Decorative Decking Patterns

Adding decorative decking patterns can serve two purposes. It upgrades the appearance and it can serve a functional goal. For example, adding a 3/4-in. strip between the planks on stairs is a great way to achieve a comfortable run. Once that motif is introduced into the deck design, it not only becomes a design element but also provides a back door when measurements are not in your favor. On the deck shown here, the space where the two sections came together could be filled only by a partial plank. However, because of the pattern introduced in the steps, the partial board looks intentional rather than necessary. The last place on this deck that we used the decking pattern to our advantage was where the steps wrapped around the perimeter. Here, a variation of a herringbone design creates a natural transition between the perpendicular runs and is much easier to install than trying to align mitered ends.

Use a herringbone pattern to weave two sections of perpendicular decking.

Locate the filler strip one or two boards into the field to make it look like part of the design.

Add a filler strip on stair treads to create a design detail that can be repeated throughout the deck.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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