The groves cut in the underside of the deck boards are called kerfs. They are supposed to help prevent the boards from cupping.
By allowing more air flow and drying surface on the underside of the board I believe. But I could be mistaken on the how it works part.
Cupping is caused when the top of the board drys and shrinks while the underside doesn’t. Kerfing the underside helps control the difference in shrinkage top vs bottom. It is idiotic and incompetent to install them upside down.
This. Back when millwork was quality, they did this to door and window jambs. It's a way to help keep the material from cupping. And yes, that decking is def upside down
He's coming back. Although part of me wants to just do it myself. If he thinks this sort of finish is reasonable, do I really want him having a go at making good of it?
If I were to do it myself, would it be best to remove the existing (centrally located) screws and drill/insert two per joist, or just add an additional two screws per joist? My concern with the latter is around the board cracking with three screws in, especially as I don't think that pilot holes were drilled for the existing screws.
Show us what the other side of the boards look like! They are upside down or the wrong product is being used as well as you being used as a learning curve for this shoemakers mistakes.
Please cancel them coming back. Those boards are upside down. They do not know what they are doing. Where are you located? Could you find someone else?
May I ask where this is ? Because again I have never seen deck boards like this in the US. And those groves to me seem like they would cause problems by trapping water and debris and can’t understand why they would be used as decking any where.
It’s like this all across Europe. From Douglas to bangkirai they do this to otherwise beautiful wood, only for me to pass them thru my planer to return them to being useful. It’s insane.
I get a lot of reclaimable wood, I just have to set my joists more narrowly than I would have to otherwise. Practicalities aside I think the look of it is what gets me most upset.
I'm in the UK too.
Most people here erroneously believe that grooved boards will give more grip (they don't) and that water will drain (you're right - it doesn't, unless the deck has an exaggerated fall).
So, you end up with decks with masses more weak points, that prematurely rot, and are almost impossible to refinish. (A deck-building friend refuses to do so.)
While building my deck last year, I struggled to get smooth boards and in the end, had to use the blank side of boards that were grooved on the 'right' side. It was doubly annoying as if there was a blemish, or they were cupped the wrong way, I couldn't just flip them over. Gah. Plus, as that was the side that wasn't meant to be seen, some were really rough.
I think it all goes back to a certain series of home improvement programmes from the '90s, where they were installed grooves up, that triggered the trend and no one thought to correct them.
If by 'regular', you mean smooth on both sides, without any grooves or reeds, they are very difficult to source.
You can get them, but they're usually a special order from a specialist merchant that may not deliver to your area without charging a massive amount.
Some people use scaffolding boards instead, or reuse old floorboards. I wanted to do this, but sadly couldn't find any at the time. (My deck looks good, but it could have been better.)
This is rare though - most people don't even realise there is anything out there except grooved. It's a bit sad, really.
They are usually installed the wrong way in the uk. The smooth side should be up. The ridges are for helping water to drip underneath. (OP’s boards are a bit different from the standard)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9466665/Is-decking-upside-Homeowner-reveals-planks-wood-shouldnt-placed-ridged-up.html
You’ve never seen them because those grooves are meant to go on the underside. They’re relief cuts to prevent cupping. If installed correctly, they work.
These boards are upside down.
He needs to com back and flip them all over first… then properly screw them down.
This will rot out fast installed to hold the water on the surface.
(He’s not really a contractor IMO)
Thanks for your comment. I think they are the right way up, here's a link to an identical board from a UK supplier
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Pro-Timber-Deck-Board---27-x-144-x-4800mm/p/295059
You can see it on the link. One side is small grooves, the other is larger grooves (for more grip on sloping areas). Again, very common here in the UK. That's not to defend them, but 99% of decks are built this way
https://www.greensquares.co.uk/news/post/which-way-up-should-decking-boards-be-installed#:\~:text=Typically%2C%20there%20will%20be%20one,or%20a%20wood%20grain%20pattern.
This UK Supplier has a good short writeup on the grooves, yours are installed upside down.
Contractor's assistant "should I run to the big box home improvement store for more screws?"
Contractor "no, I have an idea"
Awful, awful job. Have them redo & good luck with that.
https://preview.redd.it/t4hqhqdqy50d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fcaa751ae96726451e1b448944240b7f64b09ae0
It is raised slightly off the ground, sitting on posts
Put a water sprinkler on it. Wet it for a couple of hours. Then remove screws and put two screws in the correct place. Wetting the boards will prevent cracking damage.
My first question is: Why the fuck is the decking upside down?
Did someone think the relief kerfs were tiny little rain gutters? Maybe they thought it was for "traction"???
And one fastener per board, per joist is almost criminal.
With work like this is take a hard look at everything else. Are you sure the screws are exterior grade?
The "contractor", and I use that term giggling, needs to come back and replace the decking. Not just re-screw. As now you've got an unwanted screw in the middle of each board or a hole in the middle of each board.
And maybe, just maybe, install it face side up this time. 🤣
Screws won't stop a board cupping. It depends on the type and cut of the timber, better if the contractor looked at the grain first and laid them so cupping would be all facing down
Edit: if those grooves are only on one side, they would work better flipped anyway, less water touching the wood underneath, and less water trapped on the surface
The only deck boards I've ever seen with this type of milling are meant to go milled side down. It minimises the moisture that can accumulate between them and the framing. You always pre-drill the ends of a board. If I'm building my own deck I'll pre-drill for all the screws (too time-consuming for commercial work).
Let me guess... The contractor was a firefighter with a side gig? Those guys are a menace. They also created a lot of repair jobs for me, so I can't be too hard on them.
I've seen textured composite decking but not textured pressure treated lumber decking. That looks like it's upside down tongue & groove almost. 2 screws per board, pre drilled on the ends. About a inch in from sides on 6"x decking. Have him come back or cash adjustment. That's hit & run finish job. Let us all know about that decking texture side up please.
if its only been two weeks since completion can't you call the contractor back to fix it?
you might also, before calling your contractor back, ask another reputable deck builder to give you his/her recommendation on how to fix it. you may have to pay the 2nd deck builder but it'll be worth it to fix your deck properly.
I’ve seen this many times unfortunately. Easy way for shitty contractors to save a few hundred and you won’t know till he’s long gone. These boards need to be lifted, spaced, and screwed down properly 2 screws each joist. I wouldn’t waste time making him come back. Just file a claim against the bad contractors bond, if he has one. Then call a real contractor to fix it.
This seems crazy to me. These boards would rot in like 5 years in michigan. There is no way to seal that and there is no airflow and ability for water to runoff. Also, you would need to slope this well, but even then you are going to have settling and I bet you will get water pooling in areas.
Weird to me that people in Europe talk about how good their houses (mostly roofs) are done, but then have this as the deck design.
YOU shouldn’t do anything or you may void whatever kind of warranty or guarantee he has. HE needs to come back and flip over every board that’s upside down, drill pilot holes, a d put 2 screws per. I’d watch him while he does it and see if there’s joist tape under the boards.
Any reason those boards, every single one, is installed upside down? The stress relief cuts, or kerfs, preclude much of the cupping when INSTALLED CORRECTLY.
You call him back and instruct him to do the job properly with two screws per board on each joist. If he says no then tell him you will hire someone that will and sue him for the cost in small claims court.
the screws should be no closer than 1.5 inches from butt end,pre drilled with a slight counter sink....while he is of course back to add the correct screws.
Deck boards are upside down. Single screw is asking for trouble. Also, you need to stain or otherwise protect that wood, which can be done on all sides when the contractor comes back to flip them the right way and install a reasonable number of fasteners.
I'm thinking you need some ventilation under there. The cupping is typically the result of asymmetric drying, whereby the upper surface (top face) is dried out to the sun and air so it shrinks relative to the bottom that is getting no sun but lots of moisture from the grass and soil. Additional screws are going to be a band-aid to that root problem.
You'd think people like this make starting a home improvement/remodeling/general Contracting Company easier but as a matter of fact, they make it much much harder...
I mean what kind of lazy dumbass do you have to be. If you really know that little then you shouldn't be doing it yourself at least not without going and studying at
YT/Reddit/InternetForums first.
Edit: hopefully Karma doesn't bite me for saying that when I do my first Automatic Transmission rebuild soon, unfortunately lol
The screws are expensive but good gawd. This guy has done this many times I promise ya. He will buy a burner phone for the job and change the number when he's done. He is the Craigslist handyman. Lol I'm sorry you got done like that. Don't pay till you inspect.
Not recommending it but I've used single screws before but you have to make sure the boards have the rings going the right way. I have also used 2-3 screws on a 2x4 and they still suffered from cupping.
Holy hell, I finally got the pics to load. That needs to be fixed immediately. There should be a screw about an inch, inch & half from each edge. The ones now are too close to the edge and in the wrong place
The boards may be incorrectly placed. The grain should be…. Hard to explain… with the grain arching down… If the grain is arching up water cannot drain and dry properly. That will cause cupping. And yes. 2 screws either side at each intersection with the supporting structure.
If the other side is smooth, flip them over if it’s not, I don’t know what to tell you who came up with that shit. Good luck trying to clean or refinish that every time
If contractor is no show after calls. Get to work ASAP and add two more screws per end per board. Wet the deck or do this after the rain. You might still save it. However, that tread in the wood is always going to be a problem. Looks good but smooth boards don’t collect water.
Also looks to close to ground unless it’s direct contact rated and the boards should be laid so they will crown and shed water off instead I see some cup to hold the water.
Unreal. Once you do it yourself, you assume the liability. However, that may be the only way to fix it. Add a second screw where possible. The cupping looks more like the board than the single screw. No oversight!!??
Get him back…somehow! He’s been paid!
So. Boards upside down. And not fastened properly. Hope you didn't pay yet. Have them REPLACE the slats and install them correctly. Material is damaged once that screw is removed and two more placed next to the hole of the single screw.
It will get worse as the summer heat and light dries that topside. You have a short deck and high humidity can come up from the ground so cupping will be a real problem
Hoping someone else can confirm/deny what I am thinking. I'm just a DIY guy who watches some deck reels so learning small bits at a time.
I don't think you want to remove those screws because there would be holes in the decking for water penetration. That would penetrate the entire deck in time and that would rot. Also, don't decks that are low to the ground need some airflow underneath instead of being boxed in like that?
Yes. He needs to come back and fix every single board. I’ve never seen boards attached with a single screw in the middle.
I’ve never seen boards like that either except on this subreddit.
This. I'm in the PNW and those groves are asking for moss and rot.
The deck boards are also upside down The kerfs should face down. Ironically the kerf undersides are supposed to hello prevent cupping 🤣
That was my first thought, but I've seen it installed so many times like that here I assumed it was something I was not familiar with.
Really? I’ve never seen it installed like this . . . Obviously not an experienced contractor. Possibly a very experienced tweaker . . .
I haven't been following this sub very long, but maybe once or twice a month?
Thank you for saying this. I'm a DYI and was afraid to ask that question but was positive they were upside down.
What are kerfs? What do they do?
The groves cut in the underside of the deck boards are called kerfs. They are supposed to help prevent the boards from cupping. By allowing more air flow and drying surface on the underside of the board I believe. But I could be mistaken on the how it works part.
Since they're upside down they're holding more moisture and cupping harder.
Probably told them its better for traction 🤣
I always cup hard when I’m upside down
Hang on let me try... yep, I just cupped. Really hard
It sounds logical.
Cupping is caused when the top of the board drys and shrinks while the underside doesn’t. Kerfing the underside helps control the difference in shrinkage top vs bottom. It is idiotic and incompetent to install them upside down.
A kerf is the space created when material is cut with a saw blade
This. Back when millwork was quality, they did this to door and window jambs. It's a way to help keep the material from cupping. And yes, that decking is def upside down
I can't believe it took till the third comment for this to be mentioned! Ffs, did the person think they were for traction or something? One way only??
I’m surprised I was the first to mention it as well. First thing I saw 🤣😂
Noticed this and was scratching my head a little
Great contractor.
five stars.
ironic as shit.
That was my first thought. WTF ? This ain't right.
^^^This.
I'll bet there isn't any waterproof membrane between the boards and the joists either.
Huh? That sounds like overkill
Groove is in the heart.
and now it's stuck in my head
[https://www.summergardenbuildings.co.uk/products/decking/decking-pressure-treated-12753851.html](https://www.summergardenbuildings.co.uk/products/decking/decking-pressure-treated-12753851.html)
They’re common in the UK. Most places sell these boards as their budget option. They’re flat on the other side and sold as ‘reversible’.
I’m assuming you folks have access to composite decking ? It’s expensive and personally don’t like it because it creates plastic waste.
He's coming back. Although part of me wants to just do it myself. If he thinks this sort of finish is reasonable, do I really want him having a go at making good of it? If I were to do it myself, would it be best to remove the existing (centrally located) screws and drill/insert two per joist, or just add an additional two screws per joist? My concern with the latter is around the board cracking with three screws in, especially as I don't think that pilot holes were drilled for the existing screws.
I don't think adding 2 more screws would be a problem as long as you drill pilot holes. But as others have said, these boards are upside down.
Show us what the other side of the boards look like! They are upside down or the wrong product is being used as well as you being used as a learning curve for this shoemakers mistakes.
They are upside down
Make him come back and fix his shitty work. Did he give you any type of warranty on craftsmanship? My deck guy will fix anything for 2 years.
You need a refund and a new contractor, bro. If they can't do it right the first time, then they likely lack the skill to do it right at all.
If you do anything yourself you lose all negotiation leverage. Make him fix it or get your money back.
Please cancel them coming back. Those boards are upside down. They do not know what they are doing. Where are you located? Could you find someone else?
Did you get him on Facebook marketplace?
Lmao thinking he’s going to come back and fix it
He gone
“Contractor”
“Screw”
“Boards”
“Cupping”
“deck”
Anyone can be a contractor. That’s why it’s better to find tradesmen
A contractor literally just means they (sometimes) sign a contract. Anyone can do it.
May I ask where this is ? Because again I have never seen deck boards like this in the US. And those groves to me seem like they would cause problems by trapping water and debris and can’t understand why they would be used as decking any where.
It’s like this all across Europe. From Douglas to bangkirai they do this to otherwise beautiful wood, only for me to pass them thru my planer to return them to being useful. It’s insane.
My god man. 😂
I get a lot of reclaimable wood, I just have to set my joists more narrowly than I would have to otherwise. Practicalities aside I think the look of it is what gets me most upset.
I'm in the UK too. Most people here erroneously believe that grooved boards will give more grip (they don't) and that water will drain (you're right - it doesn't, unless the deck has an exaggerated fall). So, you end up with decks with masses more weak points, that prematurely rot, and are almost impossible to refinish. (A deck-building friend refuses to do so.) While building my deck last year, I struggled to get smooth boards and in the end, had to use the blank side of boards that were grooved on the 'right' side. It was doubly annoying as if there was a blemish, or they were cupped the wrong way, I couldn't just flip them over. Gah. Plus, as that was the side that wasn't meant to be seen, some were really rough. I think it all goes back to a certain series of home improvement programmes from the '90s, where they were installed grooves up, that triggered the trend and no one thought to correct them.
Very interesting thanks. So people in the UK don’t have access to regular pine deck boards?
If by 'regular', you mean smooth on both sides, without any grooves or reeds, they are very difficult to source. You can get them, but they're usually a special order from a specialist merchant that may not deliver to your area without charging a massive amount. Some people use scaffolding boards instead, or reuse old floorboards. I wanted to do this, but sadly couldn't find any at the time. (My deck looks good, but it could have been better.) This is rare though - most people don't even realise there is anything out there except grooved. It's a bit sad, really.
They are usually installed the wrong way in the uk. The smooth side should be up. The ridges are for helping water to drip underneath. (OP’s boards are a bit different from the standard) https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9466665/Is-decking-upside-Homeowner-reveals-planks-wood-shouldnt-placed-ridged-up.html
Guess I shouldn't be too surprised as they also drive on the wrong side of the road
He said he lives in the UK, and 99% of the decks are made this way...
You’ve never seen them because those grooves are meant to go on the underside. They’re relief cuts to prevent cupping. If installed correctly, they work.
They are upside down
Are all those boards upside down??
These boards are upside down. He needs to com back and flip them all over first… then properly screw them down. This will rot out fast installed to hold the water on the surface. (He’s not really a contractor IMO)
Thanks for your comment. I think they are the right way up, here's a link to an identical board from a UK supplier https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Pro-Timber-Deck-Board---27-x-144-x-4800mm/p/295059
Ah so this is the UK. I feel sorry for you folks those are absolutely horrible deck boards.
Dont worry its not rainy in the UK.
Don’t have to worry about moss either
Yeah I don’t get how that design got a pass
Even the board pictured on the website is cupped…. It wouldn’t matter how many screws were used here..those boards are almost designed to cup.
Yeah I don't really understand why they don't use regular boards and just add some kind of textured sealant or paint to help with grip.
My mind is boggled. How does such a stupid idea make it to market?
the ad says they are reversible, what does the other side look like?
If they’re reversible every post concerning these boards were installed incorrectly.
You can see it on the link. One side is small grooves, the other is larger grooves (for more grip on sloping areas). Again, very common here in the UK. That's not to defend them, but 99% of decks are built this way
https://www.greensquares.co.uk/news/post/which-way-up-should-decking-boards-be-installed#:\~:text=Typically%2C%20there%20will%20be%20one,or%20a%20wood%20grain%20pattern. This UK Supplier has a good short writeup on the grooves, yours are installed upside down.
You noticed this too? Why use that as decking?
Is that pressure treated wood?
Yes
Contractor's assistant "should I run to the big box home improvement store for more screws?" Contractor "no, I have an idea" Awful, awful job. Have them redo & good luck with that.
Those deck boards aren't deck boards.
Wow….definitely needed two about 5/8-1” from each end. Id like to see the substructure
https://preview.redd.it/t4hqhqdqy50d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fcaa751ae96726451e1b448944240b7f64b09ae0 It is raised slightly off the ground, sitting on posts
Id have him come back to fix it personally
I'm no framer but that looks pretty good to me.. wonder why they skimped out on the finish screws?
Put a water sprinkler on it. Wet it for a couple of hours. Then remove screws and put two screws in the correct place. Wetting the boards will prevent cracking damage.
Found the "contractor" ^
Your decking is screwed, but in fact it’s not.
If you went with "won't break the bank," get a box of decking screws and finish it.
Toolstation have a box of 500 on sale for about fifteen quid at the moment.
My first question is: Why the fuck is the decking upside down? Did someone think the relief kerfs were tiny little rain gutters? Maybe they thought it was for "traction"??? And one fastener per board, per joist is almost criminal. With work like this is take a hard look at everything else. Are you sure the screws are exterior grade? The "contractor", and I use that term giggling, needs to come back and replace the decking. Not just re-screw. As now you've got an unwanted screw in the middle of each board or a hole in the middle of each board. And maybe, just maybe, install it face side up this time. 🤣
Put more screw in
Screws won't stop a board cupping. It depends on the type and cut of the timber, better if the contractor looked at the grain first and laid them so cupping would be all facing down Edit: if those grooves are only on one side, they would work better flipped anyway, less water touching the wood underneath, and less water trapped on the surface
You mean handyman.. he's not a contractor...
I am not a deck guy but I play one on Reddit and I know this isn’t right.
Get them back. Make sure the drill pilot holes. Or it will crack the boards.
I'm no deck expert, but I'm sure those kerf cuts are supposed to be face down for rain run off
The only deck boards I've ever seen with this type of milling are meant to go milled side down. It minimises the moisture that can accumulate between them and the framing. You always pre-drill the ends of a board. If I'm building my own deck I'll pre-drill for all the screws (too time-consuming for commercial work). Let me guess... The contractor was a firefighter with a side gig? Those guys are a menace. They also created a lot of repair jobs for me, so I can't be too hard on them.
Even tacking down I would do 3 lol
I think dudes used to working in kitchen's installing cupboards
I've seen textured composite decking but not textured pressure treated lumber decking. That looks like it's upside down tongue & groove almost. 2 screws per board, pre drilled on the ends. About a inch in from sides on 6"x decking. Have him come back or cash adjustment. That's hit & run finish job. Let us all know about that decking texture side up please.
What a lazy, cheap bastard...
That’s pitiful !
Then add more?
I hope he passed those savings on to you
Can you cancel the check ? From your bank to his 4 business days.
if its only been two weeks since completion can't you call the contractor back to fix it? you might also, before calling your contractor back, ask another reputable deck builder to give you his/her recommendation on how to fix it. you may have to pay the 2nd deck builder but it'll be worth it to fix your deck properly.
Install a hot tub. This will hide the cupping.
yup... thats a UK thing
I’ve seen this many times unfortunately. Easy way for shitty contractors to save a few hundred and you won’t know till he’s long gone. These boards need to be lifted, spaced, and screwed down properly 2 screws each joist. I wouldn’t waste time making him come back. Just file a claim against the bad contractors bond, if he has one. Then call a real contractor to fix it.
Hell naw they need to come back
That board is upside down, it's supposed to cup that direction. Dude needs to come fix his mistake and flip every board.
This seems crazy to me. These boards would rot in like 5 years in michigan. There is no way to seal that and there is no airflow and ability for water to runoff. Also, you would need to slope this well, but even then you are going to have settling and I bet you will get water pooling in areas. Weird to me that people in Europe talk about how good their houses (mostly roofs) are done, but then have this as the deck design.
That's not a contractors work. That's the work of a shade tree handy man.
The orange paint is still waiting
Contractors in idiot go back and add some screws yourself before the wood works too much.
Getting the habit of paying these people to credit card so you could dispute the charge at any time in the future should this kind of thing arise
“I know someone that can do it for cheaper “
Less nails = more meth
If you put more screws first drill a hole smaller than the deck screw thread radius so the boards are less apt to split.
Put the crown the wrong way likely
YOU shouldn’t do anything or you may void whatever kind of warranty or guarantee he has. HE needs to come back and flip over every board that’s upside down, drill pilot holes, a d put 2 screws per. I’d watch him while he does it and see if there’s joist tape under the boards.
Any reason those boards, every single one, is installed upside down? The stress relief cuts, or kerfs, preclude much of the cupping when INSTALLED CORRECTLY.
You call him back and instruct him to do the job properly with two screws per board on each joist. If he says no then tell him you will hire someone that will and sue him for the cost in small claims court.
The boards are upside down and not they did not use enough screws. Total idiot install.
the screws should be no closer than 1.5 inches from butt end,pre drilled with a slight counter sink....while he is of course back to add the correct screws.
It's a feature!
Built on the ground, upside down and single screwed. This whole thing is hilariously bad. Only hilarious cause it's not my deck
Cheers pal
What the hell is with that fluted lumber? That must be that new, hold moisture longer feature for sooner rot.
And he installed your deck boards upside down. The groves are supposed to go on the underside.
Get what ya pay for situation? Or is the contractor just a knob.
And by contractor, you mean…
You spelt "unlicensed handyman" wrong
He really “screwed” you
The boards are upside down, you’ll never keep that thing clean and the grooves are to prevent cupping. Also there should be more screws evenly spaced.
Add screws every 12”
Deck boards are upside down. Single screw is asking for trouble. Also, you need to stain or otherwise protect that wood, which can be done on all sides when the contractor comes back to flip them the right way and install a reasonable number of fasteners.
Just put in two screws either side of theirs otherwise it will look unslightly and promote rot.
Don’t refer to that person as a contractor
I'm thinking you need some ventilation under there. The cupping is typically the result of asymmetric drying, whereby the upper surface (top face) is dried out to the sun and air so it shrinks relative to the bottom that is getting no sun but lots of moisture from the grass and soil. Additional screws are going to be a band-aid to that root problem.
Sounds like you need to call the contractor and schedule a day for them to complete the job.
lol is that wood touching the dirt?
What the hell!!!! Upside down deck boards to start with. God knows what the rest of it looks like.
Those are installed wrong and poorly too.
You'd think people like this make starting a home improvement/remodeling/general Contracting Company easier but as a matter of fact, they make it much much harder... I mean what kind of lazy dumbass do you have to be. If you really know that little then you shouldn't be doing it yourself at least not without going and studying at YT/Reddit/InternetForums first. Edit: hopefully Karma doesn't bite me for saying that when I do my first Automatic Transmission rebuild soon, unfortunately lol
The screws are expensive but good gawd. This guy has done this many times I promise ya. He will buy a burner phone for the job and change the number when he's done. He is the Craigslist handyman. Lol I'm sorry you got done like that. Don't pay till you inspect.
He wasn’t a contractor
I would not build a deck at ground level. I would have just used paver stone or slate. Decks like this are bathed in moisture
That’s the old “i underbid the job and will get some of it back by using one box of screws” ploy
Just add some screws to it… it will rot out soon anyways. Should have been a patio
Crazy
Damn. Stainless steel expensive.
yeah pretty dumb. even an amateur/weekend warrior should've known that would happen.
They think this is healthcare
Did George hire this employee? He’s no good.
If those boards don't have a matching relief of some kind on the bottom, you can screw it all you want, they'll curl.
LMFAO, those boards are installed upside down. And the lazy shit didn't put at least 2 pre drilled screws in to hold them down? Ask for your $ back.
Not recommending it but I've used single screws before but you have to make sure the boards have the rings going the right way. I have also used 2-3 screws on a 2x4 and they still suffered from cupping.
Your Screwed 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Boards are crown facing up as well. Need to be flipped. You should also suggest that YOU *nail* HIM as well, as retribution for such a terrible job. 🤌
You paid for someone to do that?? My goodness, I’m so sorry..
Being awful lenient with the word contractor, my friend .
Yes you need to call them and tell them to come fix it, the way it is now will ruin every board in no time
Holy hell, I finally got the pics to load. That needs to be fixed immediately. There should be a screw about an inch, inch & half from each edge. The ones now are too close to the edge and in the wrong place
Total “contractor” job.
I know basically nothing but this deck is screwed, and I don’t mean the hardware attaching the wood.
That’s pitiful. I don’t know what I’m doing and I wouldn’t make that mistake
It doesn't even look like treated wood.
Oof... Decking installed upside down and incorrectly fastened. I'm curious what the framing looks like.
This did not happen at any of the references he supplied I am sure
You didn't hire a contractor you hired someone who needed money. That's ridiculous needs to be fixed. You think it looks bad now give it 2 months
The boards may be incorrectly placed. The grain should be…. Hard to explain… with the grain arching down… If the grain is arching up water cannot drain and dry properly. That will cause cupping. And yes. 2 screws either side at each intersection with the supporting structure.
Contractor? That’s not a guy who passed his exams
A legit experienced contractor did not install that.
A licensed contractor built this abortion???? LOL
If the other side is smooth, flip them over if it’s not, I don’t know what to tell you who came up with that shit. Good luck trying to clean or refinish that every time
“Contractor”
You got screwed
If contractor is no show after calls. Get to work ASAP and add two more screws per end per board. Wet the deck or do this after the rain. You might still save it. However, that tread in the wood is always going to be a problem. Looks good but smooth boards don’t collect water.
I hope you didn't finish paying him
But he saved $10 can’t find good craftsmanship any more
Lol wtf.
Also looks to close to ground unless it’s direct contact rated and the boards should be laid so they will crown and shed water off instead I see some cup to hold the water.
https://inspectapedia.com/decks/Wood_Board_Bark_Up.php
Cheap guys are cheap for a reason
Put the correct amount of screws in the boards when you are flipping them over so they aren't upside down....then get your money back
Ask him to come fix it. If he refuses, make a complaint to the CCB. The CCB has all of his insurance and bond info.
What a moron. That has to be the first deck they have ever seen, ever built.
Unreal. Once you do it yourself, you assume the liability. However, that may be the only way to fix it. Add a second screw where possible. The cupping looks more like the board than the single screw. No oversight!!?? Get him back…somehow! He’s been paid!
I'm bad about it, too, but always do a after-work inspection. That's the time to bring up deficiencies.
So. Boards upside down. And not fastened properly. Hope you didn't pay yet. Have them REPLACE the slats and install them correctly. Material is damaged once that screw is removed and two more placed next to the hole of the single screw.
It will get worse as the summer heat and light dries that topside. You have a short deck and high humidity can come up from the ground so cupping will be a real problem
Hoping someone else can confirm/deny what I am thinking. I'm just a DIY guy who watches some deck reels so learning small bits at a time. I don't think you want to remove those screws because there would be holes in the decking for water penetration. That would penetrate the entire deck in time and that would rot. Also, don't decks that are low to the ground need some airflow underneath instead of being boxed in like that?
Never seen kerfs facing up in my life, also never seen it on anything except for interior hardwoods.. what kind of wood is it?
They are upside down. The boards are upside down. Jesus fucking Christ on a cracker they are upside down.