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
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.
If you want PT lumber to bow / buckle leave it out for a year. You can use it to make a bow ( as in bow and arrow ). Sure, the lumber is always fresh and wet at the lumber yard but Best thing you can do is pick out the straight stuff and fasten it down properly asap. That way it will not bow / buckle.
Waiting a while is ok to stain, especially if the weather is dry. 6 months would do no good in most areas unless the deck is protected from the rain.
Leave a space on deck boards or you will have a time keeping it clean. ( as in dirt etc in between the boards ). Also moisture trapped there will hasten rot.
Logs untreated may work in your area but in NC termites / moisture would take a toll quickly.
good luck
