What is a good spacing for decking?

Question

What is a good spacing for decking?

Answer 1

We always used 16D nails as spacers becuase we had em around.  I think a 16D nail is about 0.16 inches thick - so more than 1/8" inch but way less than 1/4"  However, it really matters what the decking is and when you install it.  I've seen decks built with fairly green dcking that were laid tight, when the decking finally dried the spacing was about perfect.

Answer 2

16 inches on center is the norm you can go to 24 if your deck

will be attached to sleepers nailed to a concrete floor or

pad. Now if you are referring to the space between deck

boards here is what I use. If it's Cedar, Cypress or treated

lumber anywhere from  a 8d to 16d sinker or ringshanked nail

between the boards. O space is good as long as the boards used are heartwood with minimal edge knots or TREX

engineered deck product.

Answer 3

if treated lumber we have been nailing ours tight knowing that it will shrink in 6 months and leave a 1/8 gap then....

lic. gen. contractor