How Wide & Thick Are Deck Boards?

In the wooden board sector, several companies provide a wide range of different boards. They all have the same board size, regardless of grade, configuration, or material.

You’re undoubtedly curious about the standard deck board width and thickness. Let’s take a look at our current situation.

How wide is the average deck board?

Deck planks come in a variety of sizes. 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches are the most popular widths. Additional boards measuring 12 inches wide are available. The most typical board width is 6 inches. This board is more cost-effective as well as structurally good.

Deck boards are typically 6 inches wide. They do, however, come in several widths, including 4-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch.

Various sizes of deck boards:

Deck plank width is crucial. In many cases, the width of the deck boards chosen impacts the overall aesthetic and cost-efficiency of the deck. As a consequence, deck boards come in a variety of widths. The different deck plank widths are mentioned below.

A four-inch plank

This is one of the most common deck board widths. This is not very practical, though, since these boards have gaps between them.

A 6-inch wooden board

Deck boards with a width of 6 inches are the most common. The width of these boards is perfect for decking.

Whiteboard, 8 in.

8-inch boards are also used for decking. They aren’t good for decking because they are very wide.

What are the dimensions of these deck boards?

The widths of deck boards vary from those indicated. The nominal and actual widths are not the same. The nominal width is frequently somewhat less than the actual width.

6 in. deck board.

6-inch deck boards seem to be 6-inches wide, but they are 5.5-inches wide.

1 x 6 deck board:

1 x 6 boards are about 5.5 inches wide, similar to 6-inch boards.

2 x 6 deck board:

The width of a 2 x 6 deck board is 5.5 inches. It measures 1.5 x 5.5 inches.

5/4 x 6 (5-quarter) deck board:

The width of a five-quarter board is about 5.5 inches.

What is the Trex deck board width?

Trex deck planks are a kind of composite decking. Trex designed and manufactured them. In terms of quality, Trex deck planks are respectable.

Trex deck planks are commonly available in one-inch and two-inch thicknesses. There are three different types of boards. Each of these boards is available in a variety of sizes.

Trex deck boards for fascia are normally 11.375 inches wide. Their grooved-edge deck boards are around 5.5 inches wide. Finally, their square-edge deck boards come in two sizes: 3.5 and 5.5 inches wide.

Trex boards are categorized into three quality categories: The Select and Enhance lines are outstanding quality, whereas the Select and Enhance lines are of better quality. The boards from Transcend lines are the highest quality.

All of these boards are the same width as the ones before them.

Are bigger deck planks better?

When creating a deck, the width of the boards is an essential factor to consider. They are significant both aesthetically and structurally. The question today is whether larger deck planks are better.

Surprisingly, bigger deck planks are not the best option. They have an uncommon look and are structurally flawed. As a result, deck boards that are too wide are not suggested.

6-inch deck planks are common. Anything less would be considered inadequate. Smaller boards, such as those measuring 4 inches wide, require more time to install and may create a gap.

Larger boards, such as 8-in. boards, tend to deform or crack in the center.

On the other hand, medium-width boards, such as 6-in. boards, do not shatter. As a consequence, larger deck boards are not the best option; smaller or medium-sized deck boards are.

What is the deck board thickness?

Different thicknesses of deck planks are available. In contrast, most traditional deck planks are 1 inch thick. They’re also known as “Five-quarter” boards. Deck boards come in a variety of thicknesses, including 0.75-inch ‘Four Quarter’ boards and 1.5-inch ‘Eight Quarter’ boards.

Three different thicknesses of decking planks are offered. These have a diameter of 0.75 inches, 1.5-inch, and 1-inch diameters. However, the most common standard deck boards are 1 inch thick.

Different thicknesses of deck boards

As previously stated, deck boards come in a variety of thicknesses. Deck boards may be divided into several different types depending on their thickness. The three most common types are as follows:

Fourth Quarter

These boards are commonly referred to as “four-quarter” boards because of their nominal thickness of 3/4 inch. They are usually 0.75 inches thick. Because they’re so thin, they’re not the best option for decking.

Fifth Quarter:

The nominal thickness of these boards is 5/4 inches. This is where five-quarter boards acquire their name. Their thickness is 1 inch. These are the most widely used decking planks.

Because of their balanced thickness, they are quite strong and can withstand a lot of weight. They also need the standard joist spacing of 16 inches.

Eighth quarter:

These boards are 1.5 inches thick in real life. They’re hefty and thick. Because of their added thickness, they are also quite durable. They may span more than five-quarter boards without joists.

How thick are these deck boards?

I’m curious about the thickness of these deck planks.

Because there are so many different types of deck boards on the market, there are differences. Their quality, range, and dimensions are all distinct. The following are the thicknesses of several types of deck planks:

Composite decking materials:

These deck boards are usually 1 inch thick. Five-quarter boards are standard. 1-inch composite boards are made by Fiberon and Deckorators, for example.

Trex decking products:

Trex deck planks come in a wide range of thicknesses. However, the thickness of their boards varies from 0.75 to 2 inches.

Cedarwood boards:

Cedarwood decking boards are typically 1 inch thick. They are strong and durable.

Treated lumber for decking

The thickness of treated decking boards is usually between 1 and 1.5 inches.

Azek-based decking:

Azek decking planks are often a bit thicker than other decking materials. Their thickness is 1.5 inches.

What are the best sizes for decking boards?

In decking, board thickness is just as critical as board width. As a consequence, choosing the right board thickness is as important as choosing the right width. This strategy, though, might be a bit confounding at times.

In terms of width, 6-inch wide boards with a 1-inch actual thickness, often known as 5/4-inch thick boards, are the best choice. 4-inch wide boards take longer to install and need more fasteners, but they are more prone to breaking than 8-inch wide boards.

Make sure you get enough deck planks to span the whole length of your deck when buying them. It will help you prevent problems like end-to-end butting of boards. Also, 3/4-inch thick boards should be avoided. You’ll get a weak feeling if you walk over them.

As a consequence, the best decking planks are 6-in wide, 5/4-in thick, and cover the whole length of your deck.

Is thicker decking always the best option?

Thickness is important when it comes to deck planks. The thicker a wooden board is, the more durable it is in general. Thicker boards are a better option for decking.

Although thicker decking is typically desired, there are other factors to take into account when deciding deck thickness. The most important factor here is the load. You should determine the expected load before deciding on the thickness of your deck.

Thicker decking needs fewer joists and may span farther without support. Thicker joists save money. As a consequence, thicker decking is preferred to thinner decking. Additionally, thicker decking can support larger loads, which is an essential consideration for decks.

Conclusion:

Deck boards are typically 6-inches broad, with a 1-inch thickness being the most common. Deck planks are also available in 0.75-inch and 1.5-inch thickness options. 4-inch and 8-inch wide deck planks are also available.