How to Do Wood Floor Exteriors

The planks in an exterior wood floor, such as those on a porch or deck, have to lock together tightly, not only to provide a secure footing but also to withstand the elements of nature. Exterior wood floor planks are secured to joists, the beams beneath the planks. Before installing tongue-and-groove wood planks, acclimate or adjust them to the area's ambient temperature to prevent the wood from buckling or swelling after you install it. Also prime the undersides to seal them from moisture and damage that would occur otherwise due to direct exposure to natural elements. Install your exterior wood flooring once the frame and joists are securely in place.

Measuring tape
Deck boards
Handsaw
Oil-based primer
Paintbrush
Screwdriver
3-inch deck screws
Scrap lumber
Chalk line

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the porch, or the distance from one side of the deck's frame to the other, to determine how long you need to cut the wood decking planks. You will lay these planks parallel to the face of house, perpendicular to the joists below. Cut the planks to size using a saw.
- 2
  Apply a coat of oil-based primer over the sides and back of each wood plank, using a small paintbrush. Allow the sealant to cure for a day.
- 3
  Lay the first plank flush against the house, directly above the perpendicular joists below. Ensure the ends of this plank rest above the sides of the deck's frame.
- 4
  Drive two 3-inch deck screws through the end of the plank to secure it to the joist directly below. Repeat this process to drive screws through each intersection.
- 5
  Measure and cut a piece of scrap lumber down to 1/8 inch so it serves as a spacer guide. Position the spacer against the installed plank and lay a second plank flush against it, directly above the joists below.
- 6
  Remove the spacer plank before inserting screws to secure this plank to the joists below. Continue to lay four to five planks along the floor of the deck the same way, maintaining the 1/8-inch gap between adjacent planks.
- 7
  Measure the distance between the ends of every fourth or fifth plank you install and the front of the deck or porch you still have to cover. Ideally, the distance from each end should be equal. However, if the distance along one end is longer than the other, you can correct the gap over the next plank or two, so the last plank is parallel to the front of the deck frame. Continue installing the planks until you are 3 to 4 feet from the front of the deck's frame.
- 8
  Check the gap between each end of the last installed plank and the front of the deck. Divide this gap by the width of the plank plus 1/8 inch. When installing the remaining planks, decrease the 1/8 inch gap so the last plank you install is full-width.
- 9
  Snap a chalk line along the ends of the planks that extend beyond the edge of the deck or porch floor, to form a cutting guideline. Carefully cut the board ends at the chalk line using a circular saw or handsaw.

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