I know this is not really a “woodworking” problem, more of a building problem……. but…… I will take help where I can find it. I need advise on skirting the outside band of a customers deck. I installed Scenic Mahogany 1×12 and it wants to cup like crazy. We pre-sealed it on all six surfaces, and still…. it cups and looks horrible.
HELP!!!
Thanks,
Steve
Replies
Woodworking Problem
Ask away - welcome to the site.
I do not do outdoor finishing much or work at construction but I know what those that do will ask when they respond.
How long has it been since installation, - what kind of finish - what kind of fasteners - how far apart were the fasteners - what were you fastening to - did the lumber yard have any comment about the cupping issue ?
SA
On anything outdoors I try to keep stuff as narrow as I can. Good advice from Hank Gilpin. The widest I use is 5/4 x 6 (5 1/2) WRC decking stock - and sometimes have a problem with even that cupping.
Do you have a leftover piece of the 1 x12"? How about ripping it in half? Fasten that down like the original as a test but 2 pieces side by side with perhaps a 1/4" gap - and see how that works? If good, rip the 12" down and reinstall as 2 6" courses?
For this, and perhaps as another possible solution to the original 12" material - look at the Kreg Deck Jig. It lets you use what are essentially 2" trim head stainless or coated screws ,'toenailed' in on the edges - pretty much blind. You can use the same screws driven perpendicular for the board middle. Looks acceptable in my view. Lets you use LOTS of screws, mostly unseen.
relief cuts on back
Sometimes you can make relief cuts 1/4 inche deep on the back of teh board to stop cupping. It can resluts in cracks in the relief cut owever.
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