Over time, the exposed end grains of wood deck boards can start to look quite rough. Many will split and crack, while others will cup.
Installing a trim board around the deck’s perimeter is a practical way to complete the composite decking surface. This method is also known as racetrack decking or deck picture framing.
Where the picture frame boards will be parallel to the joists, blocking must be erected between the joists. It can be necessary to use short deck planks for picture framing, depending on the deck’s design. There are a few standard installation procedures to remember when installing them.
How to Construct an Image Frame Deck
Step 1: Installing Support for the Decking Border isÂ
Install blocking at least 16″ apart along the sides of the deck, 1-1/2″ below the top of the frame. For blocking, you might be able to use leftover materials.
Step 2: Prepare the border on the picture frame
To provide a surface for picture frame decking to be fastened to and to end fasten the field decking boards, place 2×4 material on top of the blocking around the edge of the deck.
step 3: Run the border around a slanted corner in
The picture frame border should be installed with the desired overhang. Due to the skirting and fascia boards that will be erected outside the frame below, it is 2-1/4″ in this instance.
Step 4: Make Space for Rail Post Installation
Around rail posts, cut a notch in the picture frame border. With composite decking, leave a space of between 1/8″ and 1/4″ to accommodate thermal expansion. It is possible to notch wood picture frame decking flat with the post.
step 5: Continue the frame along the house wall in
The picture frame decking might be continued all the way along the home wall. Take note of the corner’s 45-degree miter cut. In order to prevent the final deck board from being only 3/4″ wide in this instance, we had to trim down the final two deck boards on the job site.
How Is a Picture Frame Edge Held Down?
No composite board ought to typically be supported on fewer than three joists below. The deck picture frame should have additional support built where shorter pieces are required to complete it. It’s crucial to reduce the decking’s contact area with support.
It takes careful attention to detail to picture frame a deck so that the picture frame boards are in the exact same plane as the main decking boards. Because the blocking in parallel joists is not flush with the top of the other joists or the outer rim joists are not flush with the joists, the deck picture frame boards cannot be tilted in either direction. When considering how to frame a deck, it’s easy to overlook this problem.
The picture frame planks are easy to secure. Typically, the outer board needs to be face attached. Regarding the screws to use, the recommended spacing, and the plugs to use to conceal these screws, consult the installation instructions.
Face-fastened decking needs screws that go through the board’s face. Special screws with plugs produced from the composite decking itself are frequently used on high-quality composite decking. The head of the screw is about 14 inches below the surface when you countersink the screws with a specific driver, allowing the plug to be tapped into place and hiding the screw.
How Much Overhang Is Appropriate for a Picture Frame Deck?
To tuck the fascia board underneath, some deck builders attach the trim board approximately an inch past the rim joist’s edge. This enables water to drain off the edge of the board. This small addition can significantly enhance the aesthetic of your deck as a whole.
Additional Pointers for Picture Frame Decking Installation
Make sure to take into account how your rail system will be attached as well as how the decking around your rail posts will be impacted.
The picture-frame border is actually not that much more difficult to install than standard decking boards. Make sure the picture frame boards that run parallel to the main decking boards are straight by taking the time to check them. The picture frame serves as the foundation for the main decking planks, and uneven decking spacing will be obvious to onlookers.
The tools required to secure every other decking board are the same as those needed to install a picture frame. You may cut precise miter joists for the picture frame corners with the aid of a precision miter-box saw. A drill, drill/driver, jigsaw, tape measure, and some string are required. Make sure to watch any installation videos the decking manufacturer may have given. These tools will assist you in avoiding costly errors.
Start preparing your deck right away.
When building your deck, you should definitely give a picture frame deck pattern great thought. The picture-frame appearance adds intrigue, especially if the frame is made out of decking that is a different color. The attention you’ll receive from your friends and neighbors will make installing the blocking for the picture frame worthwhile, even though it requires a little more labor.
Are you prepared to begin creating your image frame deck? To help you build your deck, find a local builder or retailer.
