Characteristics of larch deck boards and technology of its installation

Deck planks made of larch 28 × 140 × 3000 mm and other sizes are popular for the installation of floors, decking, terrace or verandah coverings. Grades of material allow you to choose the right option even with a small budget, while this wood is one of the best in terms of its strength and durability. Any master can easily do the installation and fastening of the deck board to the logs with self-tapping screws.

Larch deck board is a type of lumber that has rounded edges.... Unlike classic edged moldings, it is thicker, since it must withstand significant operational loads. The choice of larch for production is also not accidental. The board made of it has high indicators of hardness and density, it is practically waterproof, therefore it is used in shipbuilding, where these properties of wood are especially valuable. Most often, Siberian larch is used for the manufacture of lumber, which is practically not inferior in its properties to oak.

Deck planks are often confused with decking, but should not be done. The main difference lies in the way the surface is treated. With a deck board, it is always smooth, with slightly rounded edges. The terrace has a corrugation that prevents the feet from slipping, but makes it difficult to clean the surface.

The distinctive characteristics of larch deck boards include:

• wood density 590-1000 kg / m3;
• humidity no more than 10-12%;
• environmental safety of the material;
• resistance to warpage;
• protection from fungus and mold;
• increased strength;
• functionality;
• aesthetics;
• long service life;
• functionality;
• ease of installation.

The deck board made of larch can easily cope with the most intense operational loads. Its surface lends itself well to mechanical processing, painting, toning.

Smooth larch deck board is classified according to grades, which allows to divide the material according to its purpose and the presence of visible defects. There are 4 categories in total. It is worth considering the features of each variety in more detail.

This category includes high-grade wood, slightly defective... For 1 rm. m should not have more than 2 knots up to 5 mm in diameter. 1-2 resin pockets are allowed. On the surface, there may be non-through microcracks, as well as chips up to 1 mm. There should be no more than 1 piece per 2.5 m.

The most popular larch deck board belongs to this variety. It is characterized by a combination of affordable cost and fairly high performance characteristics. Any number of captive knots and pockets containing resin is not considered a defect. Cracks without a through fracture can be present in the amount of 1-2 pieces for every 2500 mm.

Low grade material, not distinguished by high aesthetic properties... This is due to the fact that the surface layer of wood under the bark is used for its manufacture. The surface requires mandatory protective treatment with special compounds. Only then can the material be used to create decking.Grade C deck planks are rough and may have rough areas.

Sometimes it also occurs with the designation "Premium". This variety belongs to the elite, excludes the presence of any defects. Violations in the density and homogeneity of the structure are not allowed. There are no traces of chips, resin, mechanical damage on the surface of such a deck board. For the manufacture of lumber, the butt part of the trunk is used, the least susceptible to such a phenomenon as knotty.

There is a wide range of standard sizes of larch deck planks. Typical thicknesses range from 25 to 45 mm. Standard widths start from 90 mm and can reach 140-160 mm. The length is also varied, from 2 to 6 m.

Most in demand when laying floors, terraces options for deck boards with indicators of 28x140x3000 mm, as well as 28x120x3000 mm. For ship decks and outdoor terraces, gangways and berths use stronger boards. The standard size 34x145x4000 mm is popular here. In decorative cladding both the thickness and the width of the products matter. Options 35x140 mm, 28x160 mm are well suited for use where aesthetics come to the fore, it is also better not to save on the grade.

The use of deck boards is in demand in many areas. First of all, it is used in shipbuilding, yachting, to create flooring in open areas of ships. Actually, hence the name of the board - deck. In addition, the material's exceptional properties make it an excellent choice for other areas of human endeavor.

• In the decoration of baths and saunas. Larch is well suited for steam rooms and rooms not associated with sudden changes in humidity and temperature.

• In the design of the space around the outdoor pool... Here, the deck board is laid with a substantial clearance for the outflow of water. The material does not slip, it withstands contact with moisture well.

• In landscape design... Walkways, bridges, sheds and pergolas in the garden can be made from deck planks.

• In the decoration of the coastal area. Piers, piers, gangways made of larch do not rot, serve for a long time, and look attractive. They are easy to build, the structures are reliable and can withstand significant loads.

• In construction. Extensions to the house in the form of verandas and terraces, freestanding gazebos can be created from high-quality natural material. A deck board is also suitable for creating stairs. In this case, take the maximum thickness to create steps, the basic structure can be lighter.

• In the decoration of balconies and loggias. Here, larch acts as a cladding for a concrete or brick base, adds comfort, helps to make the finish more natural and aesthetic.

It can be tinted and painted, and subjected to other decorative finishing methods.

Installation of larch deck boards is carried out both through the through method on self-tapping screws and with the help of hidden fasteners such as cleats. It is quite possible to cope with this task with your own hands, but, given the dimensions of the lumber, it is better to get helpers... This makes it much easier to move and fix the boards. The entire installation process can be divided into several stages, following the sequence of which you can achieve good results.

It starts 48 hours before the start of editing. The deckboard is transferred to the place where it will be laid so that it acquires the appropriate moisture.This approach avoids warping the lumber after fixing it. If preliminary sawing is performed, the cut points are treated with wax-based protective compounds.

Deck planks can be mounted on various types of bases.

1. Concrete screed... In this case, the base is poured in advance, with the setting of beacons. This option is usually used inside residential buildings or structures, in baths, as well as around swimming pools.
2. Screw piles. They are installed using a special drill, additionally concreted for hardening. Such a foundation is easily leveled in height, the assembly process takes a minimum of time. The base is suitable for building a veranda or terrace.
3. Driven piles... Such a base is used under significant loads. The supports have cavities inside, which are filled with concrete for maximum strengthening.

Logs should also be made of larch, like the boards themselves, which are to be used in the construction of the flooring. Previously, it is recommended to cover them with an antiseptic - an impregnation that protects against mold and mildew. An oil finish will protect the wood from moisture. Installation is carried out taking into account the recommendations of specialists - this will allow you to achieve an optimal result.

1. The first log is fixed at a distance of 10-20 mm from the wall. It is considered pivotal.
2. The rest of the logs are fixed at a distance of 25-40 cm. When installing the boards diagonally, it is recommended to maintain a range close to the minimum.
3. The extreme support logs are located at the ends of the boards.
4. The voids between the parts of the frame are not filled. To prevent the water from stagnating inside, a branch channel is formed.
5. Fastening to the lags of the deck board is carried out end-to-end, with a gap of 3-6 mm. The first and last planks must be fixed with self-tapping screws. The rest can be installed in a hidden method, using clamps or similar fasteners.

The finished flooring is treated with protective and decorative compounds... The assembled structure can be used immediately after the impregnation has dried. When using self-tapping screws, nails, the places of their installation can be closed with the help of special decorative overlays.

For information on how a larch deck board is mounted, see the next video.