t&g decking with ends or without

[addicted]

Im ordering some 2x6 t&g decking and have a choice between T&G on 2 sides or on 4 sides.
What do most people use/recommend when using 2x6 T&G decking? The supplier claims the 4 sided will allow you to get away with joining boards between joists. Id feel a lot better knowing that this is common practice rather than relying on the salespersons word.
Thanks
Rusty

[beenthere]

I would agree with the supplier.. common practice for me on paneling as well.

[Brian_Weekley]

If your boards are going to be laid down over a subfloor, then maybe the ends could be T&G and the joints could fall anywhere.  However, if the boards are going down directly on joists, I'd prefer to have the board ends fall only on the joists.  Personally, I don't' think I'd want the ends to float between joists even if they were T&G.  However, in my case, I'm planning to face nail the boards directly to the joists with cut nails and I want the ends to fall on the joists for nailing.  It certainly doesn't hurt to T&G the ends unless it's a big difference in price.

[canopy]

From what I've read and done, it's good practice for all boards to start and end at a joist. And each board should span at least 3 joists. Boards should be staggered at each level. Since timber framers tend to use wide timbers for joists instead of 2"x there is plenty of bite when butting ends on a joist. Use decking screws to get the boards to plant flush on the joist surface. Orientation is important to prevent cupping. These ideas are good for strength and appearance.

[addicted]

Thanks guys
I've been unsuccessful in finding any rule of thumb concerning decking other than " A Timber Framers Workshop" stating 30" joist spacing works well and a few posts on other forums saying you can go up to 4' spacing with 2x6 tongue and groove. I have been told by local guys that it's crazy and should use 3x6 double t&g.  I didn't know there was such a thing. Sounds expensive though.
Rusty

[robmelby]

Addicted,

I've been doing carpenter work for a while. Our rule of thumb is floor joist should be 16'' OC. You should always break your decking on a joist, unless you have a subfloor. Your decking being end matched (t&g ends) May become a problem if you have a large deck. There lengths will all have to be divisible by 16''. If not you need to cut them, you will loose the end matching. I would buy the decking without end matching, you will have more freedom.