How thick for White Oak Decking?

Larry · October 16, 2008, 08:09:02 PM

I need 500 square foot for my deck. Thinking about using white oak...all heartwood. I would like to end up with it being around 1 1/8" as it would be easier to dry check free than thicker stuff and also conserve material. It will all be under roof and the joists are 16" OC. Any thoughts?

tyb525 · October 16, 2008, 09:00:22 PM

I'd say 5/4 or 6/4, but it depends on the spacing of the joists too.

ladylake · October 17, 2008, 05:28:20 AM

1-1/8 should be plenty thick 16" on center. I think treated decking is close to that and some are 24" on center. Steve

Dodgy Loner · October 17, 2008, 11:13:53 AM

My dad's deck has 5/4 treated pine over 16" joists, and it's rock-solid. I think you'll be very happy with 1 1/8" white oak decking.

Kansas · October 17, 2008, 01:43:44 PM

1 1/4 by 6 inches wide is what our customers usually want. They put them down green, and either dont gap or gap very little. That usually gives them about 1/4 to 3/8 inch gap when they dry. I wouldnt go too thin... you want a nice strong deck to hold the hottub up.

backwoods sawyer · October 17, 2008, 06:43:25 PM

That hot tub don't need a single deck board to hold it up. What is needed is a good under carriage to support a hot tub.

I build my decks undercarriage so that they are strong enough for me to drive my truck on them and not wobble.

I would cut it standard dimension 1 5/8". I had a 350 lb calf step thru a 1 1/8" Oak board in a trailer. when oak brakes it gives all at once, and will shear off at the joist. You want your deck to support anything and everything that you may decide to put on it over its lifetime. Like having a couple of your largest buddies moving the big refrigerator with a dolly that has small wheels. (Do not take that wrong)