Building a deck out of logs
My trailer is parked at campground. I want to build a deck and eventually enclose it in. I can make it 8 feet wide and as long as the trailer is. I have access to about 8 pickup truck loads of wood...
Forum Discussion
haydoracin wrote:1ofmany wrote:nineoaks2004 wrote:The problem with NOT leaving a gap between deck boards is that they also can swell and then with no gap will buckle.
I think the deck should be made out of pressure treated lumber or deck boards. If you use PT lumber do not leave a gap when screwed down, as the decking will shrink and leave a gap, if you do leave a gap it will entirely too wide when the boards shrink. Above ground probably does not need to be treated if painted, or stained..
I've built a lot of decks over the years with pressure treated wood and never once had a problem from swelling. Guaranteed they will shrink, and become very crooked if you don't use them quickly.
If you store the PT lumber in a dry place for about a year, then go ahead and leave a gap as every home store and DIY show recommends.
If you go to said home store to buy that lumber, the last thing you want to do is leave a gap, unless you like large gapping holes in your deck. The lumber at those stores is fresh/wet product...almost guaranteed to SHRINK, bow & buckle. Honest and truthful suppliers will even tell you to wait 6 months to a year before staining the deck....WHY???? Because that fresh lumber needs to dry before you stain.
