Now that you have purchased your premium, KAYU Hardwood Deck it is time to think about installation. Your decking span has a huge impact on the overall feel of your deck. Improperly spanning your deck can result in a springy, soft deck which will affect the feel, longevity and safety of your deck.

Most species of wood used for decking require spanning an average of 16 inches on center for 5/4″ X 6 decking. Because KAYU Hardwood Decking is denser than the majority of species, its spanning requirement is normally 20-24″ o.c. for 5/4 X 6 Batu. However if you are ever in doubt, it is always best to use more joists to ensure a strong and balanced deck.

Using the correct size and materials for your joists is also an important factor for your deck’s span. The most widely used joist sizes are 2X6, 2X8, 2X10 or 2X12. The larger the size of the joist, the longer allowable joist span. Pressure treated pine or cedar are good choices for joists since the deck will be exposed to weather in most cases.

It is important to carefully inspect your materials for defects before beginning the installation of your joists. It is not uncommon to find a crown or knot in your joist. Because the top side of your joist is always under compression and the bottom is always under tension, you will want to make sure your knot, crown or other defect is always facing up. Make sure all joists are perpendicular for a strong and stable deck.

Your KAYU Hardwood Deck will have a very long life if you follow the minimum joist size of 2X6 and a span of 18 inches on center.