Cypress Decking >> Selecting the Lumber

Selecting the Lumber

When it comes to selecting the right decking for your home, there’s no better product on (or for) the planet than wood. While there are myriad plastic and composite deck products, their manufacture consumes four to six times as much energy as wood.

What’s more, unlike American-grown cypress, which is sustainably grown and harvested, these composite products are typically made from petroleum products, which are an increasingly expensive and limited resource. That makes a cypress deck easier on your pocketbook, too.

To make the most of your investment, make sure the cypress decking materials you purchase are clean and have been dried to the proper moisture content. Installing cypress decking while it is “green” or wet has the potential to lead to cracking, splintering and warping. That means your cypress should be stored in a dry place when you get it home, too.

As for the best lumber grade, any cypress association-graded #2 or better should be sufficient to meet all your deck’s structural requirements. Do not use cypress boards wider than six inches for any application that lies flat, such as deck flooring, seating or railing.

For the balusters, handrails and other visible portions of the deck, Select-grade cypress will yield the most attractive appearance.

Finally, the maximum span for cypress radius-edge decking (R.E.D.) and two-inch dimension lumber should not exceed 16” inches on center.

RECOMMENDED SPANS FOR CYPRESS DECKING
Grades	Sizes	Maximum Recommended Support Spacing*
#2 or Select	1”	16” on center*
Select	1 ½”	24” on center
		*12” on center if decking is installed horizontally

FRAMING LUMBER – *Check local building codes for specific requirements*
Framing lumber is used for the deck’s supporting structure. Use pressure-treated for framing and structural members.
Tips	Functional		Superior
Selection	Beams	(2)2x8, (2)2x10, (2)2x12, 4x6, 4x8	Beams	(2)2x8, (2)2x10, (2)2x12, 4x6, 4x8
	Bracing	2x4, 2x6	Bracing	2x4, 2x6
	Joists	2x6, 2x8, 2x10 No. 2 Cypress	Joists	2x6, 2x8, 2x10 Select Cypress allows for longer spans
Installation	Space joists 12” on center maximum if decking is diagonal		Space joists 12” on center maximum if decking is diagonal
Durability	Pressure-treated lumber is recommended for in-ground and above ground use		Pressure-treated lumber is recommended for in-ground and above ground use

POSTS – *Check local building codes for specific requirements*
Posts support the beams and transfer deck loads to the footings. Pressure-treated lumber is recommended for ground contact applications.
Tips	Functional	Superior
Selection	4x4	6x6, 4x6
Installation		Larger posts provide added stability and more solid look to the deck.
Durability	Pressure-treated lumber is recommended for in-ground and above ground use	Pressure-treated lumber is recommended for in-ground and above ground use

RAILINGS – *Check local building codes for specific requirements*
Railings must include a baluster system that prevents the passage of a 4” sphere.
Tips	Functional		Superior
Selection	Balusters	2x2 Cypress	Balusters	2x2 Cypress Select
	Railings & Rail Caps	2x4 Cypress No. 2	Railings & Rail Caps	2x4 Cypress Select
	Posts	4x4 Cypress No. 2	Posts	4x4, 6x6, 4x6 Cypress Select

DECKING & STAIR TREADS
Decking and stair treads provide the deck’s walking surfaces.
	Common Grade	Select Grade
Selection	No. 2 Grade R.E.D. (5/4 x 6) or 2/4 or 2x6 Cypress No. 2	Select Grade R.E.D. (5/4 x 6) or 2x4 or 2x6 Cypress Select
Installation	Space tightly together if decking is not completely dry at the time of installation to allow for shrinkage. Space using a 16d nail for dried material to allow for expansion.	Space tightly together if decking is not completely dry at the time of installation to allow for shrinkage. Space using a 16d nail for dried material to allow for expansion. Drill pilot holes for fasteners.
Durability	Untreated lumber should be finished with sealer; otherwise pressure-treated lumber is recommended for above ground use.	Untreated lumber should be finished with sealer; otherwise pressure-treated lumber is recommended for above ground use.

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Selecting the Lumber