How to Lay Different Patterns of Decking

There are many different types of patterns you can lay on your deck, they give your deck character and people will compliment it constantly. There are some tricks to laying different patterns down and that is what I will teach you how to do. You have to take into account more than just the decking itself. You have to account for the joist spacing as well. I will get into three different types of decking patterns in this article; diagonal, herringbone and a border pattern.

First is the diagonal pattern, this is a pattern that requires the spacing of joists closer together. You need to space them at most 12 inch on center for an angle of 45 degrees. If you don't do this, it first of all won't meet code and second of all, your deck will be really mushy. Measure the distance between joists at the decking angle you want and be sure not to exceed the permitted span of the boards. To lay decking boards at a 45 degree angle, mark 3 feet from a corner on the header and end joists. Lay the first board at the marks and fasten it to the joists. Continue on each side of the board to opposite corners. Cut the boards to fit at the ledger before fastening them. Snap chalk lines across the overhanging ends of the boards to mark them for cutting. Trim the boards with a circular saw, tacking a straight 1x4 in place as a saw guide. This is one of the easiest ways to create a pattern while making your deck look spectacular. The one big downfall with this process is that it has a potential for a lot of waste.

The next pattern is the herringbone pattern, this one is very rarely used but it looks great. The reason it's not used much is because it's pretty hard to wrap your head around doing it this way. Not to mention that it's not real easy. In a basic herringbone design, the decking is laid zigzag at 45 degrees to joists. The joists must be spaced 12 inches on center. A double joist where boards meet at right angles provides added fastening surface. Install double inner joists where decking boards will meet. Nail the joists into place and reinforce the joints with angle brackets or install the two joists together in a double joist hanger. Measure from a corner to the first double joist and mark this distance on the end joist. Lay one board at the marks and butt another against it at 90 degrees, centered on the double joist. Fasten the boards, then continue laying the decking on each side of them. Trim the overhanging ends with a circular saw. Like I said, this is not the easiest pattern or fastest either, but you will have the nicest deck in town if you pull it off.

The next pattern is the border pattern and if you ask me, it's the best pattern you can do. The border pattern requires joist spaced 12 inches on center for the boards laid at 45 degrees. Blocking 16 inches on center sopports boards at 90 degrees along the perimeter. Lay out your blocking 16 inches on center along the end joists and between the inner joists 16 inches from the header joist. Cut the blocking to size and fasten it with galvanized 10d 3 inch nails. Cut double angled blocking to fit at the corners, beveling two 2 bys at opposite 45 degree angles. Position the blocking and nail it into place. Lay the center boards at a 45 degree angle to the joist's, letting them overhang the blocking and first inner joists. Snap chalk lines to mark the boards for cutting, then trim them with a circular saw set to cut at their thickness. Measure and cut boards to size for the perimeter. Miter the ends of the boards at a 45 degree angle. Lay the boards at the perimeter so the mitered ends are flush with the center of the double angled blocking at the corners. Nail the boards into place.

These are three of the best looking patterns you can do, they may not be the easiest but they sure are pretty. If you are looking to add a little character to your deck look into one of these patterns or choose one of many others that you can do. You can even do half of one pattern and half of another, the choices are endless. Good luck.