/4 Treated Decking Can Be Easily Repaired
. Being readily available damaged decking boards can be easily replaced as new boards are similar enough to previous years as to match. Unlike composite decking, with often discontinued product lines every few years preventing sourcing new boards later.
Now for the other side, what are the cons of 5/4 treated decking?
Is It Better To Use 26 Or 5/4 Decking
The choice between 2×6 and 5/4 decking is one of personal preference. They are the same width, so cover the same area, require the same number of fasteners and time to install. However, 5/4 decking is lighter than 2×6, so may not require joists to be as deep as those for 2x6s. The main pull for 2x6s is strength, especially if they span joists at 16 O.C. spacing.
The cost of 5/4 decking is 30% to 50% less per linear foot than 2×6 decking of the same material and of similar quality. 5/4 decking is manufactured for decks, so the quality and appearance are often better than regular 2×6 lumber which has a multitude of uses. Since 2x6s can span joists spaced up to 24 and 5/4 only 16, there is a cost-saving on the number of joists required with the thicker boards, but not enough to make the overall 2×6 decking cost less.
For example:
An 8×12 deck will require 10 joists spaced at 16 O.C. and 7 when spaced at 24 O.C. The 8-foot width will require eighteen 12-foot long 5-1/2 wide planks for decking. If 2x8x8 joists cost $16.78, thats an extra $50.34 for joists spaced at 16 O.C. Eighteen 12-foot 5/4 deck boards at $18.24 cost $328.32, adding the 3 joists and the total 5/4 decking cost is $378.66. By comparison, eighteen equivalent quality 12-foot 2×6, spanning joists at 24 O.C. and each costing $23.38, add up to $429.84.
Limiting Stain Colours Options
Legend has it that Henry Ford said you could have the Model T in any colour you want as long as its black. Pressure-treated decking also is limited in staining options. The brown colour of the decking limits your options of decking stains as all stain colours must work off the light brown colour boards. Often you are better of just embracing it and clear coat or choose a similar brown colour stain.
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Can You Use 16 For Deck Boards
Using 1×6 lumber for deck boards is becoming more common as they are less expensive and considered by some to be more environmentally friendly more planks per tree. 1×6 planks are typically 12/16 or 3/4 to 13/16 thick by 5-1/2 wide. The boards arent normally pressure treated unless sold as fence boards, which are often thinner than 1x6s 10/16 to 12/16 thick.
Prior to plywood and OSB, square-cut and T& G 1x6s were the common planks used for decking. They were often run diagonally across joists at 16 O.C. or 24 O.C. However, modern building codes typically limit 1×6 softwood lumber to spans of 8 on the diagonal and 12 when perpendicular to the joists, while hardwoods like mahogany can span 12 on the diagonal and 16 when perpendicular.
Airflow is important when using thinner wood, so ensure the deck is 16 or more off the ground. It is also important to read the manufacturers literature as some claim their products can span 16 O.C. It is also recommended that the local codes be checked before you build to be on the safe side.
/4 Decking Is Not Treated For Ground Contact
Rarely this will be an issue as the decking will be raised from the ground by the joist. Ground contact is defined as 6 ground separation. Decking must be raised at least that high of the ground.
Also, its essential that air circulates under the decking to allow the underside to dry. The underside of decking cannot be sealed or stained after construction, so drying naturally with air circulation is critical.
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Can I Use 24 For Deck Boards
The quick answer is YES. However, untreated 2x4s will require yearly maintenance or they wont last, but pressure-treated 2×4 lumber or cedar planks will. 2x4s can span joists at 24 O.C. when laid perpendicular and 16 O.C. when diagonal. They are nominally 2×4 but actually 1-1/2 thick by 3-1/2 wide, so stronger and less bouncy than thinner lumber, and often less expensive than other options.
Shop 5/4 X 6 X 16 Pressure
- 5/4 in. x 6 in. 16 ft. in dimension
- Made from high-quality and sustainable source pine wood
- Pressure treated decking board
- Pressure treated wood for lasting protection
- Protects against wood ingesting insects and fungal decay
- Moisture resistance
- Suitable for applications where strength, straightness, and stiffness are needed
- Recommended for general construction and woodworking applications like outdoor decking and more
- Can be primed or painted
- Dimensionally stable
- Environmentally friendly- safe for use around pets
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What Are Common Deck Board Sizes
Be aware of the lexicon used in lumber and composite measurements. A 1×4 does not actually measure 1 inch by 4 inches. Youll discover it actually measures ¾-inch by 3.5 inches. Educate yourself on the actual sizes of lumber if youre trying to determine exactly how much material you might be using.
While deck boards can come in 8, 10 and even 12 widths, they are less common than the standard 6 wide deck board. Similarly, there are even more narrow widths available although even less common, ranging between 1 to 4 wide. These widths arent typically used as it requires more deck boards to cover an area, using square footage calculations.
Why Choose Wood Over Composites
Each year, more than a million decks are built or upgraded in America. Homeowners are rediscovering the charm and practicality of outdoor living spaces. Beauty, added value and comfort are just a few reasons why decks and porches are so popular. These outdoor rooms extend the living space of the home for open-air entertainment and relaxation. With so many decking material options to choose from, it’s hard to know what is the best decking option for you. To help put decking material prices into perspective, below is a list of comparative deck pricing for you.
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/4 Decking Vs 2: Whats The Difference Which Is Better
Building or resurfacing a deck provides an outdoor living area and enhances the value of a home. Selecting the best decking, 5/4 decking vs 2×6, can be a challenge. Which is better and what are the differences?
Today, 5/4 decking is more widely used than 2×6 decking. Although the same width, 2x6s are 1/2 thicker, making them stronger and less bouncy than 5/4 decking spanning the same joist spacing. However, 2x6s cost 30% to 50% more for similar quality and appearance decking.
In this article, well explain what 5/4 and 2×6 decking are, look at their key points and difference, and whether you can use 2×4 or 1×6 boards instead. Our goal is to help you identify which is better for your project, 5/4 or 2×6 decking.
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Learn More About Wood Vs Composites
As you can see, there is a wide range of pricing options for your decking. A few points you may wish to consider:
- All the above decking prices are listed as square foot prices to help you compare decking material prices more easily.
- When factoring all the costs in building a new deck, the decking boards themselves typically account for only about 25% of the total cost of a new deck.
- The initial price of your decking is only one consideration when choosing a decking material. How long will your decking boards last? Southern Yellow Pine treated wood has been around for over 50 years with a proven performance record if maintained once a year.
- After your deck is built, the decking boards will be the most visible part of your deck. Why not use a material that you can be proud of? There is no substitute for the look and feel of real wood. Wood decking provides a warm, natural look that blends beautifully with the landscape. Plastic or plastic composites, even with faux wood grain, still look and feel artificial.
- All decking products require yearly maintenance, yes even the most expensive composites. Why spend up to 5 times the cost on composites when you can enjoy an equally beautiful, all natural, affordable low cost product by using Southern Yellow Pine treated wood.
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What Is 5/4 Decking
The main purpose of 5/4×6 planks is to finish the surface of a deck upon which people walk, sit, or recline, so they are typically high-quality appearance-grade lumber. They provide the surface that covers the deck framework of joists and beams to prevent slipping or falling between the joists. When selecting 5/4 deck boards there are a number of options ranging from softwoods and hardwoods treated or untreated, composite, PVC, and even metal decking.
Softwoods such as spruce, pine, and fir are typically pressure-treated with chemicals to prevent rot and protect from insects, mold, and UV rays. Softwoods like cedar and redwoods, and hardwoods like teak, mahogany, and Ipe, have a natural resistance to rot and insects, so arent usually treated before installation. The type of decking material affects the budget line and aesthetics of the deck build.
A 5/4 x 6 plank is nominally 1-1/4 thick and 6-inches wide. The actual measurements though, are closer to 1 to 1-1/16 by 5-1/2. Hard and softwood boards are planed and sanded with rounded corners or edges, and typically come in lengths of 8, 10, 12, and 16, but longer 20 and 24 are available at a premium. The thinner depth makes the planks lighter and more economical than thicker dimensions. They are the more common decking choice in much of North America.
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Whats The Difference Between 5/4 Decking And 26
Selecting the type of decking, whether its pressure-treated, cedar, hardwood, PVC, composite, or metal, is usually a matter of preference and budget. However, it is necessary to choose between 5/4 and 2×6 lumber for outdoor decking prior to designing and building a deck.
The thickness of the decking can affect the spacing of the joist and the elevation of the support structure. Being aware of the differences between 5/4 and 2×6 may make the decking selection easier.
How Do I Measure A Deck
To determine your decks measurements, youll want to measure its length and width from the longest point even if there are shorter angles and niches within its structure. From there, multiply the length and width together to arrive at the total square footage of your deck.
For instance, if the longest point of your deck is 20 ft and the widest point of your deck is 16 feet, your decks total square footage would be 320 square feet.
20 ft x 16 ft = 320 sq. ft.
When building a deck from the ground up, its important to consider how big your backyard or the area where you plan to build your deck is, or if youll need stairs. Head over to our free deck designer to get started on planning to design your dream deck.
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What Materials Do I Need For Decking
Depending on your budget, aesthetics, and availability of materials, there are a many choices to choose from, including:
- Pressure-treated lumber
- Exotic hardwoods
- Framing lumber such as Cedar, Pine, Fir, or Spruce. Regardless of the type of planks, you may want to comprise the surface of your deck for visual appeal, a sturdy frame is essential to the safety and longevity of your deck.
In addition to decking materials, youll also need several tools to ensure accuracy and make the process of building your deck easier:
- Framing squares
- A variety of saws
Required Pressure Treated Decking Fasteners
Cooper treatment is excellent if preventing fungi and insect damage but is corrosive on metal. All fasteners and hardware in contact with the decking must be zinc or Polymer-coated steel screws or stainless steel. Untreated fasteners will corrode faster than the decking. Causing decking failure as the decking boards come loose from the joist. Always check that the fasteners are compatible with pressure-treated wood.
The good news is polymer-coated screws are economical and often are colour matched for decking. Helping to hide the screw heads.
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Longevity Of 5/4 Decking
Is 5/4 decking temporary or lifetime decking? The answer is maintenance, determining if its lifespan is 20 years or 60. Treated decking will last as long as its cared for, or close to it.
Wooden decks have a life expectancy of 20 years according to Citi Bank and the National Home Builders Association . If decks were built and maintained properly, their life expectancy should be double or triple this figure.
One of the ways to increase treated deck life, according to Mississippi University, is end treatment of all cut boards during construction. Whenever you cut treated wood, it should be resealed either by painting on end treatment with a brush, spraying or soaking in a bucket. The factory preservative is only surface deep. Without end treatment, the core of the decking is unprotected and will rot.
Maintenance will increase decking lifespan but not heal. If treated decking is allowed to deteriorate, there is no recovery. You can slow the process by staining, but it will not recover after weathering from the sun or rain. Treated decking must be maintained from day one to last.
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Myths About Toxicity Of Treated Decking
I remember when you would get a sliver of treated wood, it would fester and puss up and hurt like a bugger. It just felt like it was not good for you. That walking barefoot on a treated deck could have potential health risks. This was primarily due to the Chromated copper arsenate that wood was treated with. In particular, the arsenate element, which has led the industry to reach a voluntary decision in 2003.
Effective December 31, 2003, CCA manufacturers voluntarily canceled residential uses of CCA
Which is why residential decking is now treated with ACQ or MCA, which has also been tested with excellent results. A research paper titled Human Health Risk Evaluation of ACQ-Treated Wood By Cushing, C A Golden, R Lowney, Y W Holm, S E after studies found that ACQ-treated wood poses no health risk from exposure from treated decking.
exposures to ACQ-treated wood do not result in concentrations high enough to be associated with acute effectsACQ Type D from the surface of treated wood are not expected to be associated with any adverse effects to adults or children who might come into contact with this product.
In conclusion of treated decking toxicity. Research has proven that there is no risk for you or your toddler crawling on the deck. The levels of copper are high enough to prevent fungi and insects but not high enough to be toxic to humans. Even little children crawling on treated decking poses limit health risk.