Deck – Cutting Ends and band joints

Making sure the outer edge are flushed

As you apply the last few deck boards, you will need to make sure that the outer edges of the deck boards are exactly flush with the ends of the joists.

  1. After the second to last course is in place, measure to the ends of the joists. This measurement is made from the outer edge of the second to last course to a point on the joists that takes into consideration the gap between the courses + the width of a deck board i.e. ¼ inch gap + 5 ½ inch board = 5 ¾ inch measurement.
  2. Mark the ends of the joists at this point and draw a line across them with a combination square, then cut the joists. Nail the last course on.
  3. After this last course is in place you can install the band joist (the piece that is installed across the ends of all the joists). Often this band joist is one size wider than the joist, to act as a curb for the decking.
  4. Now you are ready to cut the “wild end” of the deck boards.
  5. Make a mark at either end of the deck and pop a chalk line to get a perfectly straight cut. Cut off the wild ends of the decking boards to this line with a saw.

Tip: Paint the exposed ends of the joists and deck boards with a waterproofing for added protection.

Band Joist

Install your band joist after you’re done with cutting the joist and ‘wild end’ of your deck boards. The band covers all outer edges of the deck and is one size (2”) wider than the joists so that it acts as a curb for the decking.

The ends of the individual band pieces are also miter cut so that there is no exposed end grain.

Remember that the measurements of the inside cut of the miter is taken off the deck, not the out- side.

Nail the bands to the joists with 6d nails.