Constant flexing of the plank will weaken it and may cause it to break more easily. The greater the distance, the more the board must support over that distance, and the greater the potential for flexing. If the board is too thin for the span, it will feel spongy or bouncy.ĭeck joists are commonly 12-inch, 16-inch, or 24” on-center (OC). The plank thickness should provide a solid feel for the unsupported distance between joists. Common Deck Board Sizesĭecking boards provide the finished surface of a deck, keep people from falling through between joists, and support the weight of people and furniture between the joists. A nominal or rough cut 2×6 planes down to 1-1/2”x5-1/2” while a 5/4×6 dimensionally is actually 1”x5-1/2”. Dimensional lumber is what is produced by planing the rough cut lumber smooth.
The nominal dimensions of lumber are commonly based on the rough cut size before being planed smooth on all four faces. The planks are still planed to the same finished or actual dimensions, but more board feet may be produced per log. Kiln drying allows the rough cut lumber to be cut thinner than 2-inches since it better controls the moisture content. Once the moisture content is stable, the wood goes through a planer with cutting heads that remove saw marks and smooth the plank surfaces to standard dimensions. As it dries, the wood shrinks, especially in width. The wood is either air or kiln-dried, which decreases the moisture content. The surfaces are rough to touch and show milling saw marks. When a tree is cut down and then milled into planks, it is commonly 1 or 2-inches thick with varying dimensions in widths. (1” x 6”x 12’ = $60 to $80) Deck Board Sizes and Actual Dimensions
#ACTUAL DIMENSIONS OF A 1X6 PLUS#
Low maintenance, no warping, cracking or splinters, or any mold, mildew, rot, or UV worries, plus a lifetime guarantee. Available in many different anodized or powder coated finishes, as well as silver, sand, or gray tone aluminum. (1” x 6”x 12’ = $60 to $68) Aluminum BoardsĪluminum planks are weather and waterproof boards up to 36-feet in length. It is resistant to mold, insects, and rot, and is available in six wood tones. PVC boards are synthetic polymer or plastic planks made to imitate wood and carry a 50-year warranty against fading and staining. (5/4” x 6”x 12’ = $50 to $90 with includes installation clips) PVC Plastic Boards
Has a 30-year warranty against staining and fading.
It is available in more than 24 wood tones and colors, and lengths up to 20-feet. They are very resistant to mold, insects, and rot. (1” x 6”x 12’ = $12 to $20) Composite DeckingĬomposite boards are manufactured from recycled plastic and wood to look like wood. Cedar should be protected against UV damage with a clear stain or sealer every 2 to 5-years. Western red cedar, cypress, and redwood have natural oils that resist damage by insects and fungus. The decking should be regularly protected from rot, mold, and insects with a sealer or stain every 2 to 5 years. Wood, commonly pine, protected from fungus and insect damage with chemicals that have been forced into the wood with pressure. The stain or sealer should be resistant to UV, mold, and insects. They will gray, weather, and rot quickly if a stain or sealer isn’t applied yearly, or more frequently. Untreated pine, spruce, or fir can be used as decking. The grade of wood – #1 or #2, premium, or standard determines the price and quality of the wood too. An inexpensive choice that will require cleaning and staining once or twice a year, or a wood-look synthetic polymer that won’t fade, split or mold for 50-years, but costs 10-times more. Cost and maintenance, though, are two factors to consider when choosing deck boards. The selection of deck boards is greater today than ever before.
#ACTUAL DIMENSIONS OF A 1X6 HOW TO#
When you’re finished perusing this article, you should have a better knowledge of deck board dimensions and how to select what’s best for your project.
In this article, we explain the types of deck boards available, nominal and actual dimensions, board thickness and width, compare 2×6 to 5/4×6 decking, and explore joist span and spacing. For high traffic decks, 2×6 planks offer a more solid and safer surface. Use 2×6 planks for 16” or 24” OC joists, or if running diagonally to 16” OC joists. Select 5/4×6 inch deck boards to fasten in a perpendicular pattern to joists spaced 12” or 16” on-center (OC), or diagonally on 12” OC joists. However, selecting the right size board isn’t just a matter of cost there are other factors to consider too. Are you ready to build or resurface a deck but don’t know what deck board dimensions are right for your plan? Building a deck is a great way to identify your outdoor living space and extend the use and enjoyment of your personal green space.