Deck Building Guidelines
Building a deck requires structural integrity. Joists provide the skeleton, and deck boards provide the surface.
Materials Guide:
- Joists: 16" spacing is the standard for most 5/4 or 2x6 deck boards. Composite decking often requires 12" spacing.
- Screws: Plan for about 3.5 to 5 screws per square foot depending on board width and joist spacing.
- Gaps: Leave a 1/8" to 1/4" gap between boards for drainage and expansion.