Laying decking.. spacer gaps needed???

[DaMekon]

Im after some opinions on whether I should be leaving spacer gaps between the decking boards...??

Ive been told both, by various people, and was after a more educated opinion. Ive been told to leave around 1/8 inch gap between deck boards to allow for swelling/shrinking...

Im hoping to lay them this week, and as the wether has been a bit wet, cold and damp, was wondering if I should leave a gap at all... as they will shrink when dry, in the summer..

They are pressure treated 4800x150x38mm, grooved both sides.

Ive got around 700 screws to get done before the ice and snow arrives!!

 

[Thermo]

leave a gap

 

[masona]

Leave a gap for rain drainage and air flow for drying etc.

 

[masona]

No, I did not copy you Thermo

 

[Thermo]

oh yes you did (its nearly panto season just warming up!)

 

[DaMekon]

A gap it is then... albeit a narrow one!!!

Thanks

 

[skybluescooby]

6" nail knocked half way through a random scrap piece of wood. Make a few of these and use them as spacers, Worked for me and you wont get any of the "dropped spacers through gap" scenarios