Special situations, installing Tongue & Groove decking

Featuring T&G Installation

A Tongue and Groove (T&G) Ipe porch presents a unique blend of features, combining aspects of both a deck and a floor. T&G Decking, characterized by blind screwing, resembles a conventional floor. However, it’s important to note that T&G decks lack waterproofing properties. Thus, proper drainage and ventilation are essential to prevent moisture buildup underneath. One recommended practice is gently sloping the soil away from the house beneath the deck and covering it with plastic. This precautionary measure helps mitigate potential damage, especially during freezing winters when exposed T&G is susceptible to expansion and contraction.

T&G needs a roof to prevent cupping and other problems. For decks without roofs, conventional decking is always preferred. Unlike indoor wood floors, the finished appearance of a deck reflects the level and squareness of the underlying framing. Therefore, prior to decking installation, ensuring the framing’s levelness and squareness is imperative. Additionally, it’s crucial to flash the connection between the decking and the main structure with ACQ compatible flashing.

When installing decking into pressure-treated (PT) lumber, employing ACQ Compliant fasteners is essential, as the chemicals in PT can corrode non-compliant fasteners. Stainless steel fasteners are ALWAYS recommended for optimal results when Brazilian Hardwoods are in contact with PT lumber. Pre-drilling is necessary for Brazilian decking due to its hardness. Furthermore, applying end seal wax to cut boards prevents end cracking, also known as checking.

Outdoor wood experiences greater shrinkage and expansion rates compared to indoor environments. All wood will shrink and expand at a far greater rate outside than indoors. Therefore, it’s crucial not to install T&G decking too tightly to prevent buckling and warping. Allowing some room for expansion during installation is advisable for both T&G and standard decking. The width of T&G planks influences the extent of expansion and contraction, with wider planks exhibiting larger cracks. This phenomenon is why historically, narrower flooring was favored in homes before HVAC systems regulated indoor climates.

Wood’s inherent beauty lies in its unique characteristics, varying between species and individual boards. For instance, Massaranduba wood may exhibit minor checking when dry, while long planks of Ipe, Cumaru and especially Tigerwood will have striking graining patterns. Such traits contribute to the appeal of wood products and differentiate them from artificial composite alternatives.

Brazilian hardwood, unlike traditional decks and porches, does not necessitate painting or finishing. If left untreated, it will naturally weather to a silvery gray hue. However, applying a quality sealer can significantly reduce graying, especially sealers with UV protection like Penofin or Ipe Oil.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that all wood splinters, necessitating basic precautions such as wearing gloves when handling and avoiding sliding on wood surfaces. By observing these common-sense measures, the enjoyment and longevity of wood decking will be beautiful when you own it and an asset when you sell.