- #SPACING TREX DECK BOARDS HOW TO#
- #SPACING TREX DECK BOARDS INSTALL#
- #SPACING TREX DECK BOARDS PLUS#
The decking boards will contract and shrink, leaving a larger gap of 8mm, plus end-to-end is a must. In cold weather conditions, the reverse happens. This means in hot weather, the decking boards will expand.ĭuring installation, you can leave a 4-6mm gap end to end, as the boards will most likely expand in warmer weather conditions. If you are installing in the summer, it is important to allow the boards to climatise to the weather conditions at your location by allowing up to 48 hours for this. Installing Decking in Hot or Cold Weather ConditionsĪs previously mentioned, weather conditions do matter when determining the installation and gaps between the decking boards. As for the end-to-end spacing of composite decking boards, you need to have 6mm to 8mm. For side-to-side, you will need to put anywhere from 3mm to 6mm. There are two types of spacing for your composite decking boards, namely side-to-side spacing and end-to-end spacing. Screws will grip the decking stronger, thereby keeping the board in place when it expands and contracts.
These gaps take into consideration that the decking boards and substructure are correctly installed to the manufacturer’s specifications.įor wood decking, the recommendation is to use screws instead of nails to hold the wood decking boards in place. Composite decking uses a hidden fastener system with options of 3mm to 6mm spacing between the boards. The kind of fasteners you use for your decking can also affect the size gap between the decking boards. Therefore, leaving spaces between composite decking boards will allow for thermal expansion and help the boards to expand freely without touching each other and preventing damage. If there are no spaces/gaps between the decking boards, it can lead to warping, even in extreme cases shifting the decking area from its original position. In summer, during hot weather, composite decking boards will expand. Weather conditions can affect your decking board.
#SPACING TREX DECK BOARDS HOW TO#
How to Space Your Decking Boards Properly However, it’s still wise to prevent it from happening. True, composites are more resistant to moisture and warping. While these problems occur more often on wooden boards, it doesn’t mean they won’t happen on composite decking boards. As previously mentioned, moisture is a major problem for decking boards. Because of this, moisture will accumulate under the decking. Without the gaps, the vapour that rises from the ground beneath the decking will be stuck. This pressure will lead to the boards protruding upwards.Īnother reason why it’s crucial to have proper spacing is ventilation. Finally, the expanded boards can cause friction and pressure on each other. Furthermore, it can be detrimental to the decking’s lifespan. This can make the decking unsafe and unstable. First, it may remove the screws and nails used to fasten the decking.
The expansion of the boards have issues associated with it. Temperature and humidity cause these boards to shrink or expand. On the other hand, composites do change in size, but to a lesser extent. The truth is, most wooden boards will expand or shrink regardless. When water is left, the decking is exposed to moisture the boards can absorb moisture. In worst-case scenario, due to the pressure from the expansion, the decking boards can warp, twist or even rise away from the substructure, with splits and cracks appearing. On the other hand, if there’s not much room for decking boards to expand, which they will eventually do, they can create friction and damage each other. With too much air, it can also decrease your decking’s resistance to fire. The gaps may become too big that some people may trip when walking on the decking. When your decking shrinks, it can cause some accidents in your home. However, the former is more common for composite decking boards. All boards will expand when exposed to high temperatures, whilst others are prone to moisture. Composite expands in the heat and contracts in the cold therefore, when installing, close attention must be paid to the weather conditions during the installation. One of the main problems with decking is the expansion and shrinking of the decking boards.
Many people who try to build decking for the first time often forget about this crucial detail.
#SPACING TREX DECK BOARDS INSTALL#
When you install composite decking, especially if you go down the DIY route, you have to remember to leave a gap between composite decking boards.
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