The poll to divide a universe ... Decking timber ... grooves up or down?

There is no doubt that this is going to be one of the most debated polls ever seen on these woodworking boards ….. sure we have seen some wacky polls already but the answer to this question seems to handed down from generation to generation.

Ok Sir Stinkalot …. So what is this hot question?????

“Decking timber ….. grooves up or grooves down???? That is the question”.

I know that there are reasons for both but I would be interested in hearing from those more enlightened than myself before I take the plunge myself.

This question is even bigger than the meaning of life!

Answer C: Alternate

Remeber you can please some of the people some of the time but That oughta get everyone talking!

Answer D: Random

A true artistic interpretation of nature at her finest!

Down = easier to keep clean, looks better

Up = ungoodlooking

But up provides an interesting visual texture over a larger area. It is loverly to walk over the texture side in bare feet.

From a manufacturing perspective they are designed to be placed facing down. What people choose to do when they get them home is up to them. But to keep from voiding any warrenties, its suggested to follow manufacturers guidlines.......

Grooves down - allows air to circulate between decking and bearers.... deck lives longer.

Having the grooves up collects a lot of dirt and debris and allows water to sit. I assumed having the grooves up would make it non-slip but found when I did this on a on a ramp it made no difference at all... but in freezing weather it allowed water to collect and turn to ice, with unpleasant results - flat surface up... the water would have run off.

Steve

Aside from the visual aspects and the fact that they're designed to point down, they are unsafe when pointing up as the grooves make them more slippery when wet. Something to do with physics - Same weight over less surface area = more pressure. Or something. http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys_1/biggrin_2.gif

I like them better down too.

Dan

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But up provides an interesting visual texture over a larger area. It is loverly to walk over the texture side in bare feet

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Particularly if it has been shot down with T nails and the odd splinter popped up.

Interesting visual texture is highlit (high lighted?) by the mildew and gunk in the grooves too!

P

Against the trend, I believe they should be laid on edge.
OK, so it takes a lot more timber to cover a given area but just think of conversations it would start.

I think it depends on whether or not your getting paid to put the deck down or not,

Paid;
customer always right, " Looks good up or down sir/madam".

For yourself;
I think always down.


And also is it just me or am I the only one who has to endure the news of the " great idea to put grip on decking timber" , story from mates building decks.

As Shane and Steve pointed out, the groove goes down.

This is not an issue of aesthetics but one of construction. The groove permits the circulation of air, otherwise you will end up with rot.

On the other hand, you may be happy to replace your boards every few years.

Regards from Perth

Derek

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you will end up with rot

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Now we are getting close to the truth!

Was going to use some barb about rot on the internet, but couldn't find a suitable smilie to "make it alright".

Can't believe that no one carries a can of primer any more. Can't remember the last time I saw one on a job that wasn't mine in fact! Must be getting old (sigh).

If all joining pieces of timber were treated prior to being nailed together, there wouldn't be any need for flash grooved timber in the first place!

Call me old fashioned, but I won't build a deck on joists that haven't been primed first, at least along the top face.

On the same theme, I shudder when I see perfectly expensive deck timbe going down, to be oiled "later". Can anyone enlighten me as to how one overcomes the differential movement, cupping, splitting etc, if the "bottom" face of the board has not been finished at all...grooved or not? (Unless the boards are to be left untreated.)

cheeers,

P

I'm with Robert - on edge is the way to go.

If you maintain spacing of about 100 mm between timbers and lay them diagonally to the main span of the deck, you can create a challenging "Adventure Trail" for your guests to negotiate between the barbie and the outdoor table setting. This also gets around the issues of:

a) using too much timber for a given area, and

b) accumulation of water and subsequent mildew, rot, gunk, ice etc.

Col

I voted down for all the good and right reasons already stated.

But I am amazed at the number of posts in such a short time.

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Originally posted by Hugo
I think it depends on whether or not your getting paid to put the deck down or not,

Paid;
customer always right, " Looks good up or down sir/madam".

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"And if you'ld just like to sign this waiver,asking me to lay the decking wrong way up, contrary to manufacturer's specifications I'll get started".
Nowadays in this litigious world you can't afford to not do things exactly by the book. I can just imagine that the wally that insisted you lay the decking the wrong way up wouldn't hesitate to sue you if he slipped on the gunk built up in the reeding, or worse still if he fell thru a rotten board.

Mick