Spacing Floor Joist Composite Decking

Spacing with composite deck boards is just as important as it is with conventional wood.

Spacing floor joist composite decking. Another mistake to avoid when installing composite decking is spacing the joists too far apart. 3 joists are set too far apart. Current building codes require that all decks should be supported with a minimum of 2 x 10 pressure treated pine joists that are spaced 24 apart although 16 oc is standard building practice. For all other decking products maximum stack height is 14 bundles important to note that proper dunnage spacing must be in place for these heights.

This is because proper deck board spacing varies based on temperatures at initial installation. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low maintenance decking. Most composite and pvc decking brands like trex and azek recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches oc. Find out how far apart deck joists should be with the deck joist spacing and span chart from decksdirect.

Deck joist spacing for composite decking remains largely the same as if working with treated lumber. Remove any screws or fasteners that may be protruding from the surface of the joist. Leave at least a 1 8 gap between composite boards. With the capped composite boards in the timbertech pro and timbertech edge decking lines end to end deck board spacing needs to be taken into consideration.

Accordingly if bundles are loose. Look for high low uneven joists using a tight string line. Most composite decking materials like trex composite decking require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16 on center spacing for straight decking and 12 on center joist spacing for 45 degree angle diagonal decking. For select decking enhance decking and 1x12 and 1x8 products the maximum stack height is 12 bundles.

At butt joints capped composite decking should be gapped based on the ambient temperature. 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. Use a water management system such as a drip cap or flashing wherever framing meets the home to move moisture away from the home and deck. When stacking multiple bundles.

The size of the gap you should use is also contingent on the type of decking material. Create a strong long lasting diy deck frame build for your family s outdoor space. Also many composite decking materials require 12 or even 10 on center stair stringers spacing to support. If you re planning to replace old wood decking with pvc or composite measure the deck joist spacing first.

Like real wood composite boards will also expand and contract as the humidity changes.