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| Deck Component Specification and Installation |
| DECKING & STAIR TREADS |
Decking and stair treads provide the deck's walking surfaces.
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| Tips |
Common Practice |
Superior Performance |
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| SELECTION |
Standard Grade R.E.D. (5/4x6)
OR
2x4 or 2x6 Southern Pine No.2 or No.2 prime |
Premium Grade R.E.D. (5/4x6
OR
2x4 or 2x6 Southern Pine No.1 or No.1 Prime |
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| INSTALLATION |
Space tightly together if decking is not completely dry at the time of installation to allow for shrinkage.
Space using a 16d nail for dried material to allow for expansion. |
Space tightly together if decking is not completely dry at the time of installation to allow for shrinkage.
Space using a 16d nail for dried material to allow for expansion.
Drill pilot holes for fasteners. |
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| DURABILITY |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use with built-in water repellant |
| DECKING FASTENER GUIDE |
Minimum requirements for fasteners*
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| Nails |
Screws |
Hidden Fasteners |
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| Common hot-dip galvanized nails are an economical fastener choice for attaching deck components together. |
Galvanized screws are commonly used to secure the treated Southern Pine decking to joists. |
Metal clips, wafers, and metal strips are three types of hidden fasteners attached to joists and concealed from overhead view. |
| Ring-shank or spiral-shank nails offer improved holding power. |
Use 2-1/2" screws to securely fasten decking. |
Check with manufacturers of hidden fasteners to determine the proper fastening schedules.
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* Hot-dip galvanized fasteners are recommended for above-grade applications and should meet ASTM A153. Connectors should meet ASTM A653, Class G185 with 1.85 ounces of zinc coating per square foot minimum. For coatings other than galvanized (e.g. powder or ceramic) check with the manufacturer to ensure the fastener is recommended for use with pressure-treated lumber.
Type 304 or 316 stainless steel fasteners and connectors, commonly used in severe exterior exposures, provide maximum corrosion resistance. See complete fastener corrosion guidelines here. |
| FASTENER SCHEDULE |
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Common Practice |
Superior Performance |
| Decking |
5/4 x 6 |
2x4 |
2x6 |
5/4 x 6 |
2x4 |
2x6 |
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| Nails |
(2) 8d |
(2) 10d |
(2) 10d |
(3) 8d |
(2) 10d |
(3) 10d |
| Screws |
(2) 2-1/2" |
(2) 2-1/2" |
(2) 2-1/2" |
(3) 2-1/2" |
(2) 2-1/2" |
(3) 2-1/2" |
| FRAMING LUMBER |
Framing lumber is used for the deck's supporting structure.
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| Tips |
Common Practice |
Superior Performance |
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| SELECTION |
Beams |
(2)2x8, (2)2x10, (2)2x12
4x6, 4x8 |
Beams |
(2)2x8, (2)2x10, (2)2x12
4x6, 4x8 |
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Bracing |
2x4, 2x6 |
Bracing |
2x4, 2x6 |
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Joists |
2x6, 2x8, 2x10
No. 2 Southern Pine |
Joists |
2x6, 2x8, 2x10
No. 1 Southern Pine
allows for longer spans |
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| INSTALLATION |
Space joists 24" on center maximum
Space joists 16" on center maximum
if decking is diagonal |
Space joists 24" on center maximum
Space joists 16" on center maximum
if decking is diagonal |
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| DURABILITY |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use |
| POSTS |
Posts support the beams and transfer deck loads to the footings.
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| Tips |
Common Practice |
Superior Performance |
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| SELECTION |
4x4 Southern Pine
No. 2 |
6x6, 4x4, 4x6 Southern Pine
No.1 or No.2 |
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| INSTALLATION |
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Larger posts provide added stability and a more solid look to the deck |
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| DURABILITY |
Pressure treated for Ground Contact Use |
Pressure treated for Ground Contact Use |
| RAILING |
Railings must include a baluster system that prevents the passage of a 4" sphere.
Check with local building codes for specific railing requirements.
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| Tips |
Common Practice |
Superior Performance |
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| SELECTION |
Balusters |
2x2 Southern Pine |
Balusters |
2x2 Southern Pine |
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Railing &
Rail Caps |
2x4 Southern Pine
No.2 |
Railing &
Rail Caps |
2x4 Southern Pine
No.1 |
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Posts |
4x4 Southern Pine
No.2 |
Posts |
4x4, 6x6, 4x6 Southern Pine
No.1 or No.2 |
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| DURABILITY |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use with built-in water repellant |
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