For timbertech azek decking it s recommended to have a minimum 1 8 to 1 4 side to side gap between deck boards.
What is the suggested joist spacing for composite decking.
Spacing with composite deck boards is just as important as it is with conventional wood.
Like real wood composite boards will also expand and contract as the humidity changes.
Over the joist the decking is installed.
The joist spacing required for composite decking will depend on.
The strength of the particular composite decking material chosen the dimesions of the composite decking material.
If you plan to install your decking at a 45 degree angle your joists may need to be 12 inches apart.
Most composite and pvc decking brands like trex and azek recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches oc.
Timbertech pro and timbertech edge boards must be a minimum of 1 8 to a maximum of 3 16 deck board spacing.
They are tipically separated from 30 to 4 feet and in some cases more from one another.
Leave at least a 1 8 gap between composite boards.
Some brands like weardeck let you get away with more reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom weardeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches oc.
Adjust support blocks dunnage accordingly if bundles are loose.
Depending on the strength of the decking and the loads imposed.
Also many composite decking materials require 12 or even 10 on center stair stringers spacing to support composite stair treads.
Determining the gap with pressure treated decking can be a bit more complicated.
Current building codes require that all decks should be supported with a minimum of 2 x 10 pressure treated pine joists that are spaced 24 apart although 16 oc is standard building practice.
Another mistake to avoid when installing composite decking is spacing the joists too far apart.
In addition supports dunnage should line up vertically perpendicular to the decking product.
Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low maintenance decking.