Thread: decking

G'Day Sheriff,
I just did a 90x19 merbau deck & my builder said to predrill, countersink & 2 screws per joist.
Cheers, crowie

thanks crowie for the reply but i was told that may not apply to narrower boards PS bear with me guys&girls im not real clued up with computers yet but im working on it THANKS

My experience with blue gum was that it looks great, leaches tannin like a bustard and cups like crazy. I'd be using two screws as crowie says, otherwise you could get the boards cupping and curling.

Trav

thanks trav seems like the go bytheway iwas told 1screw on 1side 1on oppo side on next joist

Yep, that's the theory. If both screws/nails are in a row, it could split the joist. But if you are pre-drilling (which you would have to with screws) then it probably isn't a big issue.

I suggest you make up a jig to help with the layout of the drill holes. Nothing looks worse than a deck with the nails/screws all over the place. Do it once and do it right.

Trav

sorry Trav i may have worded that last comment wrongly ,what i meant was each board1 screw per joist 1 on the left next joist1 right side next1 left &so on except butt joints

Sorry, I don't quite follow.

I would be using two screws/nails per board where it crosses the joist.

Each one should be slightly offset from the centre of the joist (i.e. 1 5mm to the left of the centre of the joist, and 1 5mm to the right). But make sure that they are consistent over the length of the joist.

sorry if I am not being clear.

Trav

thanks Trav & thanks Forum for your info catchya later