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| Deck Construction Guidelines and Tips |
Lumber Selection Tips
- For additional protection and improved performance,
select a decking product that includes a built-in, deep penetrating
water repellent added during the pressure-treating
process.
- Select the appropriate lumber grades for better longterm
performance and appearance. For the supporting
structure, pressure-treated No. 2 grade posts and dimension
lumber will generally meet all requirements. Refer to the
deck illustration for more detailed information.
- For optimum appearance, select a higher-grade material
(No. 1 or No. 1 Prime) for the decking, balusters, and
handrails.
- Lumber wider than six inches should not be used flatwise
as decking, railing, or seating.
- Southern Pine can span farther because of its superior
strength. The recommended maximum span for Southern
Pine radius edge decking (R.E.D.), and two-inch dimension
lumber used as decking, is 24½ on center compared to 16½
on center for other products. Refer to the table below.
| Recommended Spans for Southern Pine Decking |
| Grades |
Sizes |
Maximum Recommended
Support Spacing* |
 |
Standard or
Premium R.E.D. |
5/4 x 6
5/4 x 4** or 5/4 or 5/4x5** |
24" on center |
|
No.1 or No.2
Dimension |
2x6 or 2x4 |
24" on center |
|
* 16" on center if decking is installed diagonally.
** Produced in limited quantities. |
| Construction Guidelines for Wood Decks |
|---|
A deck’s structural integrity depends on the proper sizing,
placement, and connection of all components (e.g. decking,
joists, beams, posts, and footings).
Best construction practice is to build a freestanding
deck not attached to a house. If the deck is attached, make
sure the framing in the house is adequate to carry the additional
loads from the deck. Properly connecting the deck to the
house is also vitally important. Bolt the deck to the house
when possible, leave an airspace, and waterproof the deck-tohouse
connection.
Stabilize the deck with bracing. Bracing is especially
important for decks not attached to the house, and for elevated
decks requiring long support posts.
Proper design and installation of all connections is
essential to long-term deck performance. The selection of
corrosion-resistant fasteners and connectors is also critical.
- The most common deck fasteners are nails, screws, lag
screws, and bolts.
- Screws offer advantages over nails for attaching decking
to joists. Screws remain tight over time and allow for
easy replacement of decking.
- Minimize the use of metal connectors by stacking deck
structural members directly on top of each other (e.g.
decking on joists, joists on beams, and beams on posts).
Decking typically runs parallel to the house, supported
by joists installed perpendicular to the house. Position decking
with the best side up. Arrange decking so all butt joints rest
directly on joists, and stagger the joints. For superior performance,
double up the joists beneath butt joints for improved fastening.
For important deck construction details, see
WOOD DECKS: Materials, Construction and Finishing
published by the Forest Products Society.
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Fasteners and Connectors
Use of proper fasteners and connectors with pressuretreated
Southern Pine lumber is very important. Metal
products in contact with pressure-treated wood must be
corrosion resistant. Examples include fasteners (e.g. nails,
screws, and bolts), and all connecting hardware (e.g. joist
hangers, post anchors).
Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel fasteners and connectors
are recommended for pressure-treated Southern
Pine, including applications for outdoor decks.
See complete fastener corrosion guidelines here.
Do not use standard carbon-steel or aluminum metal
products in direct contact with pressure-treated wood.
Standard carbon-steel nails can rust and corrode with time,
causing unsightly stains and eventual structural failure.
In addition, electroplated galvanized metal products generally
have a thinner layer of protection compared to hot-dip
galvanized and are not recommended. Refer to preservative
or hardware manufacturers for specific corrosion-resistant
recommendations for treated wood.
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Inspection & Maintenance
Building products used in outdoor applications
such as decks endure severe exposure from the elements.
Decks should be inspected annually. Check
exposed surfaces and connections where moisture
can get trapped. Regular cleaning and maintenance
will help protect your deck and provide long-lasting
performance.
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