For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s. The 5/4 decking (pronounced "five-quarter"), available in cedar and pressure-treated fir, is 1 inch thick and 5-1/2 inches wide with rounded edges that make for a splinter-free surface. Cedar 1x lumber usually has one rough side and one smooth side..
Simply so, what size wood is used for decks?
Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. 2x6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.
Similarly, can I use regular lumber for a deck? Both pine and standard "white wood" lumber work well for deck construction. Some pines are nearly as resistant to rot as cedar, and both of these options take paint well. Paint will increase the longevity of a pine deck to some extent, but cannot give the same results as cedar, redwood or treated lumber.
Correspondingly, how thick should deck boards be?
This dimension is 1 to 1-1/4 inches thick. Any less thickness produces a springy, weak deck. Joist spacing also determines how thick your deck boards must be. Joists spaced 16 inches on center will take both 5/4 and 2-inch deck boards (which are actually 1-1/2 inches thick).
Can I use 2x6 for decking?
2x6 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.
Related Question Answers
What size lumber can span 20 feet?
Max. Live Load 60 lbs/ft2 (2873 N/m2)
| Maximum Span (ft - in) |
| Nominal Size (inches) | Joist Spacing Center to Center (inches) | Lumber Grade |
| 2 x 12 | 24 | 13' - 2" |
| 2 x 14 | 12 | 20' - 10" |
| 16 | 18' - 0" |
Should I space my deck boards?
The goal is to have about an 1/8-inch gap (the diameter of an 8d nail) between boards after the decking has dried to its equilibrium moisture content. If the decking is installed wet, as is often the case for pressure treated material, it is best to install the boards tight, letting gaps form as the wood dries.How many footings do I need for a deck?
For an attached 12 x 12' deck, you'll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you're planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it's easy to figure out how many you'll need.Should I use 2x4 or 2x6 for deck?
2x4s are never ok for floor joists! 2x6 is iffy and may not meet minimum code. I agree with Marksr, that 2x6 would be minimal. Use a 4x6 rather than 2-2x6's for your beam.How far can a 2x10 span without support?
When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on.How far can a 2x6 deck joist span?
Decking boards span from joist to joist. 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.How long will non pressure treated wood last outside?
Some say that untreated 2×4's can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it's exposed to and if it's making ground contact.Should you countersink deck screws?
If you are face-driving deck screws, it is acceptable to “self-countersink” them. Some deck screws even have a little cutter head built into the screw, to facilitate countersinking.What is the spacing between deck boards?
A gap of 10mm between deck boards and external walls of adjacent buildings is recommended for drainage. Board spacing depends on the width of the board but a guide is 3-4mm for 90mm boards and 5-6mm for 140mm boards. Note that if wet decking boards are laid, when they dry out the gaps between them will increase.How thick are pressure treated deck boards?
Product Overview #1 Thick-Deck is 15% thicker than standard 5/4 in. decking, offering a stronger and sturdier product. Thick-Deck is pressure-treated southern yellow pine that has been treated for ground contact applications. These deck boards have the highest grading standards for strength and appearance.Can I use 1x6 for decking?
For Kiln Dried decking set spacing between boards at 3/16” for 4” and 1/4” for 6” decking. Generally, 1x4 and 1x6 decking can be installed with joists on 16” centers. 5/4x4 and 5/4x6 decking can be installed with joists on 24” centers. When installing on an angle, joist spacing should be on 12” centers.How long do deck boards last?
As far as lifespan, according to a recent study by Freedonia, decks made from pressure-treated lumber and softwoods will last an average of 10 years, when maintained appropriately, including regular waterproofing. Usually, the first thing to go are the boards, which can be replaced easily enough.How long will untreated wood last in raised beds?
Type of Wood It will warp and begin to rot within three to five years. Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to both rot and insect infestations, which is why they're often used for decks and fences. These materials will generally last 10 to 20 years in a raised-bed garden.Can you put pressure treated wood in concrete?
When ever you embed treated wood in concrete, keep the concrete 2" above the ground and form a sloping concrete/mortar cap to shed the water. This will help make the post last much longer. Treated wood can do quite well when it is moist (like in concrete).How long will untreated pine last outside?
Untreated redwood, depending on it's age, has a projected life span of 50 years or more when exposed to the elements. Pine varieties have a projected life span of only 5 to 10 years.How do you protect wooden posts in the ground?
Double wrap the bottom of the post with Grace ice and water barrier. This stuff sticks to wood like super glue. Finish the wrap a couple inches above ground level. Do no seal the bottom of the post, the long grain end.What is the difference between treated and untreated wood?
Untreated lumber is the closest you will get to all natural wood, unless you fell your own tree. Treated lumber is infused with chemicals to resist deterioration due to weather, rot and boring insects. The primary differences between these two types of building materials lie in durability and health concerns.Should you pre drill deck boards?
No matter what kind of screws you use, always remember to place your boards with the bark side up. Boards can cup away from the bark side which will enable the water to run off the boards. Pre-drill the ends of the boards to avoid splitting using two screws where each decking board and joist intersect. 
