Deck Boards - Flush or slightly less than flush
#1
12-10-18, 07:16 AM
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: USA
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Deck Boards - Flush or slightly less than flush
Having started my deck boards (PT 5/4x6 but actual of 5.75" including gap) parallel to house at ledger I will arrive at rim joist with 3/4" less than flush (and less than guard post). Is this OK (guard rails will extend 2x inside rim and post) or should I rip 2 deck boards to total 6.75" nominal (6.50" actual for green PTL) for last 2 boards?
Last edited by charlie0000; 12-10-18 at 07:20 AM. Reason: clarity
#2
12-10-18, 07:59 AM
Have you already begun laying the deck boards? With PT boards, I like to butt them tight against each other because once they dry out completely, you'll be left with a perfect gap. If you gap them during install, then the gap tends to be too large once they dry. If you butt them against each other tightly, you may just end up with a full board at the rim.
If it's too late for that, you could maybe add a 2x6 fascia board along the front of the deck and notch it to fill that last 3/4". Or double up the rim joist to give yourself an additional 1-1/2" so your last deck board would be 2-1/4".
If it's too late for that, you could maybe add a 2x6 fascia board along the front of the deck and notch it to fill that last 3/4". Or double up the rim joist to give yourself an additional 1-1/2" so your last deck board would be 2-1/4".
Last edited by mossman; 12-10-18 at 08:33 AM.
#3
12-10-18, 09:10 AM
Member
Like tile you should add the first and last board width up, divide by 2 and rip the first board.
Then when you get to the last board adjust as needed and rip, everything will look even and neat!
Then when you get to the last board adjust as needed and rip, everything will look even and neat!
#4
12-14-18, 06:46 PM
I start at the rim joist and work toward the home. I then usually trim down the last three deck boards to fit in the remaining space so I don't end up with a small board to finish.
#5
12-14-18, 07:10 PM
Member
Depending on the actual measurements, dry lay your boards out so that you have at the very least a full board at the rim. Then adjust your layout to make the rest of the boards work. If it results in too big of a gap, then butt them up and rip the final course against the house. Just don't want any sliver cuts or ones that taper. The wet boards when dry will form a natural gap. Last thing you want to do is rip a board at the rim as most likely it will not be straight, have a taper and stick out like a sore thumb.
