Two questions re: decking lumber


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Old 09-15-17, 08:22 AM
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Two questions re: decking lumber

I was looking at a deck this week and the builder seems to have:
  1. Rounded all four edges of the deck boards. Ipe wood I think. Question: what's the best way to do this with a router table? (pressure treated 2 X 6s, ~ 33" long, herringbone)
  2. Butted the cut ends of the deck boards, and left a 1/8 gap on the long edges. Question: is butting the ends a standard practice? As wood gets wider, not longer, with moisture, I think so, but just want to be sure.

Thanks for all your help!
 
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Old 09-15-17, 10:18 AM
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You probably wouldn't do it with a router table, I would use a palm router and a round over bit.

Butt joints are used when you can't get boards long enough to span, or when you have a perimeter board or divider plank, etc. Don't know what butt joint you are imagining. If you are asking about herringbone, yes, it is alternating butt joints. Chevron is similar but mitered.
 
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Old 09-16-17, 09:52 AM
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If you're going to be machining pressure treated wood, don't forget a good dust mask/respirator.
 
 

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