For those who re-skin decks

[Beth n Rod]

Which type of boards do you recommend and why?

Floor: (With grooving or not)

• 5/4X6
• 2X4
• 2X6
• Other

Rail caps:

• 5/4X6
• 2X4
• 2X6
• Other

To be the first in the response I would like to say that 5/4X6 are the easiest to work with but go through a bit more dynamic change as they dry out unless you pre-coat them before installation.
I like 2X6 for decking because they are more stable and shrink less over time.

When re-skinning, I use decking screws for fasteners instead of nails because they add longevity and minimize the need for replacement.

Next!

Rod!~

[JFife]

I'd agree w/ 2x6.....a far more premium look. Another tip---for cedar or other dry woods, use a nail as a "measure" between boards for your gap (16penny). For wet pine, attach the floor with the boards touching. As they shrink, they'll separate enough to give you that little gap.

[seymore]

Originally Posted by Jon Fife

I'd agree w/ 2x6.....a far more premium look. Another tip---for cedar or other dry woods, use a nail as a "measure" between boards for your gap (16penny). For wet pine, attach the floor with the boards touching. As they shrink, they'll separate enough to give you that little gap.

Do you router all your decks Jon or does it depend on the existing decking? I would rather decks are not routered so the can drain better and easier to clean!

I hate 2x6 PT decking even the #1's kiln dried look horrible too many knots leaching sap,green as hell but i've seen #2's actually look so so at times.

I might replace a few boards every now and then but i would rather let a deck comapny do the repairs.Then i come in behind them and clean and seal.

[JFife]

Router what Shane?? Are you talking about those floor boards that have the rounded edges?? If so, they come like that, and are referred to as, "5/4". If I were like you and just doing refinishing, I'd also refer this out to a deck builder and stick to my specialities. But on our log homes, we do as many services as possible pertinent to a LH. And often times, we are the only ones that WILL do these services because a builder, etc. doesn't want to mess with a LH. Case-in-point, was bidding a job yesterday, 20yr old home where the front porch hadn't been footed properly. The entire deck just bent downward at about a 4% grade. Problem is, there are log railings and posts on the porch holding up a roof.....and the HO is concerned about letting a deckbuilder tear out the deck, as their speciality wouldn't fall under structural stability in log homes, etc. So with our resto/chink bid, we'll also bid to jack up the porch, rip out the old deck, foot properly, build with ground-quality treated, and skin with cedar (match other decks), then set the roof and posts, rails back down on it and stabilize the whole thing. But again, I wouldn't just do this type of job if I were refinishing decks only--to far from the biz plan scope IMO.

[seymore]

Yeah they are rounded edges but the deck builder routers each 2x6 before they lay the floor.It's not a big dramatic change but it makes the boards stay to damm tight most of time especially in the shade.

Oh i hate replacing 3 or 4 boards cause it's like where do you stop cause they make the rest of the deck look like crap.

Jon check ur email

[Palmetto Home and Deck]

We do re-skinning all the way up complete deck replacements and deck remodels. From the ground up I like treated 2x6s better than 5/4x6 decking boards, but on re-skins we usually go back with the original size boards because of clearances under siding and doors etc.

If it were my deck I would would go with IPE. We do a lot of composite decks, but personally I don't like the plastic look and feel. I have to grit my teeth when someone tells me they want composite decking because they are maintenance free. Composite and IPE run neck and neck on material expenses, but IPE may run a little more for labor, but you have the look and feel of real wood that will last for 50 years or so.

For the rails I like 2x6 caps better than 2x4 caps. The extra width gives you more room to set your beer down with out worring about it falling over the side.

Here is a deck we remodeled last year with composite decking. I'll post more of the other decks we have done sometime.

[Beth n Rod]

http://www.seedirtrun.com/gallery/sh...ry.php/cat/520
This shows some of our work from this year.
I agree, I don't like composite decking but on the other hand would not be looking forward to installing Ipe'. I have heard some horror stories.

Rod!~

[Beth n Rod]

Here are a couple jobs we have done...



Beth

[northwestern]

cool video

[Beth n Rod]

Thanks John!

Beth