How To Properly Install Pressure Treated Wood Deck Boards.

In this video, I will show you the proper way to install pressure treated deck boards. You will learn the difference between the bark side and the pith side of the lumber.
Fix It John and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any loss or damage caused by your understanding or interpretation of the information in the videos. Always use safety precautions, protective wear, and refer to manuals, other websites, books, or advice for projects contained on this website or in these videos. The videos are to be for learning purposes, but not guarantees, solutions, or answers. Always use precaution and safety in every project that you do. Fix It John recommends using safe practices when working on any project in every aspect. Any damage, loss, or injury resulting from improper or incorrect use of equipment, tools, etc., or from the information contained in the videos at Fix It John or on fixitjohn.net is the sole responsibility of the user and not Fix It John.

[@lp-pf5el]

I’m glad I watched this before installing my deck boards. I heard this before but never know it until now. Thanks John 👍🏾

[@fixitjohn]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@bestvideoforcats]

A year ago, I trusted your advice after looking at both arguments online. After one Canadian winter, though I am disappointed with the waterseal fading, I must say that all my deck boards have remained flat and solid, so thanks!

[@fixitjohn]

Thanks for sharing! I am glad that it worked for you.

[@johndavid4831]

I'm glad you showed a good amount of examples, I learned to fasten wood projects the other way around (taught wrong or forgot what I was taught) either way I am redoing my front deck and this convinced me to try bark down. Thanks for sharing.

[@fixitjohn]

I am glad it helped. Thanks for watching it.

[@xanderslawyer8864]

Thank you so much ! I couldn't make sense from what others were saying. Smiling will always stick with me!

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Karen, I am glad it helped you. Thanks for watching.

[@FirstnameLastName-sx8ls]

Doing a deck this morning. 1/31/22. Outstanding info. This will definitely be used.

[@fixitjohn]

Hi First name Last Name, I am glad you found this video before you installed your deck. I am sure as you travel a round you will see where others have installed there boards and find out they are cupping up. Thanks for watching.

[@markcanfixit26]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. Great video with real life examples

[@fixitjohn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terryerlacher629]

You convinced me bark side down, smiley face up is the only correct way to install my deck boards. Many thanks.

[@fixitjohn]

Glad to help.

[@kernjames]

It took me a while, (about 4 minutes in) but I finally figured out what you were talking about once you talked about the Bark side.

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Jim, I am glad you got it. Thanks for your comment.

[@JamesBond-be4cw]

Wow! Best advice! I didn't know this. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!!

[@fixitjohn]

I am glad it helped,

[@daze023]

Hey, thank you. I had never noticed why some boards rot out out early. Good information

[@fixitjohn]

Thanks for watching.

[@hatbpto5180]

I ran across your video and watched it because I'm getting ready to install some railings. They will all be smiley side up. Thanks! ☺👍

[@fixitjohn]

Glad I could help

[@DuckSideways1]

This was incredibly informative for a newbie like myself who’s about to resurface a deck. Thank you so much!

[@fixitjohn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tomfish1285]

Who would have thought. Fantastic educational video, you should do more of them. Thank you so much.

[@fixitjohn]

Thank you, I will.

[@rickydavis5422]

Wow, who knew. Thank you sir. Very educational

[@fixitjohn]

You're welcome

[@bobharrison9620]

Thank you, My thick old head took a few times of watching it but when I did it clicked and I understood. Your explanations were good and well explained. Thank you. Bob H

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Bob, I hope it helps. Thanks for watching.

[@blockchainbiker2549]

I never knew!!! Thank you so much for that information!!!!

[@fixitjohn]

Happy to help!

[@TxTropicalPond]

Thanks for the great video. I've been watching different videos arguing bark side up/down because I'm getting ready to install a new deck. Bark side down makes more sense to me since the center of the tree is the denser wood. So as the less dense bark side dries out it will cup downward as you show.

[@fixitjohn]

Glad it was helpful! I am sure that it will turn out beautifully. Thank you for watching.

[@EDDELBUTTEL]

Great video! Thanks!

[@fixitjohn]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching.

[@Na-Vse-Ruki-Master-1872]

very nice advice.

[@fixitjohn]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching.

[@williamdumont912]

THANK YOU John, much appreciated video and i like the proof on of concept, i always thought it was the complete oposite but i must admit i am removing an old deck at the moment and the most rotten planks are the ones cupping, obviously i guess. I will build the new one using that technique !

[@fixitjohn]

You are very welcome! I am sure that it will turn out great. Thanks for watching.

[@slydog7131]

Very informative. I just watched another video from a deck installer who did exactly the opposite. But, the proof is in the seeing. I'll be building a deck soon and I'm glad I saw your video.

[@fixitjohn]

Thank you, I am glad it helped.

[@passion830217]

I believe this video is wrong. The opposite way is right.

[@sidehustlesformoney]

great informative video

[@fixitjohn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FromTheHood2TheWoods]

Thank you!!

[@fixitjohn]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@ruppedogg]

Outstanding. Thanks for the lesson!

[@fixitjohn]

MY pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@HBTwoodworking]

I build and repair furniture. I will be replacing the the deck boards at my house soon. I appreciate your video correctly explaining the grain and cupping. 90% of the videos I’ve just watched on KZbin are wrong. Bark side down is proper. Thank you again.

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Philip Guhl, I am glad I could help. I am sure you will get many, many years of service. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe thank you Fix It John.

[@Droadlesstravelled]

Thank you.

[@fixitjohn]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@tesgk1]

Thank you sir

[@fixitjohn]

I am so glad that I could help. You are the folks that keep me motivated to help others. Thanks for watching.

[@tommaryott4957]

Well I learned something today....

[@fixitjohn]

Thanks for your comment. I am also learning new things everyday.

[@gymvlog1119]

Awesome tip!

[@fixitjohn]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@clintw5226]

Great video. I see so many pt decks falling apart because the carpenter didn't take the time to set his boards properly.

[@fixitjohn]

Yes, exactly and money wasted.

[@sala6961]

Thankyou for your awesome, informative video. I wish I saw this a few months ago because now I'm seeing cupping but thought it was due to one screw in centre of board. Is there any way to get it flat again or reverse it? Thankyou again from New Zealand.

[@fixitjohn]

Flip it over or put some kerf cuts in the board. Thanks for watching.

[@otrotland5377]

wow thank you

[@fixitjohn]

I hope that it was helpful.

[@gstrider368]

You also might mention another way to extend the life of a deck and that is by sealing the ends of each and every board with a paraffin based sealant. I bought mine online. I’m having to replace a bunch of boards due to the ends rotting. Live and learn.

[@fixitjohn]

Thank you for your comment. I am sure that will help others viewer’s. Thanks for watching.

[@gstrider368]

Would also like to thank you for answering an age old question. I’ve been a carpenter professionally for 50+ years and I never knew bark side down. It makes the most sense.

[@fixitjohn]

@@gstrider368 Thank you Gregor . That means a lot.

[@abe1567]

Need to build a deck gonna do smiley face up Thanks so much for that video.

[@fixitjohn]

Glad it helped.

[@mikemaj8467]

Thank you and great video! I don't mean to criticize as I may be incorrect, but we all benefit when we engage thoughtfully. My thought is that the smily face of the grain should go upside-down, opposite to how you suggest. My thought is that as cupping occurs it will shed the water. If fasteners were installed closer to the edges on both sides in pairs wouldn't this keep cupping to a minimum and prevent fasteners from not holding? Thanks!

[@fixitjohn]

Thanks for your comment. You would think that it would not cup if you installed the board bark side up because that is the way it grows but in my experience it is just the opposite. Even using good fasteners the board will cup. Thanks for watching.

[@victoriaiarocci5506]

Fix it John, how do you repair a scratch on a deck with pressure treated wood, (non stained.) It's fairly minor, but bugging me. Will sanding take off the pressure treated too much?

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Victoria, sanding would work just, be sure you do it evenly so as not to create a low spot. The sanding will discolor it making, it brighter but, that will fade and match the other with time. You would have to sand halfway through the board to remove the pressure treatment. Here is an article that explains the treatment. The pressure-treating process, lumber is sealed in a tank, and the air is extracted, creating a vacuum. Then a solution containing chromium, copper, and arsenic is added. Because of the vacuum, the chemicals are carried deep into the wood.

[@slydog7131]

You mention a curve cut. I'm guessing that this is a pressure-relief cut done with a table saw? I'm thinking of using PT 2x6 lumber for decking and would like to avoid cupping issues. So, bark-side down and maybe 2 or 3 "curve cuts" on the bark side, if I'm understanding this correctly, along with 3 screws at each joist?

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Sly Dog, Thank you for your question. This can be done by making kerf cuts on the underside of your deck boards. Create these small grooves by using a table saw. This method will relieve the surface tension in the area. Make sure that the blade widths are about 1/8 inch, and are evenly spaced. An example of a kerf cut is to go into half-inch size when your boards are about 5/4 inches thick. Here is a link on how to install deck boards. www.thespruce.com/deck-board-installation-1825145

[@handyishrandyish334]

My deck is 222in with 24in on center joist what pattern is best for limited wasted with 16ft treated deck boards please help

[@fixitjohn]

That sounds like a math question? Sorry I can not help.

[@Starfox-zg4tk]

Oh geez now I see this video after I just installed my redwood deck.

[@fixitjohn]

You may not have a problem because Redwood and cedar are more stable and are likely to lay flat with little or no checking or cracking. Hope this helps.

[@Starfox-zg4tk]

Fix it John thank you. Got me all nervous. But that’s a very good tip. I’ll make sure to pass along the knowledge to my son. So when it’s time to build a deck for his family. He would know what to do.

[@fixitjohn]

@@Starfox-zg4tk Thanks for watching.

[@gregjump48]

What is the greatest span you can go on a 5 1/4 board on a deck

[@fixitjohn]

Sorry I really don’t know. Thanks for watching and good luck with your project.

[@rf4215]

What about wet pressure treated 2x6s that are already cupping in a smiley face .. the way it was on the tree.. so you go to install the board and you're installing it cupped. you're saying that that's going to reverse itself over time?

[@fixitjohn]

Yes, more than likely. Good luck with your project.

[@macoediv]

the first video i have found that says crown down now i'm confused.

[@fixitjohn]

Here is a web site that may explain it a little better, hope this helps. Thanks for watching.www.thespruce.com/deck-board-installation-1825145

[@ericbuonomo5716]

For regular residential decks, should the entire deck be pressure treated ?

[@fixitjohn]

Yes! I built a PT fence and ran out the PT 2x4 it rotted out but the fence slats were still good. I think that if I were to build a deck I would use PT girders PT joists and vinyl or composite decking boards. Just a thought. For the girders and joists use that ZIP system flashing tape. That will keep the water from soaking into the top of the boards. Just trying to give ideas. Thanks for watching.

[@ericbuonomo5716]

@@fixitjohn AWESEOME TY SIR. I am a new subscriber.

[@Backfist97]

OK, So I'm no carpenter, but doesn't the wood curl with grain therefor cupping up occurs when the bark side is down. At least that is what the other posts are saying. I'm looking at my new 2x6 PT and that is what is occurring on loose boards. So, I see what you are showing but it is contradictory to everyone else. Of Course, they could be all wrong as well. But, I think I will go bark side up ( smiley upside down) and let any cupping occur on the bottom and crown on top for water shedding. Again, I'm not a carpenter and could have this all wrong

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Backfist97, Yes I know there is some debate over crowning for different species of wood. Always do your research because you are the one that has to live with it. Here is an article that I found that may help you. I wish you the best and thanks for watching. www.thespruce.com/deck-board-installation-1825145

[@DagdaMadoc]

Thanks, John. Doing deck work today. I’ll use this info.

[@ShawnMtz_78]

Great I just installed my deck boards frowning

[@fixitjohn]

Sorry to hear that

[@lindatyler4579]

I always read the grain should face down

[@fixitjohn]

Choose what you think is best.

[@butchs2337]

like he said ugly side up haha

[@fixitjohn]

Did I say that?

[@cmnights5158]

I have seen videos that claims the completely opposite, wth is the right way?

[@fixitjohn]

Have you seen the end result yet. Thanks for watching.

[@eagleviewhd]

Most of the information I see says install bark side up.

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Eagle view, I try to put information out that I believe is true it is ultimately up to you. Thanks for watching.

[@HomeGrownPyro1]

@@JayCWhiteCloud so what is your explanation for what he shows in this video? It’s kind of hard to argue with the proof being shown to you

[@GManKeepsltReal]

Phuc….I just finish my deck….I wish I saw this video before I started….

[@fixitjohn]

You may want to seal it. Once the wood dries. That will help keep the wood from cupping as much.

[@GManKeepsltReal]

@@fixitjohn cool thanks!

[@tigerbalm666]

Screws are way better than nails! You can easly replace boards wth screws.

[@fixitjohn]

This is true. Thanks for watching

[@donavanyoung9087]

I thought the crown supposed to be facing down

[@fixitjohn]

Hi Donavan, the crown are the leaves and branches. You must mean bark side of the tree. Yes you are correct bark side facing down. Thanks for watching.

[@laurettaboston1707]

Every other video is giving different advise. One says smiley face up others says down. I’m totally confused now.

[@fixitjohn]

Whichever way you choose. Let me know.

[@robertgarrett3980]

Bark side up is suppose to help it from soaking up water. Right at end of video you can see the boards he says are laid correctly look how weathered they are compared to the ones right beside that are bark side up. The bark protects the tree when its growing right? Then why would you expose the open side of the lumber?

[@VideoNOLA]

Kinda stopped watching around 4:00 and hope he finally got to the point. (He does, around 7:05)

[@fixitjohn]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ixurlife8062]

Who done this walkway bridge ffs their eyes must've beem painted on 😂😂 the join work is like a kindegarden lego set 😂😂 looks like it was done 5 years ago by trained monkeys not 1 year ago 😂

[@fixitjohn]

It is a city project. It was done by the cheapest bidder. Thanks for watching.