When building a deck the spacing of the decking boards is very important for several reasons. Conventional wood decking should be installed so that when seasoned the decking will have gaps between 1/8″ and 3/8″ or 1/4″. You want plenty of space for water and air to flow between the boards to help them dry and to allow small debris to fall through. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the decking as the seasons change. Deck board spacing greater than 3/8” can be a hazard, especially for someone wearing high heels or someone in a wheel chair. Ultimately, the goal is to have consistent spacing and for the deck boards to be in a straight line, spaced far enough apart to breath, and close enough together not be a safety concern.
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