Building a deck involves more than sitting out some boards and using some nails, glue, and a hammer, and you cannot overlook the physical properties and nature of all the decking materials, it is critical to consider that although decking materials are not living things, they still breathe, love you and I, then all the decking materials used to build your deck expand and contract under unusual weather conditions while in the year, then when the temperature is sizzling and dry, wood contracts; when the temperature is humid or rainy, wood soaks in the humidity or rain, causing it to expand.
Wood can absorb or expel moisture, however proper deck ventilation planning will ensure that air flows freely under the joists and through the deck.
Allowing for proper air ventilation ensures that moisture evaporates consistently and evenly, to install ventilation under your deck, create a soil slope beneath your deck running from your home and extending outward. You may cover this slope of soil with a plastic sheet, but ensure even gap spacing between your deck boards… Gap spacing between deck boards may range from 6.35mm (¼”) up to 2.38mm (3.32″). You will also have to determine whether your decking is kiln-dried or air-dried to determine how much space to leave between each deck board, and once all the boards are properly arranged, you proceed to connect them. Proper connecting using deck connecters over top screws will ensure a healthier and longer-lasting deck in the long run, however regardless of the deck connecting solution you choose, your decking material will still contract and expand. You’ll need 1 that secures the board firmly in position.