Staggered Joints For Decking

by Kevin Faron
(St Louis, MO)

On a 24' x 18' deck using 12' material running the 18' width is it better to stagger the joints or have all the joints on one side of the deck?

If staggered, what is the offset 2', 4', 6'?

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Feb 04, 2014
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Deck Designs
by: Anonymous

Pretty helpful article! I just completed my own outdoor deck built with help from Joe's Deck Plans one of my top deck designs resources. Best of luck everyone.

Apr 06, 2009
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Another Professional Viewpoint - Deck Contractor
by: Anonymous

That would be the correct way to stagger your decking. All to often, I run into the DIY'er who doesn't apply this technique and the deck looks very sore to the eye - not very appealing.

Jan 09, 2009
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Staggering Deck Board Patterns
by: Rich Bergman - Editor

You should consider staggering the joints and I would cut some of the deck boards into 6' lengths. You should start one row with a 6' and 12' arrangement. The next row do a 12' and 6' arrangement. You would run these along the 18' side.

This will look better and may even be stronger. But for sure it will look better and the joints will be less obvious than if you have them all one length with a continuous joint line across the deck.

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