What is the actual thickness of a 5 4 deck board?

Each quarter refers to 1/4 inch of thickness, meaning that a 5/4 board is roughly 1 1/4 inches thick. If your project calls for a piece that is exactly 1 inch thick, you’ll want to purchase a 5/4 board and mill it down to the proper size using a jointer/planer. Likewise, what is a 5 4 deck board?

How wide is a 5 4 board?

Hardwood Lumber Dimensions
NOMINAL SIZEROUGH SIZEACTUAL SIZE: SURFACED 1 SIDE
5/4 inch1 1/4 inch1 1/8 inch (29 mm)
6/4 inch1 1/2 inch1 3/8 inch (35 mm)
8/4 inch2 inches1 13/16 inch (46 mm)
12/4 inch3 inches2 13/16 inch (71 mm)
Oct 31, 2021

What lengths do 5 4 deck boards come in?

The nominal dimensions of lumber are commonly based on the rough cut size before being planed smooth on all four faces.

Deck Board Sizes and Actual Dimensions.
Common Deck Board Sizes
Nominal DimensionsActual Dimensions
5/4 x 61 x 5½”
2 x 41½” x 3½”
2 x 61½” x 5½”

Why do they call it 5 4 decking?

It simply refers to how many 1/4-inches thick the rough stock is. For example, 4/4 (read out loud as four-quarters) is 1-in. thick in the rough. 5/4 is 1-1/4-in.

What sizes do decking boards come in?

How wide are deck boards? The most common decking widths are 90mm to 150mm, with 120mm and 140mm in between. The width option you choose for your project can make a big impact in the ultimate effect, so get creative to achieve the best look for your decking while staying within your budget.

Why are the actual dimensions of lumber different from the nominal dimensions?

The “nominal” cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S). The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced.

What is the actual width of a 6 inch deck board?

Lumber sizes are usually given in “nominal” measurements. The nominal measurements are a board’s size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides. The actual measurements are the final size.

Decking Planks.
Nominal SizeActual Size
5/4 × 61″ × 5-1/2″
6/4 × 61-5/16″ × 5-1/2″

Can you use 2×6 for deck joist?

You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9’0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9’10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).

Can you use 1×6 for deck boards?

Width of material: We recommend only 1×4, 5/4×4 or narrower boards. Never use 1×6 or 5/4×6 material in close to ground applications. Spacing between boards: You must allow space for your deck boards to expand when they take on moisture, as they will inevitably do when exposed to wet weather, rain or high humidity.

How far do I space deck 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 a good size for a deck?

Size of Your Home

Most builders suggest that your deck should be no larger than 20 percent of the house’s* square footage. This is so that the deck does not overwhelm a home visually. This, of course, is up to you. If you feel you need a larger deck that takes up more of your yard space, feel free!

What is the actual width of a 2×8 board?

Lumber Dimensions: Nominal vs. Actual
Nominal SizeActual Size
2×41-1/2″ x 3-1/2″
2×61-1/2″ x 5-1/2″
2×81-1/2″ x 7-1/4″
2×101-1/2″ x 9-1/4″

Do you leave a gap between decking boards?

Proper Gap between Decking Boards

When installing decking boards, make sure to leave 1/4 to 1/8 inch gaps in between them. This gap will make sure that the decking can breathe, have sufficient drainage, and make it easier to clean.

How do you stagger deck boards?

A common method for staggering a deck is to start the first row with a full plank, then cut one-third of the next row’s first board off the end. The row after that has an additional one-third cut off and then repeat when you get back to a full board.

How far apart are joists for a deck?

12″ to 16″ apart
How wide apart should decking joists be? In North America, joist spacing for residential decks is 12″ to 16″ apart, or according to local building code. Most decks require 16″ spacing for the deck itself, with 12″ spacing used for special applications, such as stairs or commercial structures.

Is it better to nail or screw a deck?

Decking screws are better than nails when building a deck. Decking screws hold down your decking more securely than nails and will stop your decking from warping. Also, you can easily remove screws for deck maintenance without causing damage.

How many screws do you put in decking?

What is this? You should use two screws at each point that the deck board crosses a joist to hold the boards firmly in place. Three screws should be used to secure the decking to rim joists.

Which way should I lay decking?

What is the correct way to lay decking? Any decking board manufacturer or professional will tell you: “The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” The ridges are designed to allow for airflow, to stop moisture sitting in the ridge, and allow for a stronger structure.

How much overhang should a deck board have?

The edge of decking should never overhang more than one-third of the decking material. For your standard 5.5” decking, that is 1 ¾” overhang.

Should deck screws be countersunk?

Deck screws should be slightly countersunk below the decking surface. The finish screws set to approximately 1/8″ (3mm) below the decking’s surface. Providing a clean finish without any screw head protruding after the decking dries.

Do you need to pre drill for deck screws?

While it is not considered necessary to pre-drill wood screws, it is highly recommended by professionals that you do so. When you do not drill pilot holes in advance, you are essentially putting extra pressure on the wood surrounding the screw (weakening it) and increasing the chances of the wood splitting or cracking.

Do I have to stagger deck boards?

Staggering the seams or butt joints where the boards meet is an important part of how to lay out the deck boards. What is this? Staggering the deck boards decreases the number of screws or nails going into one joist, which can weaken or rot the joist more quickly.