properly installed decking can enhance the appearance of your outdoor space. In addition, it extends the life of your investment and provides you with a safe and enjoyable area for recreation and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is “End-to-End” spacing more critical than “Side-to-Side” spacing?
Composite boards primarily expand linearly (lengthwise) when they get hot. If two boards are placed butt-jointed (touching at the ends) without a gap, they will have no room to grow in the summer. This leads to buckling (the boards arching upward) or even snapping the fasteners. Always check the manufacturer’s manual to leave a 1/8″ to 3/16″ gap at the ends.
Does the temperature during installation affect the spacing?
Yes, it is vital.
- Installing on a hot day: The boards are already expanded. You can set the gaps slightly tighter.
- Installing on a cold day: The boards are contracted (shrunken). You must leave the maximum recommended gap, or the boards will crush against each other when summer arrives.
- Expert Tip: Let your decking boards acclimate to the local temperature on-site for at least 48 hours before you start fastening them.
What happens if I don’t leave any gaps?
Skipping the gaps leads to three major failures:
- Drainage Failure: Water will pool on the surface or sit in the seams, causing the wooden joists underneath to rot prematurely.
- Structural Damage: The force of expansion can warp the boards, crack the material, or shear off hidden fasteners.
- Voided Warranty: Almost all manufacturers, such as Trex or EVODEK, explicitly state that failure to follow spacing requirements will void your warranty.
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