NA. 2x6 decking vs 5/4

[Huckster79]

So I have to build a new deck out front, my moms moving in and will need a ramp.

As I built it on menards online deck builder it gave me option of 2x6 or 5/4 decking. 2x6 was LESS EXPENSIVE! Not by a ton but a hundred or so less dollars.

To me it seems like an upgrade, any downsides you lady and gents can see? Besides maybe a bit less rounded edges?

 

[kmacht]

Its mostly about looks and the fastening system you plan to use for the deck boards. The 5/4 decking has more rounded edges and smoother surfaces than a 2x6 and there are more hidden fastener systems out there for it. 5/4 is also easier to bend and adjust as you lay it down when the boards aren't perfectly straight. The advantage of 2x6 is that it is stiffer and can make the deck feel more solid. I tend to prefer 5/4 decking but put alot of cross blocking between the joists which stiffens up the deck considerably and prevents it from feeling being bouncy.

 

[Kitch]

When we redid our deck a few years ago I bit the bullet and did trex. That was the best idea I've had in a long time. 6 years later still looks like new. No splitters No staining just a quick powerwash every spring.

 

[kyleb]

I did ours in 5/4 and both of them are rock solid. But if 2x6 had been the same price, I’d have gone that way.

Trex is great other than the requirement for more closely spaced joists.

 

[lsaway]

The rounded edges of the 5/4 looks nicer. Also, when I compare the common treated 2x6 to 5/4 deck boards, the deck boards seem to have fewer knots and overall better grade of wood. For my boathouse and pier, I was able to buy 2x6 boards with the rounded edges from a marine lumber yard. The edging looked nice, but still had the knots and quality of common 2x6. 5 years later, there is a lot of splitting in the 2x6 compared to 5/4 I have on another deck.

 

[SoonerAviator]

The 2x6 is nice for a heavier-built deck, but I'd still want to run a router over the top edges to round it off like 5/4 board. Feels better on bare feet, less chance of catching a splinter as well down the road. If this is a "built it once" deck, I'd find one of the composite deck boards (Trex or similar) so that you have zero maintenance for staining, cracked/bowed boards, waterproofing, etc. You have to use much closer spaced joists as @kyleb mentioned, so that will increase the cost of the deck as well.

 

[Huckster79]

The 2x6 is nice for a heavier-built deck, but I'd still want to run a router over the top edges to round it off like 5/4 board. Feels better on bare feet, less chance of catching a splinter as well down the road. If this is a "built it once" deck, I'd find one of the composite deck boards (Trex or similar) so that you have zero maintenance for staining, cracked/bowed boards, waterproofing, etc. You have to use much closer spaced joists as @kyleb mentioned, so that will increase the cost of the deck as well.

Myra I was thinking of hitting them with a router, but the points about knots makes sense too that’s a win for 5/4… I’ll have to mull this over and check out trex

 

[lsaway]

If you are building the deck yourself, make sure you look at the crown. Install the boards with the crown up. The installer didn't do that on mine and I had to redo it when many of the boards started cupping.

 

[flyingron]

When we redid our deck a few years ago I bit the bullet and did trex. That was the best idea I've had in a long time. 6 years later still looks like new. No splitters No staining just a quick powerwash every spring.

Actually, I'm not fond of Trex. It gets really hot and the one thing you absolutely want to avoid is getting any sort of oil on it (no salad dressing falling from plates, etc...).
It does get grainy after a while (especially if you pressure wash it).

My new dock is getting aluminum decking and we're thinking about doing it for the house decks as well.

 

[geezer]

Ron, wet aluminum docks are killer slippery. First hand knowledge, spilled blood finding out.

 

[SoonerAviator]

Actually, I'm not fond of Trex. It gets really hot and the one thing you absolutely want to avoid is getting any sort of oil on it (no salad dressing falling from plates, etc...).
It does get grainy after a while (especially if you pressure wash it).

My new dock is getting aluminum decking and we're thinking about doing it for the house decks as well.

There are different versions of Trex and different brands as well. Some have more texture than others.

 

[Huckster79]

If you are building the deck yourself, make sure you look at the crown. Install the boards with the crown up. The installer didn't do that on mine and I had to redo it when many of the boards started cupping.

Myra were doing it ourselves- first reason is I’m cheap, second is no ones work holds up to my scrutiny . I used to do this stuff with a good builder when I was young and every time I hire something done I end up furious- so we just do all possible ourselves.