Six Deck Patterns That Save You Money by TimberTown

How can a deck pattern save me money? #1 Transition Board #2 Picture Frame #3 Patchwork (Parquet) #4 Herringbone #5 Chevron w/Transition Board #6 ATX Pattern

We would all love a deck that is both beautiful and unique. And, there are plenty of board patterns that can be used on your next deck, but did you know some patterns can actually save you money without a lot of extra time?!

? The short answer: shorts. Most decks are built with 16 and 20 foot boards, but those popular lengths come at a premium price. Using shorter length boards (8-14 foot) can save you up to $2.35 per square foot, sometimes more if you’re using a hardwood like ipe. That means on an average sized deck (430 sq. ft.) you could save $1,011 by using shorts! To help you save money on your next project, we’ve put together six great patterns that primarily use shorter length boards.

Disclaimer: Deck patterns and framing systems are not to scale. The exact measurements of your project will vary based on the product or species you’re using. We’re not responsible for any issues associated with these patterns or frames, so make sure your measurements are right before building your deck!

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Difficulty: Easy

Want to keep it simple? Here’s a subtle twist on the traditional deck pattern. By using a transition board running perpendicular to the rest of the deck you can break up the monotony plus use shorter board lengths. This pattern is also perfect for creating separation between different areas of the deck. Looking for something a little more interesting? Try using a different colored product or stain for the transition board.

Expert Tip

When using a framing span of 16” on center, use two transition boards and you won’t have to change the span in the middle. Simply place bracing where the transition boards will go and they will cover the span leaving a slight overhang for the perpendicular boards (see pattern + framing overlap example).

premiums VS shorts 430 Square Foot Ipe Deck*

1x6x16

1x6x8

$4,436

$3,425

Shorts Save You $1,011! (THAT’S 23% OFF)

*Based on current ipe pricing of $4.39 a lineal foot for 16 ft. and $3.39 a lineal foot for 8 ft. boards. Savings will vary depending on species. Disclaimer: Deck patterns and framing systems are not to scale. The exact measurements of your project will vary based on the product or species you’re using. We’re not responsible for any issues associated with these patterns or frames, so make sure your measurements are right before building your deck!

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Transition Board Pattern

Pattern Example 16x10 Foot Deck

Pattern Tip Use a different colored product or stain for the transition boards to get an unique look.

Framing Example Span = 16” On Center

Framing Tip When using a framing span of 16” on center, use two transition boards and you won’t have to change the span in the middle.

Transition Board Pattern

Pattern + Framing Overlap

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Difficulty: Easy

Take the transition board pattern to the next level by adding a picture frame around the edge of the deck. By adding a little extra framing you can create a custom look for your project while saving money in the process. Using a different colored product or stain for the frame is another added touch.

Expert Tip

Using two transition boards with two framing boards can bring uniformity to the deck and looks great! We recommend cutting the picture frame corners at a 45 degree angle, just don’t forget to add an extra brace under the joint (see framing example)

premiums VS shorts 500 Square Foot Ipe Deck*

1x6x16

1x6x8

$5,158

$3,983

Shorts Save You $1,175! (THAT’S 23% OFF)

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Picture Frame Pattern

Pattern Example 16x10 Foot Deck

Pattern Tip Use two transition boards with two picture frame boards for an eyecatching outdoor space.

Framing Example Span = 16â&#x20AC;? On Center

Framing Tip You only need extra framing on the right and left sides of the deck to cover the perpendicular picture frame boards.

Picture Frame Pattern

Pattern + Framing Overlap

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Difficulty: Moderate

An expanded version of the once popular parquet flooring, this Patchwork deck pattern is perfect for using shorts on your project. With a little extra framing this pattern creates an incredible look, especially on decks with large surface areas. If you’re feeling creative, use a different colored product or species on some squares for added pattern options.

Expert Tip

Board widths vary between products and species (usually between 5 ⅜” and 5 ⅝”) so before you create your framing for the squares measure the widths of your boards. This way you can frame the squares to fit a set number of boards exactly.

premiums VS shorts 650 Square Foot Ipe Deck*

1x6x16

1x6x8

$6,705

$5,178

Shorts Save You $1,527! (THAT’S 23% OFF)

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Patchwork Pattern

Pattern Example 16x12 Foot Deck (4x4 Squares)

Pattern Tip Try using different color squares to create a custom and unique look.

Framing Example Span = 24â&#x20AC;? On Center

Framing Tip Make sure you offset the horizontal joists so they support the proper boards (see overlap example).

Patchwork Pattern

Pattern + Framing Overlap

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Difficulty: Moderate

The Herringbone looks like a chevron pattern, but it requires fewer angled cuts. By taking short boards and placing them at a 45 degree angle, you can create a stunning look that sets your project apart. Don’t forget that placing boards at an angle requires you to shorten your framing span.

Expert Tip

Along with shortening your span to accommodate diagonal boards, you’ll need to double (or triple) up your joists at each joint to add stability to your deck. To ensure your pattern looks uniform, frame the deck first then measure and cut each deck board as you place them so they fit correctly each time.

premiums VS shorts 800 Square Foot Ipe Deck*

1x6x16

1x6x8

$8,253

$6,373

Shorts Save You $1,880! (THAT’S 23% OFF)

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Herringbone Pattern

Pattern Example 18x10 Foot Deck

Pattern Tip The best way to lay this pattern is one layer at a time across the width of the deck. This will make it easier to measure and cut each board.

Framing Example Span = 12â&#x20AC;? On Center

Framing Tip Use 2-3 joists at the board joints so you have more options for fastening and added board stability.

Herringbone Pattern

Pattern + Framing Overlap

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Difficulty: Moderate

You may have seen a deck with a chevron or angled pattern before, but adding transition boards opens a world of possibilities. The transition boards make the pattern options endless while still allowing you to use shorts. Carry a chevron pattern across the whole deck, or use straight boards in some sections. You can also choose a different colored product or stain for the transition boards for a truly custom project.

Expert Tip

The same principles apply as the basic Transition Board pattern, but you’ll need to shorten the framing spans to account for the diagonal boards.

premiums VS shorts 1000 Square Foot Ipe Deck*

1x6x16

1x6x8

$10,316

$7,966

Shorts Save You $2,350! (THAT’S 23% OFF)

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Chevron w/Transition Board Pattern Pattern Example

19x10 Foot Deck

Pattern Tip Using a different color for the transition boards breaks up the pattern nicely.

Framing Example Span = 12” On Center

(16” On Center for Transition Boards)

Framing Tip Use a 16” On Center span for the transition board framing when using two transition boards.

Chevron w/Transition Board Pattern

Pattern + Framing Overlap

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Difficulty: Advanced

Looking for more of a challenge? Our deck experts at TimberTown Austin designed a one-ofa-kind pattern using only shorts: we call it the ATX Pattern. Drawing from the eclectic roots of Austin, TX, this pattern is sure to drop some jaws. Perfect for large commercial or residential projects, the ATX creates a seamless pattern so it can cover any size area beautifully. Use a different colored product or stain for the center inserts and you’ve got an outdoor space like no other.

Expert Tip

This deck pattern is not for the faint of heart, we recommend only experienced deck builders take on the ATX. For those brave enough, remember the framing is heavily dependent on the deck board width, so measure your decking before building the frame.

premiums VS shorts 1500 Square Foot Ipe Deck*

1x6x16

1x6x8

$15,474

$11,949

Shorts Save You $3,525! (THAT’S 23% OFF)

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ATX Pattern

Pattern Example 21x15 Foot Deck

Pattern Tip Because of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seamless design, this pattern will look incredible on large surface area decks (larger than 500 sq. ft.).

Framing Example Span = 13â&#x20AC;? On Center (Estimate)

Framing Tip The framing spans will vary based on your board width. Make sure you measure your boards before you build out the frame.

ATX Pattern

Pattern + Framing Overlap

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