How to Install Wood Deck Boards

Installing wood deck boards is a satisfying DIY project that can add beauty and functionality to your outdoor living space. With proper planning and the right tools, you can have a gorgeous new deck in no time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the deck board installation process, from choosing the best materials to seamlessly finishing your new deck surface. Follow along and you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to install wood deck boards like a pro.

Choosing the Right Wood Deck Boards

The first step is selecting quality decking boards that match your design vision, lifestyle needs, and budget. Here are some top deck board options to consider:

Wood Types

Cedar – A natural softwood that is durable, weather-resistant, and ages to an attractive silver-gray. Cedar has pronounced grain patterns and a warm, inviting aesthetic. It’s also resistant to rot and insects. Installation is easy with few special considerations.
Redwood – Another softwood that is naturally resistant to decay and insects. Redwood has a reddish-pink hue when new that grays over time. It’s lightweight and straight-grained for smooth installation.
Ipe – An extremely dense exotic hardwood that offers incredible durability and longevity. Ipe has a rich brown color that darkens slowly. It needs pre-drilling and has more spacing requirements.
Pressure-Treated Pine – The most budget-friendly option, pressure-treated pine is infused with preservatives for rot and insect resistance. It has good strength but needs sealing and frequent maintenance.
Tropical Hardwoods – Durable options like tigerwood, cumaru, and massaranduba offer exotic patterns and colors. Harder to find and work with than common woods. Require careful spacing and fastening.

Board Shapes and Patterns

Standard Solid Boards – Rectangular boards in widths like 2×4, 2×6, 5/4×6. Simplest to install with seamless appearance.
Grooved Boards – Boards with side grooves that allow drainage and ventilation between boards. Require hidden fastener system.
Scalloped or Profiled Boards – Boards with decorative shapes cut into the wood face and edges. More complex installation.
Wood-Plastic Composites – Made of wood fibers and plastic resins to resist moisture and prevent warp, decay, and splintering. Easier for DIYers to work with than natural woods.

Finishes

Unfinished – Lets the wood age naturally. Needs regular cleaning and refinishing.
Stains – Penetrating stains add color while showcasing the wood grain. Offer modest protection from UV rays.
Paints/Solid Stain – Coatings create a colored surface and provide the most protection. Obscure the natural wood pattern.
Sealers – Clear finishes that protect the wood while displaying the natural color and texture. Need periodic reapplication.

Sustainably Sourced Woods

Seeking out sustainably harvested woods ensures healthy forests for future generations while avoiding potential damage from illegal logging. Look for certification from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Planning Your Deck Layout

Once you select your decking materials, it’s time to map out the structure. Keep these tips in mind:

Check local building codes for requirements like maximum heights, railing spacing, footings, and headers.
Consider how you want to use the space. Allow room for furniture, activities, and traffic flow.
Design access points through stairs, ramps or gates. At least one entrance should be ADA compliant if needed.
Incorporate structural details like built-in benches, planter boxes, lighting, and overhead structures.
Account for utilities, drainage, and access to the home. Avoid gas, water, and sewer lines underground.
Decide on straight or curved board installation. Curved patterns require special flexible boards.
Determine the joist spacing based on the decking manufacturer’s recommendations. This affects the board lengths needed.
Allow 1/4″ gaps between all boards and 1/2″ gaps where boards meet walls or posts. This allows for expansion and drainage.
Draw up a framing plan for the joist layout to ensure proper support.

Thorough planning at this stage will prepare you for a smooth installation. Always get permits if required by local building codes.

Preparing the Structure

Before installing any deck boards, ensure the underlying structure is complete, level, and ready to support the decking weight. This includes:

Digging proper footings below the frost line and securing 4×4 posts with concrete.
Framing the deck with the correct size and spacing of joists. Use joist hangers to attach to headers and beams.
Including diagonal bracing between posts and joists.
Installing lateral bracing on tall sections or posts over 8 feet.
Adding blocks between joists where board ends meet for additional stabilization.
Securing the rim joist around the deck perimeter to tie the structure together.
Checking the framing for level from all directions. Use shims if needed.
Covering the top of joists with exterior plywood or synthetic membrane for a smooth and consistent subsurface.

The time spent adequately constructing the deck frame and subsurface will ensure the decking itself goes down smoothly and evenly.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials

Installing deck boards is easiest with the right assortment of tools and accessories. Be sure to have these items on hand:

Tools

Power drill and drivers
Circular saw with plywood and finish blades
Table saw, miter saw, or radial arm saw
Jigsaw for curved cuts and notches
Drill/driver bits (pilots, countersinks)
Hammer or nail gun
Chalk line
Tape measure and straight edge
Utility knife and chisel
Carpenter’s square
Pry bar
Shovel for mixing concrete

Materials

Deck boards in chosen wood type
Joist tape or aluminum flashing
Galvanized decking screws and/or nails
Hidden deck fastener system (if using grooved boards)
Construction adhesive
Concrete for footings
Exterior wood sealant/finish

Having the necessary equipment will make deck installation much simpler. Safety gear like glasses, dust mask, and gloves is also a smart idea.

Installing the Deck Boards

Once your framing is complete and tools gathered, it’s time for the satisfying step of laying down the deck boards. Follow these tips for flawless results:

Allow Wood to Acclimate

Before installation, place deck boards over the area where they’ll be installed, keeping them off the ground. This allows the wood to acclimate to the temperature and moisture conditions they will experience when installed. Acclimation prevents shrinkage gaps or warping later on. Allow 48-72 hours depending on weather.

Establish a Pattern

Consider the visual pattern you want the deck boards to create. While a basic running bond is simplest, you can get creative with herringbone, chevrons, or bordered edge patterns. Use different board colors and grains to add definition. Plan the installation order before starting.

Use Proper Board Spacing

Remember to leave 1/4″ gaps between each board to allow for swelling and prevent buckling. Where boards meet walls, posts, or ends of other boards, make the spacing 1/2″. Use decking spacers secured with finish nails to keep consistent gaps during installation.

Stagger Board Ends

Boards will look most seamless and stable when the ends are staggered across joists. Avoid lining up the ends by starting rows with partial boards cut to different lengths. Staggering also helps minimize obvious color variations.

Work from One Direction

Install boards systematically in one direction across the deck space for the most natural appearance. Working from multiple angles can lead to haphazard board placement. Finish one adjoining section fully before moving on.

Fasten into Each Joist

Use two fasteners (screws or nails) oriented at 45 degree angles to attach each board securely into the joist below. This prevents pops or cracks as the wood expands and contracts. Drill pilot holes first when using dense woods to prevent splitting.

Allow for Proper Drainage

Always install boards perpendicular to the joists so there are direct gaps allowing water drainage. Slope boards slightly away from the house while keeping the surface flat overall.

Cut Precise Notches

When boards need notching to fit around posts or obstacles, make clean and accurate cuts with a jigsaw or circular saw. Hasty, uneven notching can detract from the appearance. Consider aesthetics when notching.

Correct Mistakes Carefully

If you need to remove or adjust an already installed board, take care not to damage it or the surrounding boards. Use a pry bar and hammer to gently remove nails/screws before tapping the board out of position.

Apply Protective Finishing Touches

Once all decking boards are installed, consider adding trim boards along visible edges or metal flashing against external walls. Apply your choice of protective wood sealant evenly across the deck surface to protect from weathering.

By taking the process step-by-step, you can install wood decking that looks seamless and professional. Soon you’ll be enjoying your beautiful new outdoor living space.

Maintaining Your Wood Decking

Investing some regular care into your wood deck will keep it looking pristine for years to come. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Inspect decking boards annually for damaged or deteriorated sections. Replace individual boards as needed to prevent more extensive repairs later.
Clean the deck each year before applying new protective finish. Use a pressure washer on low settings to remove built-up dirt and debris.
Allow your wood deck to weather naturally or reapply stains and sealers every 1-3 years depending on exposure and use. Tropical hardwoods and paints/solid stains need less frequent applications.
Keep decking free of leaves, pine needles, and other organic matter that promotes mold and decay.
Ensure proper drainage away from the house and check for signs moisture like algae growth or swollen board ends.
Watch for popped nails, loose screws, squeaky boards, or excessive cupping and warping and make repairs promptly.
Consider covering your deck when not in use to shield it from sun, rain, and snow. Allow ventilation under covers.
Furniture placed directly on decking can cause localized wear and scratches. Use cushions, pads, or rugs under heavy items.

With the right installation techniques and regular upkeep, you can enjoy many relaxing days and evenings on your beautiful new wood deck. The personal satisfaction of building it yourself makes lounging on your deck even sweeter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Wood Deck Boards

Installing wood deck boards involves careful planning and execution. Here are answers to some common questions that arise:

What size decking boards should I use?

5/4×6 boards are a popular standard size and are suitable for either 16″ or 24″ joist spacing. Wider boards like 2×6 or larger 5/4x sizes create fewer seams. Narrower boards allow closer joist spacing for reduced costs.

What is the best wood type for deck boards?

Cedar and redwood are great lower maintenance options. Ipe and other tropical hardwoods are extremely durable if longevity is key. Pressure-treated pine works well for a budget-friendly deck. Composite boards also offer low maintenance.

How far apart should deck joists be spaced?

Joist spacing depends on the decking board dimensions. 12″ on-center spacing works with narrow boards. For standard 1″ thick boards, allow 16-24″ between joist centers following manufacturer guidelines.

Should I use hidden fasteners or face screw/nail my deck boards?

Hidden fasteners allow smoother board appearance and prevent moisture collection on screws. Face fastening is usually faster installation and allows easy board replacement as needed.

What is the ideal slope for deck boards?

Allow a slight but consistent slope of 1/8″ per horizontal foot or 1-2 degrees. This sheds water off the surface while maintaining enough traction to walk safely. Ensure joists and beams can accommodate the slope.

Should I seal or stain my wood decking right after installation?

It’s best to allow unfinished wood to weather for a few months before sealing or staining. This prevents trapped moisture problems. Immediately sealing fresh boards can lead to breakdown of finishes.

How can I remove stubborn stains from my wood deck?

For tough spots like grease, wine, or leaf tannins, use a deck brightener product. These oxalic or phosphoric acid solutions helps break down staining. Always test cleaners on scrap wood first and apply carefully.

How do I stop my wood deck from splintering?

Using high-quality wood and proper installation practices reduces splinters. Keeping wood sealed and stained also helps. Areas around screws/nails are prone to splinters. Use wood filler in pre-drilled holes. Rout splintered edges smooth.

With proper materials, tools, and techniques, you can install beautiful wood decking successfully. Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for decking care recommendations specific to your chosen wood type and finish.

Conclusion

A new wood deck creates an invaluable outdoor living space for relaxation and entertainment. By using quality boards, smart planning, and proper installation techniques, you can construct decking that will provide enjoyment for years to come. The information presented here equips you with the essential knowledge needed to tackle a deck board installation project from start to finish. With helpful preparation, the right tools, and step-by-step guidance, you can gain skills comparable to professional builders. Just take the process one section at a time. Soon you’ll have an attractive new deck adding beauty, functionality and style to your backyard. Get started today designing the gorgeous deck you’ve always dreamed of entertaining friends and family from. With this guide’s assistance, you can confidently build it yourself and save significant money too.