Decking Words of Wisdom

A T&G porch is a hybrid between a floor and an open deck. T&G Decking is blind nailed or screwed so that water can get thru and is only recommended on covered porches. Remember that T&G decks are not waterproof – you must always allow for drainage and ventilation because there will not be a dry area underneath. Gently sloping the soil under the deck away from the house and covering soil with plastic is recommended for any type of deck installation. Freezing winters are hard on exposed T&G due to expansion and contraction. For decks without roofs, standard decking is recommended.

Unlike wood floors, the finished deck will exhibit the level and squareness of the framing underneath. Therefore, fix any inconsistencies BEFORE installing decking. Always ensure the connection between the floor and the main structure is flashed with ACQ compatible flashing.

Always use ACQ Compliant fasteners when installing decking into PT. You cannot use indoor flooring fasteners as the chemicals in PT will quickly destroy them. For optimum results, stainless steel fasteners are recommended when in contact with P/T lumber. Pre-drilling is a must to obtain optimum results when installing very hard Brazilian decking. In addition, apply wax emulsion to the ends of boards when cut to help prevent end checking. This works very well.

All wood will shrink and expand at a far greater rate outside than indoors. So, a deck may end up buckling if boards are jammed together too tightly during installation. T&G decking is not indoor flooring and must not be installed too tightly – this will prevent the deck from warping. Standard decking should also be installed to leave some room for expansion. All wood displays minor shrinkage and expansion after installation. T&G porch flooring will expand and contract in proportion to the width of the boards. Therefore, 5” wide T&G planks will have cracks 65% bigger than 3” wide planks. This is one of the reasons that houses were built with very narrow flooring before we had HVAC to control the climate inside a home. Narrower planks display smaller cracks during times of low humidity like winter.

The beauty of wood is the unique characteristics between the species and from board to board. For example, Cambara’s mahogany-like grain displays minor checking when dry which closes when humidity returns; long planks of Ipe’ and Cumaru may occasionally have small BB sized holes; and American pine planks have large knots. Products without these characteristics would be extremely expensive and diminish the wood’s appeal.

Unlike traditional decks and porches, Brazilian hardwood does not need any painting or finishing. Like most woods, if you choose to leave it unfinished, it will weather to a silvery gray. If you desire, you can greatly reduce the graying by treating your Brazilian hardwood with a good sealer. Sealers which include UV protection like Messmers, Cabots and Penofin are very effective.

All wood splinters. Wood workers are very familiar with this basic law. Common sense precautions should always be observed. For example, use gloves when handling and do not slide on wood decking or flooring.

Updated 10 April 2007

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