How to Install Deck Boards in Shade | DIY Deck Tutorial

[@aaronjohnson87]

So first things first, totally appreciate the channel! It was a big help when I went to redo my deck boards last spring. The ONLY thing that I think needs to get cleared up with this video in particular though, is the 3:00 mark where he's talking about how the wood will dry and how to lay the boards accordingly. When using pressure treated boards, I did them all crown up like he said, and they ALL dried opposite to the way described in the video.... so now they hold water and will thus have a reduced lifespan...So if you're watching this and wondering which way to lay down your boards; A) In most cases just pick the best side if it's pressure treated, and B) lean more toward Crown Down (so that the boards dry in a way that will have the water drain off more easily).

[@ChadMichaelSimon]

I’ve never built a deck, and my first one is a 650 sq ft monster around our above-ground pool over a significant grade. The deck near the house is four feet. On the far side, it’s over six feet. I’ve spent hours wondering what I was thinking. It won’t be perfect, but it will be solid and ours. Many commenters have given praise to your channel. After watching hundreds of other DIY videos, your content, delivery, and production values stick out as exceptional. This was a stellar, valuable thirty minutes... my shipment of deck boards arrives on Tuesday, and watching your video makes me excited for it to come instead of dreading it.

[@erickmcgraw]

Jeff - You have no idea who awesome these videos are to me. I'm an IT Engineer and I don't have the know-how nor the time to invent methods for home projects. You should charge for these buddy. Thanks so much!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

No worries Erick, we are very happy to help folks do a better job with the DIY. Many people can't afford to hire help the way things are going!

[@jwm7850]

Watched this on a whim, thinking I already knew what I needed to know before starting installation. Clearly I was wrong. Learned a lot, thanks very much.

[@artralston4045]

I love all of your videos. They're informative, yet light-hearted, which I really enjoy. This one made me chuckle a little at 26:40. You just finished explaining why you should use your second hand palm force on the back of the driver to keep the bit from skipping off, and then immediately drive a one-hander in while saying "that's when disaster strikes". Luckily, you didn't need to edit the next few seconds out. lol

[@guardian064]

These are the best deck tutorial, instructional and DIY friendly videos. This gentleman is without a doubt very talented and explains this information so easy. And he does all this while literally showing you throughout his project. I haven’t had to rewind or rewatch his explanations 30x like I’ve done with other videos.

[@strochild]

No bullshit, every single new video gets better and better. Editing, content, camerawork, flow; it's all becoming just as good if not better than high $ TV. Keep up the good stuff

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

WOW, now that is a comment. Glad to hear that we are getting better. We sure as hell are trying. Cheers!

[@afringedweller]

What I love about Jeff is it's the real world stuff. The slick shows always fade to black for the tricky stuff - like doing a plunge cut with the jigsaw. Fade too black. When the commercial's over, oh, miracle of miracles, they're ready to go to the next thing. Jeff, you're The Man.

[@superiorbeing95]

Nice to see someone who takes a pride in doing things right.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

We try, sometimes finding the right balance between right and cost effective and environmentally responsible can be difficult. Especially when we have to consider our clients budget.

[@magechaos222]

The little tips and tricks are the gems of this video!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you, we try our best to give information that will help. Cheers!

[@michaelhoglen5121]

Thanks for the tips, especially burning in the screw and showing how to straighten a board by yourself. Building a deck by myself, and this will help. Keep it up.

[@OneAngryLittleFucer]

Thats a good trick using the square as a spacer. Learned some new things from this one. Awesome

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Awesome, Cheers!

[@wademarchand4441]

I liked the use of the square as a consistent spacer

[@NickOliver2]

These little tips and tricks are the difference of a complete novice and a seasoned pro. seriously make life easier and a world of difference in the finished product. Thank you for the contribution

[@jacquiewatson1750]

Building a 65m2 deck, his vid has given me the confidence to do the job (I'm a65 yr female DIY) this guy really knows what he is doing, and shares his knowledge. Thanks Jeff from me in Australia!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Jacquie, have fun with your project.

[@TheRealGrandDave]

Great video. I knew some of the tips you put out, but several of them I didn't. Helped a lot. Thanks. I've been restoring decks for about 4 years now and I love it every time I learn something new to make the job easier or better.

[@andyman0741]

This is one of the best videos I've seen to help the novice weekend handyman and the tips are so useful. I've learned more from this one video than I have by watching 20 others. Often it is the little things that make or break a job, and this really covers the details. Kudos!.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Andy, we really appreciate it. Cheers!

[@nickalmand]

That burn-in tip is pure gold.

[@mattjones3257]

Wish I had seen this before I batted .500 when affixing cedar screen frames this weekend.

[@MonadJay]

Wish I had seen this channel when me and my dad resurfaced my dad's deck. Although in this video I thought there was going to be tape on the joists? To help with any future rot that must happen. Love the videos they are very useful and have given me many ideas for my future projects.

[@ManoliGreek2640]

Best video on KZbin

[@mikesawyer1336]

I love your channel. Your a practical craftsman. So many contractors want to do everything to absolute perfection - not me- just do a great job with practical consideration.

[@ex7969]

Happy Fathers Day Jeff! You doing amazing job by educating people and sharing your pro tips and tricks. Keep it up. Thanks.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you, we are having a blast helping people. Cheers!

[@talentedhypocrite2082]

Been a carpenter for over 40 years nice video

[@CuddaBrown]

Had to watch this twice. Great job Jeff...u Always cut it clean

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks dude, almost back from holidays. got a thousand comments to get too.Cheers!

[@jacquiewatson1750]

Just getting boards down on my deck, no doubt all the tips have helped a lot. So far so good, it's a huge deck, one row takes 1 1/2 hrs to cut fix. Got 40 rows to go. But they look great, and it's actually smooth work. Built a jig to keep the screws lined up, looking good. Will be finished in a week. Thanks for the great tips

[@guitar1950]

I was looking for a video on laying composite deck over an existing deck frame support. But, I couldn't stop watching this! Great job! I learned some very useful tricks. And the presentation and instruction is on point!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

If you do you will need more joists. composite is usually better with12 " span

[@Alphajedi1975]

I’m building a patio. I’m only building it it because I watched your videos. Thank you for the confidence.

[@AngusNB]

Thanks Jeff. I like the tips on burning in the end screws and tilting the jig saw. I am replacing the flooring and railings on a 25 year old deck soon.

[@jorgemenendez7398]

one of the best videos on decks that i ever seen, you are a profesor, thank you.

[@Wolfemonsters]

this video was great, I am doing my deck tomorrow thinking I could just put it up and did not think about the gapping.... glad I watch this first Thank you.

[@zeroquanta4252]

Learned more types in this video than 20 others put together. I Subscribed.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks, we appreciate that. Cheers1

[@SimonGrech]

Those are some really great tips! About the burning of the wood... and with having the curved wood being pulled back... Really good tips!

[@AndysDogHouse]

Another great video. I used to have my own Handyman and built lots of decks. That was 10 years ago and now retired. Now it is time to build myself a deck. Your videos show a similar method that I used and you remind me how to do it right. Your tips and tricks are great and have helped me quite a lot. Keep up the great videos.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Andy, Enjoy your retirement. Cheers!

[@maxlo323]

Great trick for putting screws on end of the board. Learned a lot from you. Happy father's day.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Max, working alone sometimes is nice and peaceful, but always nice to have "a second pair of hands" Cheers!

[@kevinkirley2219]

One of the best videos I've used to date. My deck looks awesome. Thanks for the assist.

[@adamg7377]

Great video series! I just finished fixing up an old deck and didn't know where to start! I followed your direction and can't thank you enough! Nothing better than having a cold one on a nice level and structurally sound deck! Cheers!

[@torchiertorchier2273]

Some of my best friends are Canadian. What a helpful video. KZbin gold.

[@lc3433]

Man, this was just worth watching for that tip on how to straighten the bent decking boards alone. Thanks for the top tips man, great video and I will keep this in mind when I tackle my own project.

[@Konigsmask]

Awesome video Jeff! Currently don't have any interest in building a deck but still learned some things I didn't know before.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Knowledge is power.Cheers!

[@gagekirchgessner3596]

You're awesome and a life saver, man! Just about to lay my boards on my new 16x20 deck and had everything delivered... ( Equals not so good pickings).you've helped me with laying laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, and now decking. A BIG THANK YOU!

[@SandiRose2008]

Once again, Jeff, Happy Fathers Day. And you too Max since you're the father of your pets. And Happy Fathers Day to all of the deserving fathers reading this!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Sandi, very kind. Sorry for the late response, I am in Eastern Europe studying the building techniques here. And the brewing techniques. Cheers!

[@SandiRose2008]

Wow, Jeff. You're in Eastern Europe attending The School for Building and Brewing sponsored by the builders of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? I think you need to come home!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

LOL truth is I got a little wonky while I was there. I think it was the brewing part of the trip. Cheers!

[@mysticalmarlene9731]

I don't think anyone out there builds to your standards. Wow, I wish you lived closer to Toronto! Very impressed with the care you are taking. The one thing that would make this deck look beautiful is to use the Shadoe Tracking system!

[@rayala111]

Great video!! out of the 100's of decking video's I've seen. This one is the most comprehensive and useful.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

great to hear. Thanks!

[@brianbrown1955]

I have used a car scissor jack to push the hockey stick deck boards into position. It worked great, but I like the fulcrum idea as well. You can also use a wedge and another board to move deck boards that are a little warped.

[@featheredcoyote5477]

Hands down the most helpful video on decking I've seen yet! Thanks a bunch.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@robertgravel5160]

Your my favourite DIY KZbinr 👍 Excellent video as usual.

[@stevebailey7633]

Just found this site, am now subscribed. Found it in time to learn some really valuable tips using like 3”screws on existing framing structures, looking at the grain and installing bowl up, then the 2x4 fulcrum tip, which I know I’ll use as I start shortly a partial deck replacement. Thank You !

[@Papamoka]

This was a fantastic series Jeff! Thank you. I learned a lot and I am sure many of us DIYers did. Keep up the good work.

[@eschrader]

Your videos have helped me so much man. My girlfriend and I have been remodeling the house the right way thanks to your videos and other great videos. Off to lay down some redwood deckboard and stairs!

[@OlTrailDog]

Thanks, this old dog actually picked up some tips that will come in handy. Thumbs up!

[@richpat7574]

The explanation of how the board will cupp is backwards. The board will shrink and warp in the opposite direction of the rings in the wood. If you look at a dry deck board from the end grain you can see the rings in the wood. They should be curving upwards, like they are forming a smile. You can easily remember which is the right side up by thinking smiley side up. .

[@lcook0825]

This is by far your best video. I really enjoyed this one.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks larry, Max is helping me get better and better.

[@VaAlexander]

I wish I would find this video BEFORE starting a deck :) but luckily I'm only halfway through so still can apply all your advices. Thanks a lot!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@madanmanish]

Great idea on using the square for consistent distancing between the boards. Will be using it when I build mine.. thanks for the video and all the tips!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

just be careful not all squares are the same thickness. cheers!

[@mattp5518]

I like doing the deck boards a little bit different. I screw down my first board dead straight using a chalk line. Then i work out the gap for about 6 board widths and chalk that line. I fill inbetween the 2 straight boards with decking and i use little wedges and i hammer them into the gaps until it looks like all of the gaps are the same. Its a great way for straightening boards too as the wedges are held firm by the 2 screwed down boards and it seems to go a lot faster than this way. Everyone has there own way theyve learnt or a way they prefer so each to there own

[@yaonchungEIA]

Hey Jeff, one thing about the cupping in lumber. It usually cup in the opposite direction of ring. Btw love your trick straighting the board

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

This close to the ground we don't get the drying out process so that is why it is upside down.,

[@MichaelHeibel]

True

[@prateek0406]

Amazing work Sir, i made my entire deck looking at your videos and tips

[@snoorani1]

It's really very kind of you to share your knowledge and experience. I have learned a lot. Thank you !!!

[@GrahamMcHugh]

Great video! And that burn trick! Brilliant!

[@ChuckDude61]

'this is a knife' at the end!!! you bloody legend!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

right mate, all good then. Cheers!

[@jflory88]

Another awesome video! So many tips and explained in layman's terms

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Justrin, the channel is designed to help homeowner's so that is our goal. Cheers!

[@maxmackinlay618]

2:43 great tip, on how to place the planks.

[@natejm]

Great video. Must watch for a diyer building a deck. I’m a carpenter in training, and when we build decks we use our hammers and pry bars/nail pullers rather than screwing a 2x4 into the framing to close those gaps. Seems a bit quicker, but we always have those in our pouches at all times. Just have to be careful not to damage the top and visible side of the deck boards. I would also like to point out that what I have been taught and my experience, to leave the gap like Jeff did in the video when installing cedar boards. Cedar swells, so you need that gap. We use mostly brown pressure treated, and it shrinks so we install the boards tight together, and the boards shrink to open a gap within 1-3 days. Anyone else have similar experience with different materials?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Truth is many homeowner's don't have the strength to do that. plus I didn't want to show a technique that frequently results in damage to the boards. Cheers!

[@nicolaslachance5057]

Nice thick stack of tips and tricks of the trade here. Sit back and take it in.

[@MichaelWhite78]

I truly appreciate the the tips and tricks you shared. Thank you for taking your time to do this!

[@erickcortez2999]

Awesome quality video, love the effort of you guys are putting into getting better quality sound and videos.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks for noticing. Cheers!

[@ozziestrom9793]

Your the best that's happened to KZbin, Happy Father's Day. I've noticed that you use a speed square as your spacer, I like that. Over time, what do you estimate the contraction of the boards to be? Here in the southern part of the lower 48 using 5/4 treated wood, the shrinkage is quite noticeable after one or two seasons. I've started using 2x6 treated with greater success and not too much difference in price. Enjoy your honest down to earth videos.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks ozzie, in this case we expected the boards to swell not contract. the lumber was from the inside warehouse at homedepot and was quite dry. Plus we were installing in the shade with little wind. plus the deck was close to the ground with a full skirt. This is why we used the speed square. after a couple of days the wood was back to its plump self and the deck was almost no gaps.

[@johng9562]

Excellent attention to detail ~ this guy is a legit professional.

[@Kaunas-rx3qv]

What a great channel! Just found this today and watched 4 videos so far. Excellent work and presentation style. Really enjoyed them and subscribed.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I hope you subscribed and hit the bell icon so you get notified when a new video comes out..Cheers!

[@roysimmons7426]

One of the best videos i have ever seen. Thank you Jeff!

[@Ashroyer86]

Nice spacing trick with the square.

[@jackk1583]

Very nice work/ well explained and consistently emphasizing quality and safety with a sense of humor. Love that ‘be happy with every piece.’ Doing deck work now/ demo and rebuild/ utilizing good wood where avail. Too bad u are not in my back of the woods/ wPa/ we could have a gr8 wknd. Lol

[@alainpederian]

Jeff you da man!!! Your tips and tricks are golden!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you Alain, we appreciate that! Cheers

[@ChristoefurQ]

Love how you explain everything, Amazing video Sir

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Topher, Max is helping me get better at that. Cheers!

[@brucebranch1683]

I love your videos, lots of great little tips to make things look better at the finish, nicely described.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks bruce, we appreciate that, Cheers!

[@samuelfeguer]

Wow I really wish I heard of using the square as a spacer. I used nails that I hammered into the joists to use as my spacer. Also buying the boards too long is a crucial tip. My lumber had some splits on the ends that ruined some pieces. Jeff as always thanks for the video. It was just 9 months too late.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

when you buy lumber with splits it is a sure sign that it is dry. always easier to cut than to try and fix.

[@michaelneve9374]

That was one of the most useful KZbin videos I've ever watched

[@naria01]

Keep the videos coming! I have many projects to do in my home, and your videos are inspiring and making me feel more comfortable in getting them done!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

You can do it ....We can help. Cheers!

[@graemecooper3653]

Awesome, I am taking notes in a ruled notepad - so many great tips!

[@mikenagy3728]

I envy Canadians their Robertson Deck Screws. The Robertson, or square socket screw, is so much superior. Here in the states we had to contend with Phillips, which is better than the slots, but still you strip out the screw in harder wood. Now they have gone to star drive, which is a bit better than Phillips but still not as good as Robertson. I wonder if they will ever come around.

[@heatheroney7293]

Good job boss learned that i gotta watch a few more of your teachings. Thanks for the time you took to help us.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Happy to help Heather!

[@WVgunfun]

Awesome video, I like the way you Canadians do things!

[@alphabingo6128]

Awesome video as always, this keeps getting better and better.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad to hear. Max and I are trying our best to up our game and bring better content all the time.

[@mseifried5]

All great info. I always thought it was best not to overdrive the screw into the wood. Do you agree? I think the screw looses some of it's holding power and it gives moisture a place to sit. So I strive to dive the head at or just below the top surface of the wood.

[@daku08]

Good job man. Thank you for all nice details. Where do you buy 20' cedar deck board in GTA?

[@CptSpears007]

Great tips on straightening out the boards

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks glad to help!

[@jasoncalva]

Love all your videos, they have been super helpful thus far. Do you have a video about laying deck boards when you need to use multiple lengths? My deck is 42' long, so I'd love to hear any tips you have about doing a proper layout on larger decks!

[@frankie2234]

Great series, great tips, easy to listen to. I guess the family didn't want to spend the money for like a Trex product. Again, very helpful. Mike Holmes, watch out !!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Truth is I prefer natural wood.C heers!

[@danielmcdonald6148]

True and considering this is a recycled deck frame, when it finally gives up you aren't sending a bunch of PVC deckboards to the landfill...

[@chrisnoel1646]

Is there a reason not to use some water covering (sorry I forget the term for the stuff that tops and seals the decking base below the treads) on the re-used decking?

[@mikezinkann]

This guy is amazing. Love his videos. Real friendly too.

[@aaronalquiza9680]

nice tip about burning the screws, thanks!

[@tek902]

26:23 great tips for beginners 26:39 drills with one hand. hahaha Still a good watch, and learned some tricks here

[@brett3sw]

So informative...love this video!! Well done!!

[@gbear1005]

Rainbow facing up..or right side up.. that alone worth the price of admission. Thx

[@Treviso100]

Excellent video. This will be so helpful when I redo my deck this summer. Thanks!!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Dean, best of success!

[@willyfromthehillies]

Very informative as usual. Thanks, Jeff!

[@torontodiy]

Your video motivated me to build my diy deck last summer . Thanks for sharing all these🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@martinharris5017]

Nice leverage trick on the "hockey stick" plank. I've got a few to contend with so this is a handy hint.

[@gcollazo955]

Excellent video love your tips, I just have to bring it up and I hate myself for it but umm.. where is that rubber tape???

[@tyler4164]

Great tips. Done some decking last year & had some really warped boards.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

they definitely exist more frequently!