Many people wonder how to cut deck boards around posts because it can be a difficult task. The first thing you need to do is figure out the measurements of your post and measure your board accordingly.
You will want to make sure that the board is longer than the height of the post so that there are no gaps in between. Then, use a circular saw or miter saw as well as a laser level for accuracy and carefully cut through the wood from one end to another, following along where your post will go.
Lastly, fill in any gaps with additional pieces of wood if necessary and sand down all sides before painting or staining. Deck boards can be a costly investment, so it’s essential to take the time and care required to cut them around posts properly.
Step by Step Guide on How to Cut Deck Boards Around Posts
Step One: Measure the Posts
Most deck projects involve installing your deck boards with the ends resting on top of posts. The best way to cut around posts is to measure and mark where you need to notch out the boards before they are installed.
This will be an essential step because the notches need to be deep enough for the post to fit into them. The best way to measure around posts is to use a measuring tape, a carpenter’s square, and pencils.
Step Two: Make Notches on Deck Boards
First, you need to measure how big the notch needs to be. Then, you put your carpenter’s square on the board so one side is next to the post. Finally, you use a pencil to mark out where the notches will go.
When you are making a project that has several pieces that fit together, it is important to make sure that all the pieces are the same size and shape. One way to do this is to use a template. First, you make a template of one of the pieces. Then, you use that template to mark out all the other pieces that you need to make. This way, all the pieces will fit together perfectly.
Step Three: Cut Notches for Posts with a Circular Saw
After cutting your lines, your next step is to cut them out using a circular saw. While it may be easier to use a jigsaw for this step, we recommend using a circular saw because the blade will have more teeth for faster cuts.
To get flush ends on your notches, you will want to cut about halfway through the boards, so they are easy to finish with a hand saw or sander. A circular saw with a cutting guide attachment is the best way to get straight cuts on your notches.
Step Four: Cut Notches for Posts with a Jigsaw
When using a jigsaw, make sure to cut the notches deep enough. If you plan on sanding the notches down after, it’s best to make them a little higher than necessary, because the finish will make them harder to see.
After cutting out notches, sand down the edges, so they are sharp and smooth. Then you can sand your corners to break them up for a more finished look. You can then apply any stain or finish of your choice.
Step Five: Fill in Notches with Wood Filler
If you choose to fill the notches before completing the project, use wood filler to fill in any gaps or seams within your notches. For best results, use a high-quality wood filler and allow it to dry before sanding.
Use a finer grain paper than your original planer to get an even smoother finish. Sand between each step to ensure smoothness all around the post. After filling, allow the wood filler to dry before sanding with a finer grain paper. Again, make sure to sand between each step for a smooth finish all around the post.
Step Six: Install Deck Boards
Once you have cut and filled all the notches, you can install the deck boards around your posts. Once installed, you can stain or finish the wood to match. Now that you know how to measure and notch deck boards around posts, you will be able to cut around them with ease.
Once you have cut and filled all the notches, you can install the deck boards around your posts. Once installed, you can stain or finish the wood to match. Now that you know how to measure and notch deck boards around posts, you will be able to cut around them with ease. This will help in how to cut deck boards around posts.
Step Seven: Fill Post Holes
After installing deck boards around posts, the next step is to fill in the post holes. You want to use a mixture of sand and soil that will firm up well under pressure to do this. Again, this is best done with an electric drill to ensure even consistency throughout the hole.
This mixture can be tamped down, so it is nearly flush with the ground. Then add a layer of pea gravel to prevent weeds from sprouting up and soil on top of that. The pea gravel will also keep your boards away from the wet dirt while preventing any settling or sinking in the future.
Step Eight: Fill Holes with Sand and Soil Mixture
The mud around your posts can cause decay because it creates a damp environment. To maintain the integrity of your deck, use a mixture of sand and soil to fill in post holes. This mixture will firm up well under pressure while creating an ideal level surface for building on top.
Use an electric drill to ensure even consistency throughout the hole. This mixture can be tamped down, so it is nearly flush with the ground. Then add a layer of pea gravel to prevent weeds from sprouting up and soil on top of that. The pea gravel will also keep your boards away from the wet dirt while preventing any settling or sinking in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Easy Way to Cut Deck Boards Around Posts?
You will need a circular saw with an 18-tooth blade to cut deck boards around posts. If you don’t have one, then use a hacksaw or jigsaw to make the cuts.
Use a Level to Ensure That the Cut Is Straight and Follow the Instructions Below :
- Cut away all of the old deck boards on either side of the post using your circular saw.
- Use your hands to hold each end of the new board so it can be pushed up against the post and secured in place with nails or screws.
- Use your circular saw to trim off any excess material from around the edges of both sides of the board that is sticking out past where it meets up with its neighbor at 90 degrees (the angle between them).
Should There Be Spacing Between Deck Boards and Posts?
The spacing between the deck boards and posts is an important factor that affects the integrity of your deck. If you are building a wooden deck, then the distance should be at least 1 inch for every foot of length.
However, if you are constructing a composite or aluminum deck, the distance between them should be about 2 inches.
Are Decking Boards Easy to Cut?
No, decking boards are not easy to cut. They can be difficult and time-consuming to cut depending on the type of saw you use. The best way to do this is by using a jigsaw with metal blades that is able to make quick cuts.
Can You Cut Decking Boards with A Jigsaw?
There are two ways of cutting decking boards with a jigsaw. The first way is to use the “push-pull” method, where you push and pull the blade to cut through the wood.
The second way is to start by using a template that you can draw on top of the board, which helps guide your cuts as well as prevent any possible chipping or damage to your saw blade.
Can You Use a Mitre Saw to Cut Decking?
A mitre saw is a tool that can be used to cut wood or metal at a 45-degree angle. The device features a large, powerful blade at the top of the unit and an adjustable fence at the bottom. It’s often used for cutting doors, frames, and various other shapes.
The answer is yes; you can use it to cut decking because it has been designed specifically for this purpose and comes with all the attachments required to perform such a task.
Conclusion
Cutting deck boards is a more difficult task than it may seem at first glance. For example, suppose you’re not sure how to cut the boards around posts. In that case, we recommend using an electric saw and measuring carefully with a metal yardstick or another straight edge for every board you cut so that they all fit snugly against each other without any gaps.
This will ensure your decking looks neat and clean while ensuring safety from tripping hazards on uneven surfaces. The conclusion paragraph is informative and provides information on how to cut deck boards around posts.
You can also check it out: How to Build a Roof Deck on a Pitched Roof
