How do I install deck boards oven uneven joists on my new deck?

Question

how about putting down a bead of 3/8" construction adhesive to take up the gap?

Answer 1

Sand the joists level before installing the new deck boards...

Answer 2

Since it's a new deck, it's worth fixing right. You want it to last as long as possible, and you don't want to have to keep repairing it. Caulking or shims are short term fixes. Attach lengths of twine across the top of the deck joists. Remove those joists that are above the others. Rehang them flush to the twine. If some of the joists are so twisted and warped that the don't have a straight edge, then get some decent ones. One problem I've run into, is homeowners' using cheap materials, especially lumber from Home Depot, or Lowe's. The reason builders use regular lumber yards, is because they know that good materials help make a good job. Check out all your other materials. If you've got some bad stock, bring it back to where you got it. They won't accept items that have been cut or nailed. Also, if your deck boards are real wood, be sure to install them bark side up. When you look at the end of the floorboard, you can see the tree rings. As the boards dry in the weather, they will cup, or bend inward. The bark side on this drawing is on the left (((. If you install the floorboards upside down, they will cup upwards, retaining water, and sometimes making enough of a ridge to stub your toe or trip on.

Answer 3

Not knowing size, budget, deterioration, etc, DON"T BOTHER to sand or plane,,,sigh. It would be as much a bargain to replace the 2 by whatevers.

Shim is the way to go for a quick fix, and HD or Lowes sells them in packets, here in the USA. OR you can craft your own.

NEW??? Is that NEW as a DIY? OR a contracted job? If contracted THEY should bear any responsibility,,,though you don't state HOW NEW!!!

The leveling certainly should have been determined before any decking was installed, and the way the Uprights were installed might answer this problem, though not strictly solve it.

If the issue is severe, IE: waves, then definitely something is/was wrong with the base structure installation. Shims will help, but only be a band aide.

Another solution, expecially if it's a DIY is to add 2 by stock to the current joists, plus smaller, brace pieces, and level those first. Added cost and labor, but more stable and lasting than shims. Attach with carriage bolts or otherwise, leveling each piece in multiple directions, than attach decking lumber.

I personally prefer and use 2 BY decking as opposed to the 5/8ths or 7/8ths and all should be pressure treated.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

Did you "crown" the joists before you set them Joists should all be placed with the crowns up. If you have some set with the crowns down, it will cause a serious unevenness. Make sure the "crowns are going the same way, and if you have more than 1/2" crown in a ten foot span of a joist, tear it out and replace it. Don't use shims on an exterior deck they won't stay in place, and the deck will squeak.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

With cedar decking stainless steel deck screws are the way to go. Even though it is not the really aromatic stuff it will eat up even galvanized screws & nails or coated deck screws. The few extra bucks for the s.st screws is worth it. Anything else over time will rust & stain the decking as well as weaken it where the metal has been in contact. If there are s.st nails that can be used w/ a nail gun ,could be an option. Had a porch deck shot on ( treated) & not a fan . too many heads popped up to be a coincidence. The railings & posts on the porch are clear cedar & there was rot anywhere stainless was not used. Would'nt know about sealants for cedar. If I had the real thing , I would just let it weather . Not sure it is a good idea , I just like the look. Best regards

Answer 7

Fixing Decking Boards

Answer 8

Don't plane, glue, shim or anything else. They will all take too much work, or not last very long. The best way to "even out" the joist is to nail another joist, at the proper height to the existing joist. Then re-attach your deck board to the new joists. Good Luck

Answer 9

If you don't want your deck to be unlevel, you'll need to either level your joists or shim under the deck boards as you install them. If you are building a new deck, I'd take the time to correct the joists before you put down the deck.

Answer 10

Well,

if it is a :we deck - hwo do you have uneven joist ?

easiest way is to Shim the uneven boards - the joist are usually attached to the house and the other end "sits" on a support board tied to post int he ground.

find the highest board and place level on it, crossed to the next one - raise the joist till the level shows it is even with the next one and place a shim under joist on header -- makes ure it is wolanized and you might wnat to glue it to header so it doesn't creak - don't glue to joise because the joice with move with temperature changes.

if you use a 4' level or a laser level - span multiple joist to get them all even.

if you have a "slope" to a courner, it may be easier to move header suport board.

before you do anything - try to understand why the joist are uneven - not normal.

jewells
30 months and still here