How Far Should Deck Boards Be From Siding

Before deciding on how much space to leave between deck boards check with your local building code to see if it covers deck board spacing.

How far should deck boards be from siding.

Cumaru deck board gapping allow a minimum of 1 8 gap between board widths on 4 wide decking and 3 16 gap between board widths on 6 wide decking for drainage airflow and expansion. Adjust spacing between deck boards measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Many jurisdictions following the international building code which requires a minimum 1 8 inch spacing between boards.

Both sizes have their pros and cons. Divide this distance by the width of the decking boards plus 1 8. When they do removing and repairing siding is easy. Unless a deck is covered it shouldn t be at the same level as the door to your home.

Tools and tips for proper deck board spacing. Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch. Wet wood if your wood is damp during installation place the boards closer together since they ll shrink once they dry. The finished deck height is 1 inch below the bottom of the sill.

The last board won t look good if it s skinny or cut at an angle. If the deck is enclosed or has a roof that doesn t allow water to get inside you need not worry. Face nails may or may not clear the siding beneath. The first board you install should be about 1 8 3 5mm away from the siding to account for drainage expansion and contraction.

Plan accordingly based on how dry your decking is. The course overlaps are generally between 1 2 inch and 2 inches. You should try to end the decking with a full width board if possible. There should be at least a 4 inch step down to the deck itself.

Now i realize that i need to leave a 2 minimum gap between decking and hardiplank siding which means 2 of gray siding to deck gap general discussion contractor talk. However if it s open to the elements read on. Gaps are not necessary at the butt joints where the end of two boards come together when installing hardwoods. If you have poor ventilation wider is always better.

When you are about 6 10 feet from the end of the deck check the remaining distances from the edge. You can slightly spread or shrink the gaps for a perfect fit. The top of the ledger board should be lower than the desired top of the finished deck by one decking board s thickness plus the thickness of the flashing usually 1 8 inch. You extract the face nails from any piece and pull it down and out.

Carefully determine the height for the ledger which will also be the height for all the joist framing.