Decking Board Lengths

Choosing the right length of decking boards can have a significant impact on a decking performance. Decking boards come in various sizes and styles, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each option. Each decking project will suit a different length board, to avoid having excessive wastage. The length of your decking board will affect where you have to cut the board and how many joists would need to be doubled, threfore ffects the installation process and will even affect the cost.

Within this article, we will look into the different lengths of decking available in different materials. Let’s take a look at the factors below.

 

 

Composite Decking Material

Composite decking boards are durable decking materials, containing wood fibres and recycled plastic making it resistant to the elements. These characteristics make composite material extremely favourable with homeowners. Usually, composite decking boards vary from 2.4m to 4m. The standard sizing is 2.4m, 3.6m, 4m and some suppliers even offer composite decking at 4.8m and longer. Be mindful, that the longer the decking board, the more challenging it can be to deliver.

Opting for longer composite decking boards when you have a bigger size decking can look more aesthetically pleasing as it means less seams and joints which provides a more seamless appearance. Alternatively, if you have a smaller decking area the shorter decking boards might be a better option as longer ones might be harder to handle or install.

 

Wooden Decking Material

A more traditional and classic decking option is wood material. Wooden decking is usually pressure treated which prolongs its lifespan, which in turn leads to less replacement and repair in comparison to non-treated wood decking. There are many different suppliers of wood on the market that range in lengths from 1.2m to 4.8m. It is rarer to get longer wooden decking boards in comparison to other materials such as composite and plastic, but it is worth checking with your supplier to see if they have longer lengths available. 

Plastic (PVC) Decking material

PVC decking contains 100% plastic material and can last for multiple decades. PVC decking is waterproof and therefore won’t rot or decay as wood decking will. Additionally, PVC is also resistant to mould and does not need oiling, staining or sealing to make it last longer.

When it comes to the lengths available for plastic decking, there tends to be more varying lengths available as it is manmade and can be made to fit specific customer requirements. When buying plastic decking, check with your supplier the different lengths they can offer you.

 

Can You Get a 24-foot Long Composite Decking?

Some homeowners question whether 24 foot long decking boards are available or not. Most decking boards on the market have lengths spanning from 6″ to 20″. If you visit your local supplier, these are the ones you will likely find. But as for 24-foot boards, you may have a more difficult time finding them. Fortunately, while still significantly rarer, extra-long PVC and composite decking boards are much easier to find than wood boards of the same length. You may find a few suppliers that have them in stock so be sure to shop around before buying. While slightly more unusual, there are several places you can get 24-foot decking boards. Some shops have them in stock, while there are brands that you can pre-order from. Depending on the deck you are designing, longer decking boards are very useful in many ways. However, you will still need to take note of some of the drawbacks.

Why Opt for Longer Decking Lengths?

Many prefer longer decking boards for several reasons. For instance, since longer boards span greater distances, there will be less exposed ends. While composite decking boards are highly resistant, these ends can be susceptible to a few issues, such as warping and moisture absorption. You will save much more from replacement costs in the long run, as long as you maintain the decking correctly.

Another excellent advantage of longer decking boards is their aesthetics. With fewer ends, you will have a smoother and cleaner-looking decking. If you are going for a straightforward decking layout, longer boards are better suited for the job. With fewer ends, it also lessens the likelihood of the boards popping out. Besides using them as usual, long decking boards are also handy for other uses. For instance, you can use them to picture frame your decking.

Disadvantages of Long Composite Decking Boards

While there are several advantages of long composite decking boards, there are a few drawbacks as well. One of the many concerns in using long decking boards is stability. The longer the decking boards, the bendier they get. If you plan to use long decking boards, you will have to follow the correct joist spacing to ensure a sturdy decking. To make longer boards less flexible and sturdier, many manufacturers make them thicker than shorter boards. For this reason, they may be more expensive when it comes to initial cost.

Besides the thickness, the limited stock of 24″ foot decking boards can make it more expensive. Ordering from a custom-length board supplier can often be cheaper. Another disadvantage of longer decking boards is you won’t have as much freedom when it comes to design. With shorter boards, you can layout the decking boards into different patterns and styles. And you do it without a lot of cutting. For longer ones, your options are significantly more limited unless you cut them into smaller pieces.

Would you like our guide on how to build the perfect decking for a small garden? Click the link below

https://ultradecking.co.uk/composite-decking-buyers-guide/