How to Install T&G Decking Grooved Sides

Tongue-and-groove decking is a snap to install in more ways than one, as the tongue of one board slides readily into the groove of the next, just the same way T&G interior flooring does. Makers of T&G decking as of the time of publication include GeoDeck in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Nexwood in Lake Oswego, Oregon. T&G decking is typically installed on joists spaced at 16 inches on center, narrowing to 12 inches on center if you plan a 45-degree installation. Consult local building codes before starting your deck to ensure compliance with any permit requirements for plans and an engineer’s stamp.

Circular saw
Cordless driver
Bit set
Decking screws

Instructions

- 1
  Cut along your starter board with a circular saw to remove the tongue. Fasten the outside edge of the board in place by face-screwing the board with 2 1/2-inch deck screws at least 3/4 inch from the end of the boards.
- 2
  Drill a pilot hole at each joist into the first plank’s groove with a bit that's about three-quarters of the diameter of the actual deck screw. Angle your drill about 60 degrees above horizontal. Drive deck screws into the pilot holes deep enough into the decking so that the next tongue profile is not impeded.
- 3
  Press the second board in place gently by hand. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to gap the board. GeoDeck, for example, advises a gap of 1/32 inch, which is about the thickness of a credit card. Screw the groove in place at each joist. Continue adding planks and screwing them in place until the deck surface is covered.
- 4
  Place accent boards or feature strips at the butt ends of decking if your deck is more than 12 feet wide, the maximum length of typical T&G deck boards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to place the boards perpendicular to the existing board pattern.
- 5
  Cover the open ends of composite T&G decking with end caps, a 2-by-6 deck board or a fascia board.

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