Need help making a herring bone deck

Jodie M
by Jodie M
We are building a deck and are trying to lay the boards in a 90-degree herringbone pattern. We have cut the boards into 4 foot sections. As we are laying them out, they seem to start off fine, but then they keep getting out of kilter and they are getting larger gaps. We have double checked that all the boards are cut to the same length. What are we doing wrong? I thought this would be an easy pattern to do. Help!
  2 answers
  • JOHNNY JOHNNY on Dec 15, 2016

    1st check to see that the project perimeter is square, if not the starting point is the middle of to extrems permendicular to the starting wall. Next check that the joist's are perpendicular (90 degree's the wall/starting point). Each starting board must be cut @a 45 degree cut to the wall ( starting pint ). the spacing between boards must be consistent. Now because your boards are 4 ft, I suggest making a jig, a piece of plywood/osb as a template. triangle, 40 degree and 45, also doing the math or w/ that template snap lines from your starting wall. also i suggest starting in the center of the project and working out, that way the ends are equal on both sides. You may need additional supports @ intersecting points.

    Further if this is a deck outside, prior to starting on the joist's take#2- pieces of drip molding covering the joist's, caulking at overlaying point w/ roof mastic, this stops the wood rot//damage from weather/ debry rot. Will look great once completed, great care must be made to detail tho, also suggest exterior wood screws coated type.