If you’re looking to upgrade your garden with a new deck, you’ll need to start with getting the joist spacing right. Joists are crucial for a stable, long-lasting deck, acting as the framework your entire project relies on. Here we explain how you can achieve the perfect deck with the right foundation.
What Are Decking Joists
Joists are essentially treated timber beams that make up the subframe for your decking boards. The size of your deck will dictate the number of joists required, but they must be evenly spaced. Inadequate spacing can lead to warping as the structure may not effectively support the decking load.
A slight 1% gradient away from adjacent buildings is advisable for water runoff, along with placing decking boards parallel to the building to facilitate this. Additionally, maintaining a 10mm gap between the first board/joist and any building is essential for airflow and preventing water damage.
Why Is Joist Spacing Important?
It’s really important to space the joists right to keep your deck solid. When they’re set the right distance apart, your deck boards stay straight, not sagging or curving. Joists should also be at the same height so the deck’s surface isn’t bumpy. Think of joists as the main support for your deck – f you don’t install them properly, your deck might not look right and could have problems down the road. The right spacing is a must for a steady and even deck.
Ideal Joist Spacing
For decking integrity, the space between joists should not surpass 350mm centre-to-centre. For a firmer feel underfoot, consider a tighter spacing of 300mm or less. “Center-to-center” refers to the measurement from the middle of one joist to the middle of the next. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the correct spacing. Ensuring boards remain even and level is also crucial during installation.
Incorporating Deck Joist Blocking
After establishing your joists evenly, the next step is blocking. This process involves placing smaller blocks or ‘noggins’ between the joists, about 100 to 150mm apart. Blocking is vital for minimising timber movement and warping, keeping the structure secure, reducing gapping, and contributing to a smoother surface finish. Keep all components, including joists and blocks, even and on the same plane for best results.
When executed correctly, your deck will not only look great but also stand strong as a focal point in your garden. Explore more about proper decking installation with our resources for the best outcomes.
At Bentley Fencing Supplies, we provide high-quality materials to ensure your decking project is successful and long-lasting. Whether you are building a new deck or refurbishing an old one, we have everything you need to make your deck safe, beautiful, and enduring. If you need our assistance in choosing the right decking materials, please don’t hesitate to contact us.