Installation

Deck board spacing for tropical hardwoods - what gap are you using?

K
Kevin Nguyen

I know the standard recommendation is 3/16" for most decking but I've seen guys go tighter with tropical hardwoods since they don't expand as much as domestic species.

What gap are you all running? Does it depend on the time of year you're installing? I'm in the Pacific Northwest so we deal with a lot of moisture.

Also curious if anyone's using spacer tools they like. I've been using pennies and paint stir sticks like a caveman.

3 Replies

J
James Okafor

Get yourself a DeckWise Hardwood Wrench set. Changed my life. Consistent spacing every time and it doubles as a board straightener. No more pennies!

T
Tony Moretti

I go 1/8" on Ipe in dry climates (Phoenix area) and 3/16" in humid zones. Time of year matters — if installing in summer when wood is driest, I go slightly tighter knowing it'll expand a bit in winter.

R
Ryan Patel

I run 3/16" year-round here in Portland, OR. Even with our wet winters the tropical hardwoods don't move enough to justify going tighter. Better to have slightly wider gaps than deal with cupping from boards touching.

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