[tjerome]

I'm getting ready to lay decking on a deck and am wondering if uneven deck joists should be a big concern (anywhere from even to 1/4"). I'm attributing this to inconsistent board widths (not something I thought about before installing them). The joists are already attached to the beam (hangers), as well as the rim joist (nails). My questions is if this is going to be a big issue when laying the deck, or even visually look bad?

Thanks!

 

[ZTMAN]

It would be an issue for me, plus it doesn't look like there are any joist hangers. If the boards are not of equal width, you flush the top. I assume you installed the boards crown up?

 

[tjerome]

The crowns are up on the joists. I didn't install hangers on that end - there is a doubled 2x12 beam about 2 feet in so didn't think it was necessary. I did attach the joists to the beams with hurricane ties and blocked the joists. Do you think the decking will look "wavy", or will it not be that dramatic?

 

[ZTMAN]

The waviness will depend on the decking material and how far off the joists are. Both joists in the pic are a little high. It looks like one is only slightly higher than the other.
Put down a few deck boards, with screws, and see how it looks. If you don't like it unscrew them and make your corrections.

 

[tjerome]

It won't be composite, just basic pt stock so I know that will bend more. But I guess that's what I'm thinking at this point, maybe throw a few down and see what I think. I'm going to try and run 12' lengths so I think I'll get a good idea. I really don't want to disassemble the end joists, joist and joist hangers, etc. but I don't want a wavy deck either.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[jlhaslip]

The high spots can be sanded down or planed down to the correct level.
It would not take much work to arrange for them to be flush.

 

[funflyer]

The high spots can be sanded down or planed down to the correct level.
It would not take much work to arrange for them to be flush.

That's exactly how I would do it. Last project (workshop) had the typical 2X material where some was as much as 1/4" wider and 1/8" thicker so I used my electric planer to make the corrections. Most noticable on the LVLs before the drywall install. I hate looking at wavy walls and decks.

 

[tjerome]

The high spots can be sanded down or planed down to the correct level.
It would not take much work to arrange for them to be flush.

Would you suggest running a string and using that to look for the biggest offenders (highest spots)?

 

[SeniorSitizen]

For that distance a string may be of some value if the string is Linen boot thread stretched tight as a guitar string otherwise use a straight edge.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

I recommend planing rather than sanding PT lumber. If you sand, make sure you use a NIOSH approved mask, PT dust is toxic.

 

[tjerome]

I think I'll give it a go this week/end and see where I get. Thanks all for the help.