Did a search…. too many deck discussions to weed through. Do many people out there mark their decking in some way to get the screws to line up nice and straight (accross multiple boards)? Maybe this is borderline obsessive.
If so, any tips on marking them, and how many boards at a time. I’ll make sure to use white chalk so it isn’t permanent.
Thanks,
Kevin
Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Make a template like this
View Image
The blue circled dots on the horizontal line represent 8d nails for alignment pins.
The colored dots along the vertical center line represent possible screw layouts, red and pink for a straight line across the deck, with red having all the screws evenly spaced. The purple and magenta dots would give a zig zag line, but would be better for preventing joist splits.
The brown tik marks under the notch can be penciled in or narrow saw kerfs, and are to help eyballing centering the template on the joists.
Drill pencil holes at the layout you decide on.
In use, set the deck plank on layout, slip the template in place, center on a joist, mark the screw holes, and slide it out of the way, down to the next joist. Drill and screw.
Oops, I missed it in the sketch, but you want to offset the alignment pins by half their diameter.
SamT
Thats what i was looking for! Thanks!!
Run a mason's line along each joist the length of your deck. Then simply put the screw point so it's just touching the string, and go to it.
This way, there is no chalk line to get moved around if you decide to move around some of the boards, or pull out a crown or the like. The string just slides around, keeping layout.
Tip: snap the line every now and again to make sure it isn't held up on something.
Some think it's good practice to have the screws staggered off the center line, one off left, one off right, per board. It's about avoiding cleaving the joist with all the screws in line.
But here symmetry is important, you want, say, the closest screw to you on the right of the centerline and the top one favoring the left. Otherwise it looks very helter-skelter.
I use a speed square marked for the spacing with a sharpie marker. I eyeball the alignment on the joist or previous screw and then place a screw at each of the marks.
I second the vote for the speed square method. Fast, accurate and no silly line popping.
Thats a good idea. I've got a cheapie plastic speed square that would get it done.Kevin
I use white chalk and eyeball the distance from the edge. Aesthetically I think the straight line is the key, I think the eye can keep you within a 1/4 inch, 3/8's at the most.