I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

run them at 45 degrees...


wrote in message
...
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

On Jul 17, 11:06 am, wrote:
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

There really isn't a "correct" way, it is a matter of appearance. In
your case, the long way will look better but a 45 degree will look
best and is the usual layout.

Harry K

"Harry K" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Jul 17, 11:06 am, wrote:
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

There really isn't a "correct" way, it is a matter of appearance. In
your case, the long way will look better but a 45 degree will look
best and is the usual layout.

Harry K

However, the 45 degree method costs the most because it yields the most
waste.

On Jul 17, 5:46 am, "Jr." wrote:
"Harry K" wrote in message

ups.com...



On Jul 17, 11:06 am, wrote:
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

There really isn't a "correct" way, it is a matter of appearance. In
your case, the long way will look better but a 45 degree will look
best and is the usual layout.

Harry K

However, the 45 degree method costs the most because it yields the most
waste.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yes. I was going to mention that but somehow forgot.

Harry K

wrote:
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Recent "Ask This Old House", Tom Silva went and replaced a falling down
stoop/porch/entry deck. He specifically _CHOSE_ to run the decking the
way you're thinking to ensure water ran away from the house down instead
of pooling. Make sure the deck slopes slightly away from the house
either way you choose to go.

Also has the advantage of the stronger long grain at the overhang of the
top step meaning less likelihood of a split-off--a real concern w/ most
of today's less-than-ideal lumber.

So, the choice is yours but there certainly is precedent for either and
at least one example w/ reason for the perpendicular to the wall direction.

Personally, I'd look at it after laying out a few for the visual and
decide on that basis although having the possibility of no joints is
pretty strong motivation, too...

How's that for a definite "whatever..."????

--

The main thing is that the boards run perpendicular to the joists, either at
90 or 45 degrees. Your situation is one of aesthetics and is your
preference. Your real issue will be with the joists. Are you attaching
your frame to the house? Where will your ledger board go, how will you run
your joists off the house, etcccccccc. If you want the boards to run side
to side, make sure your joists are running front to back and the opposite
for boards running front to back. Suggestion, why don't you split the
difference and go boards at 45s? My back deck has them at 45 degrees and it
looks sharp. More cutting and waste but all good looking things cost more
(lol)!

wrote in message
...
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

wrote in message
...
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh


Walk across the boards.

Also run the deck boards with the crown up!

wrote in message
...
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

I'd run the boards so that you don't have any butt joints, those look
crappier IMO
no matter how nice your wood is, a 2x6 is not uniformly wide so, one side
of your butt joint would be wider than the other leaving uneven gaps ect..

going at 45 would force you to have butt joints and have lots of waste.

Dave

On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:06:59 -0500, wrote:

I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

Go green. Use the 8 foot boards and save a tree.

"valvejob" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:06:59 -0500, wrote:

I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

Go green. Use the 8 foot boards and save a tree.


if you want to go green use MORE wood.This makes the lumber company keep
more acreage in timber ,instead of it being used for parking lots,etc.

On Jul 17, 2:06 pm, wrote:
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

Porches of older (1800) houses in Charleston SC all run from front to
back - along the slope of the porches. Appearance of the leading edge
is a quiestion to consider.
T

replying to tbasc, Mak wrote:
Technically the decking runs side to side on a Charleston single house because
the piazza (entry porch) is on the side of the house, not the front. The more
accurate description is floor joists run parallel to the exterior wall with
decking running perpendicular. And those historic homes have a seriously
sloped to allow for drainage to the point you might think you are suddenly
drunk the first time you walk on one.

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ds-234795-.htm

(snip)

I bought a house a while back that had a beautiful deck with 4
sections of 45 degrees and flower pot holders etc. The problem was
the builder paid no attention to cupping of the decking. Soon most of
the boards had curled on the edges and whenever it rained it took
hours for it to dry or I had to sweep it. Also splinters developed on
the edges and decking screws pulled lose. A word to the wise....

Harry

On Jul 17, 2:06 pm, wrote:
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

It will depend on how you are framing the deck. It is usually easier
and cheaper to have the joists running perpindicular to the house all
but forcing the boards to run parallel to the house.

You can run the joists the other way but will then need additional
supports/beams. Check with your local building inspector.

On Jul 17, 1:06 pm, wrote:
I am going to build a deck across the front of my house. It will be 8
feet from the door to the steps, and 12 feet long. I have 8 foot deck
boards because I was able to get them really cheap. But if I run them
the 8 foot width of the deck, the boards will run from the door to the
steps. Somehow this seems wrong. In other words, when I go up the
steps toward the door, I'd be walking the length of the boards. It
seems that the boards should go the 12 foot length of the porch, thus
when I go up the steps, I will be walking from board to board as I go
to the door. This seems like it would look better. Sure, I will have
to splice the boards, but it just dont seem right to run them from the
door to the steps.

Is this correct? Is there a correct way to build a deck? I have not
yet built the framing, so I can go either way.

Josh

The common sense way is to run the planks from dooor to steps. If
(maybe when) the boards warp there is far less chance of your bride
stubbing her toe and falling flat with a load of groceries in her
arms. Porch floors are commonly done this way (mine is) and I see no
reason why decks should be built with alleged 'appearance' first and
safety second as the criterion. From the standpoint of just looks, the
spaces between the planks form a nice line that leads the eye from the
steps to the door in a sort of welcoming aspect. So the artistic side
gets my vote. HTH

Joe

replying to jlucky25, Rick Jones wrote:
Little late answering but I just googled the same quandrie....after reading
your comment I feel board to board or 45 is good, Im lazy so its horizontal
like my house as opposed to walking the plank. Lol, which is my wifes
thought...nah...Homer is doing it his way! Thanks! Rick


--
posted from
http://www.homeownershub.com/mainten...ds-234795-.htm

replying to jlucky25, Cynthia wrote:
Just seeing this now... 10 years after... commenting for others like me who
see it much later.
I would say that putting them perpendicular to the door would be best, as
there is less cutting the already 8 ft lengths and would be easiest to replace
as they wear out from door way to step. Yes, you could say you are walking
the "plank", but that is when placed over deep water. The same plank placed
over a solid spot, is the gangway used to come to land at the port in the
storm, or embark on your adventure.

I agree that crown placement is vital, and that screws over nails, drainage,
and support are also keys to success. However looks are what impacts you on a
daily basis, once the other details are tucked away, so they are just as
important to satisfy.

What did you go with and how did that work out in the long run?

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ds-234795-.htm

On 12/17/2017 4:44 PM, Cynthia wrote:
replying to jlucky25, Cynthia wrote:
Just seeing this now... 10 years after... commenting for others like me who
see it much later.
I would say that putting them perpendicular to the door would be best, as
there is less cutting the already 8 ft lengths and would be easiest to replace
as they wear out from door way to step.Â* Yes, you could say you are walking
the "plank", but that is when placed over deep water.Â* The same plank placed
over a solid spot, is the gangway used to come to land at the port in the
storm, or embark on your adventure.
I agree that crown placement is vital, and thatÂ* screws over nails, drainage,
and support are also keys to success.Â* However looks are what impacts you on a
daily basis, once the other details are tucked away, so they are just as
important to satisfy.

What did you go with and how did that work out in the long run?

If you live in snow country, consider the direction you'll be pushing snow off the deck.