Natural All-Season™ Wood Flooring

Building codes, specifications and standards

Check the lumber tag. Make sure that the intended use shown on the tag matches your application.

  • For a deck floor: if the wood is wet and heavy, butt boards together as some shrinkage will occur; if wood is dry and light, separate boards slightly (max. 1/8") to allow for future swelling.
  • For 2" lumber, use 3 1/4" nails or 3" screws. For 5/4 decking, use 3" nails or 2 1/2" screws.
  • Screws take longer to drive than nails, but hold boards securely and will allow for easier removal if necessary.
  • Most professional builders allow a 1 1/2" overhang covering frame and finish trim. When this is not possible remember to pre-drill 3/4" from the end of a board and at all butt joints.
  • Re-stain any exposed wood that has been ripped or cross-cut during construction and when applying finish or top coat.