Nominal Size Rough Size Actual Size: Surfaced 2 Sides
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5/4 inch 1 1/4 inch 1 1/16 inch (27 mm)
6/4 inch 1 1/2 inch 1 5/16 inch (33 mm)
8/4 inch 2 inches 1 3/4 inch (44 mm)
12/4 inch 3 inches 2 3/4 inch (70 mm)
What is the most common deck board size?
The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.
How thick are 1x6 deck boards?
Nominal Thickness Actual Thickness
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“Four-Quarter” or “1x” or “4/4” E.g.1 x 4, 1 x 5, 1 x 6, 4/4 x 6 3/4” to 13/16”
“Five-Quarter” or “5/4” E.g., 5/4 x 6, 5/4 x 4 1”
“Eight-Quarter” or “8/4” or “2x” E.g., 2 x 6, 2 x 4 1.5”
Can I use 2x6 for deck boards?
Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. 2x6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.
Should I use 2x6 for decking?
2x6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. ... Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16". Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.
What size boards are best for decking?
Width: Six-inch wide boards are ideal in most cases. Four inch wide material takes longer to install, creates more gaps and requires a lot more fasteners—but you can use it. Eight inch wide boards, because of their greater width, have more of a tendency to crack and cup; avoid using them.
How thick are standard decking boards?
NOTE: Standard boards are often called a 5/4 board when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is typically somewhere between 1” and 1 ¼”. Thicker boards are often called a 2 x 6 when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is somewhere between 1.2” and 1.5”.Sep 16, 2021