How to Lay Out Material for Decking

By kqmsradioman

Synthectic grey  decking with white ribbon Synthectic grey decking with white ribbon

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So you have your deck super structure complete and your decking delivered. How will it Lay Out, so it looks nice and has little waste?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Tape measure
  • pencil
  • legend board
Step1
Know your material lengths: What lengths of material did the plans spec? Who did the material take-off? Will these work for your project? My father always said, "think for 5 minutes and save 5 hours". So that's what we'll concentrate on.
Step2
Ribbon on perimeter On center for decking: Most synthetic decking calls for deck joists on a 16" center. This deck in the pictures is on a 16" center, only there is a ribbon around the perimeter. This will cause some thought, because the cuts in the decking will create a 'pattern', that will become part of the esthetics of the project.
Step3
Start measuring: This deck had 16s and 20s for decking. There was already a start, but no thought was given to the 'pattern'. I noted a start of what could be a pattern with cuts made every 5 joist bays. I could take a 20' and cut some of these in half, and they would make a 10' starter, and an end piece on another run. NO WASTE. Then I could take a 16', and use it for a middle piece. NO WASTE. Are you getting the picture?
Step4
Formulating the legend: When these cuts and full lengths developed a pattern, I had my cut list and sequence. The sequence created the 'pattern'.
Step5
Two boards and a butt Follow the legend: Notice that this legend has steps, and is also laid out so as you look at the legend, you are looking at the deck. Step #1 calls for 10'> 20'. Step #2 calls for 16'7"(from a 20')>12'6"( from a 16')This is also step #5, and the tailing cut-off goes to the start of step #6.And so on. ( notice a half circle around the 10' cut and a full circle around a 16'and a 20') Also a notation of where the tailing cut off piece goes. And if you can see on the deck picture, the pattern ends up being two boards and a butt on about a 64" center all the way across the deck. And I have 3'6" pieces left over for the stairs. NICE.

Tips & Warnings

  • Cutting decking can happen either on the deck, or on the stack. Just remember the sequence when moving the stock from one place to another.
  • concentrate on the sequence; It takes diligence to keep on track. But the longer you do, the easier it becomes; and the happier you will be.
  • I find it easier to cut long boards directly on the deck. no saw bucking
  • figure into your cuts, stair treads and risers, if need
  • Always leave the joists cut long, and trim when there are 3 deck boards
  • to go. This way, the last board will be a full deck board.
  • Synthetic decking is awkward. Cut it on a flat surface. Or take the time to make a long cut table.
  • After you're 'in the zone',on the legend, get some help. This is a two monkey operation. Or better, 3.
  • Better to carry long floppy material with 2 guys.
  • Be very careful walking on a 'deck in progress'.

Resources

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eHow Article: How to Lay Out Material for Decking

Article By: kqmsradioman

kqmsradioman

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Category: Home & Garden

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