How do you keep deck boards from cupping?

Posted by Lorie Orum on Saturday, April 27, 2024

How Do I Minimize the Amount of Cupping in Deck Boards? Build decks as high above grade as possible. Make sure there is proper grading and adequate drainage to allow rain and bulk water to escape from below the deck. Plan adequate below-deck ventilation. Click to see full answer. Herein, how do I keep my deck boards straight? Deck Board Spacing with Chalk Set the first board along a chalk line to start straight. Then sight down the boards occasionally to make sure they’re staying straight. If they’re not, vary the size of the gap between boards gradually over a few rows as needed to straighten them.One may also ask, what causes boards to cup? Key Factors Causing Deck Boards to Cup The combination of ‘too moist’ conditions on the bottom of the deck board and too dry on the top, creates stress in the wood. The wood will cup upwards naturally to relieve the internal stress. Considering this, should deck boards be installed crown up or down? A board that is correctly installed right side up (or bark side down) will form a crown and allow water to run off the edges. If the board is installed wrong side up (or bark side up) it will curve up on the edges when dry and water can gather and sit in the cup.What side do you lay decking boards?There is a growing preference to fit deck boards grooved side down with the reeded or smooth side facing up. It is entirely up to you whether you lay the boards grooved side up or down but, there are a few things you should bear in mind. Deck boards with grooves are designed to channel water away from the deck.

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