Table of Contents
Comparing 5/4 Decking With 2×6 Deck Boards, Pros and Cons 2×6 Deck Boards 5/4 Decking Thickness 1 ½” (38mm) 1″ (25mm) Joist Spanning 24″ (600mm) 16″ (400mm) Weight 2.36 lbs (1.07kg) lnft* 1.59 lbs (0.72 kg) lnft* Profile cut Square Cut Rounded Radius Edge.
How thick are typical deck boards?
NOTE: Standard boards are often called a 5/4 board when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is typically somewhere between 1” and 1 ¼”. Thicker boards are often called a 2 x 6 when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is somewhere between 1.2” and 1.5”.
Is it better to use 2×6 or 5 4 decking?
5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. 2×6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. For lumber decking, both the moisture content of the lumber and the environment its installed in matter.
What is a 5 4 inch board?
5/4 means approximately 1-1/4″ thick. 6/4 means approximately 1-1/2″ thick. 8/4 means approximately 2″ thick.
What is the most common deck board size?
The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.
How far can you span 5 4 deck boards?
Decking Board Considerations If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.
Can you use 1×6 for deck 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 much weight can a 5 4 deck board hold?
In short there’s no one right answer to “how much can my deck hold?” However, one rule of thumb to keep in mind while answering the question is that the answer commonly is that if a deck is properly designed, it’s built to hold 50 lbs. per square foot. It’s possible that it could hold much more weight than 50 lbs.
What type of wood is 5 4?
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.
Is 5 4 an inch and a quarter?
The Actual Size of 5/4 Lumber A board foot is roughly equivalent to 144 cubic inches. However, hardwoods can also be sold in quarters, and ¼ inch of thickness is equivalent to one quarter. Following these rules, a 5/4 board is 1¼ inches thick. Pro Tip: The thickness of a hardwood board is measured before surfacing!.
How many deck boards do I need for a 10×10 deck?
For a 10×10 square deck, you would therefore need twenty-two 10′ deck boards. Dimensions for deck boards can vary depending on the look you want and the deck board type you use. However, the most common is a 5/4” thick by 6” wide deck board of any length.
How wide is a 5 4 board?
Hardwood Lumber Dimensions Nominal Size Rough Size Actual Size: Surfaced 1 Side 5/4 inch 1 1/4 inch 1 1/8 inch (29 mm) 6/4 inch 1 1/2 inch 1 3/8 inch (35 mm) 8/4 inch 2 inches 1 13/16 inch (46 mm) 12/4 inch 3 inches 2 13/16 inch (71 mm).
What size board should I use for a deck?
Width: Six-inch wide boards are ideal in most cases. Four inch wide material takes longer to install, creates more gaps and requires a lot more fasteners—but you can use it. Eight inch wide boards, because of their greater width, have more of a tendency to crack and cup; avoid using them.
Should deck boards have a gap?
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.
How much overhang should a 5 4 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 I Space 5 4 decking?
For 5/4 pressure treated decking, it should be installed tight and allowed to shrink to provide water drainage. With cedar 5/4 decking installation should be with 1/16″-1/8″ gap (2-3mm), which will expand to 1/8-1/4″ (3-6mm) once the wood has dried. Providing both deckings’ plenty of spacing for drainage.
How thick is a 1×6 deck board?
1×4 and 1×6 boards lose 1/4 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. That means a 1 x 4 board is actually 3/4 inches by 3 1/2 inches. The larger 1x boards (1×8, 1×10, etc.).
How wide is a 1×6 deck board?
A 1×6, for example, actually measures 3/4″ x 5 1/2″. In this case, the planing is necessary for a smoother surface, so that the board could be used for interior applications.
Are 2×6 good for deck?
2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12″ on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.
Can a deck hold 2000 pounds?
In general, most decks can withstand 100 lbs per square foot. It is always wise to contact a professional to get an accurate estimate of what your deck can safely handle.
Why is pressure treated wood cheaper than dimensional lumber?
Pressure-treated wood is notably cheaper than cedar, redwood, and other types of wood. And, because of its durability, you’re much less likely to experience a need for costly repairs in the future. It is a great choice for those operating on a smaller budget.
