Loading

Bark Side Up vs. Best Side Up

Usually, the best policy to use for surfacing an attractive wood floor is to always expose the best side of the board. If your deck boards are wet, some carpenters prefer to install them bark side up to prevent cupping. This technique will orientate the visible growth rings in a downward arc like a dome to eliminate any protruding corners and allow water to run off the boards. Another reason to install the decking bark side up is because the pith side is prone to shelling, especially in trees that have dense latewood growth rings like southern pine. As a general rule, the drier the decking, the fewer problems you will have no matter how you install it. Also, consider that there is more sapwood on the bark side of a board, and sapwood more easily accepts stains than heartwood. We recommend you consult with your lumber supplier for a recommendation based on the species of wood and the climate in your region.


Popular Materials Articles
Composite Decking

Capped Composite Decking

What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.

Decking Reviews

Genovations Vinyl

Genovations Vinyl Decking is manufactured by Genova Products, Inc. in Davison, MI.

Wood Materials

How to Dry & Treat Wet Wood

Wet wood shrinks as it dries out and becomes less stable, which can cause it to check and warp. Learn how to dry out and treat wet wood at Decks.com.

Next Step: Footings Articles
Concrete

Cutting a Concrete Pad

Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.

Footing Types

Buried Post

Learn how to install a concrete deck footing with a buried treated support post as an alternative to a solid pier foundation.

Footing Installation

Layout Deck Foundations

Learn how to lay out your deck footings accurately using triangulation with our step-by-step instructions.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Wood Materials

Bark Side Up vs. Best Side Up

Usually, the best policy to use for surfacing an attractive wood floor is to always expose the best side of the board. If your deck boards are wet, some carpenters prefer to install them bark side up to prevent cupping. This technique will orientate the visible growth rings in a downward arc like a dome to eliminate any protruding corners and allow water to run off the boards. Another reason to install the decking bark side up is because the pith side is prone to shelling, especially in trees that have dense latewood growth rings like southern pine. As a general rule, the drier the decking, the fewer problems you will have no matter how you install it. Also, consider that there is more sapwood on the bark side of a board, and sapwood more easily accepts stains than heartwood. We recommend you consult with your lumber supplier for a recommendation based on the species of wood and the climate in your region.


Popular Materials Articles
Composite Decking

Capped Composite Decking

What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.

Decking Reviews

TUF-board

TUF-board low maintenance decking is manufactured by INTEPLAST Group in Livingston, NJ.

Wood Materials

Cedar Decking: Prices, Different Types, Maintenance & More

Cedar decking is an option if you want to build your deck from wood. Learn about the types, costs, and maintenance required for cedar decking at Decks.com.

Next Step: Footings Articles
Concrete

Cutting a Concrete Pad

Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.

Concrete

Working With Concrete

Learn tips from the pros on how to mix and pour concrete for deck footings.

Footing Installation

How many footings do I need?

Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic