Overhanging decking is a good practice in deck construction. The overhang enhances the look of the deck but also helps the deck to last longer. Protecting both the joist and the decking, especially wood decking.
How much should decking overhang the edge of the deck?
Decking should overhang the deck’s substructure ¼” to 1 ¾”, matching the stair nosing overhang. Overhanging deck boards improve the appearance of the deck, and hide little imperfections while protecting the substructure.
Overhanging decking is not the only option with your decking.
Another option is to install the decking flush to the edge of the substructure.
With the decking ending at the edge of the rim joist.
Is It Better to Have Deck Board Overhang or Flush?
The decision to overhang your decking or keep it flush depends on the appearance you’re trying to create.
After years of building decks, I prefer overhanging the decking. Regardless if its composite or wood decking.
Because of these reasons.
Overhang Enhance the Appearance of the Deck
Deck overhang adds to the visual appeal of a deck, similar to the running boards on a truck. The slight protrusion of the decking enhances the look of the edge of the deck. Creating a small shadow on top of the rim joist that is pleasing to the eye.
OverHang Hides Imperfections
Overhanging decking simplifies the process of constructing an attractive deck.
If there is a slight bow or wave in the rim joist, it is easily visible when the decking is flush, but cannot be seen under the overhanging decking shadow.
“If you can’t get it perfect, don’t even try.”
SAIT INSTRUCTOR DAN
Overhanging Decking Provides Consistenteny with the Stair Nosing
Most deck stairs will have nosing, the decking overhanging the riser. Matching the nosing overhang with the deck board overhang will ensure uniformity of your deck finish.
Adding a cohesive feel to your deck project.
Overhanging deck boards Improve the Appearance of Fascia Boards.
Overhanging deck boards protect the top edge of the composite fascia. Especially composite material, but all fascia will look better with overhanging decking.
A non-overhanging deck board allows the edge of the fascia to be visible. Which can distract from an otherwise eye-catching finished product.
Overhanging Deck boards help to prevent fascia from rotting
In particular, with composite fascia board, water and dirt can become caught behind the board rotting out the joist.
Overhanging decking stops water from getting trapped behind the fascia and rotting the rim joist.
Overhanging decking helps wood decking to splits less
Many decks have been weakened or destroyed due to splits in the wood deck boards. It is important to note that these splits usually occur at the ends of the boards rather than the middle. This is because the wood’s elasticity allows it to stretch around the screw without cracking, but there must be enough material in the decking to bring it back together after the screw is in place. Overhanging the decking provides this necessary material. The wood fibres after the screw help hold the decking together and prevent further splitting.
How Much Overhang Should a Deck Board Have?
When considering your deck’s design and amount of overhangs, a good rule of thumb is ¼” to 1 ¾”. This range offers enough material for a good finish but not so much as to cause potential problems like sagging or splitting.
Not only will design determine the ideal overhang but also decking material.
A solid 2×6 pressure-treated spruce board can easily overhang 2″ without breaking, but cosmetically smaller would be better.
- Most wood decks: ¼” to 1 ¾”
- Composite decking: 0″-2″, but most are 1”
- Picture frame deck: 1”
But with a few exceptions, most composite decking should have an overhang of less than 1″. Envision doesn’t allow for any overhang. To save going through each brand here, click the link for a handy guide and article about acceptable composite decking overhangs by brands.
Can Composite Decking Overhang?
You can probably guess from my previous answer. But yes, you can overhang most brands of composite decking. In fact, I would recommend it. For all the same reasons, we overhang wood decking.
But do check the brand’s limit. Each brand’s design and material limit how much they can overhang. Along with differences between the ends and the edge of the board.
How Far Can a 2×6 Deck Board Overhang?
The maximum overhang for a 2×6 deck board is 2″.
But you are better off limiting the overhang to 1 1/2″. This will offer greater support and longevity to the deck board. Even better if you have stairs, keep it consistent with the stair nosing and go with a 1″ overhang.
Conclusion
Overhanging deck boards offer a cosmetically pleasing finish to your deck. As well as preventing damage to the fascia board and reducing potential splintering of wood deck boards. The amount you overhang should be determined by design, material, and the brand of composite used. A good rule of thumb is ¼” to 1 1/2″ for most decks.
With composite decking, it is important to adhere to the recommendations of the brand’s instructions. Doing so will ensure that you get the best-looking and lasting deck.
Enjoy your deck.