skip to main content

Home Decorating Porches & Decks Exterior

Deck Floor With Slits

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Problem: We built a enclosed deck with with a screen so we could sit out and not be bothered with bugs. However the wood board flooring has slits in-between the boards that allow bugs to come in. The biggest slit is about 3/4 of a centimeter and smallest is about 1/4 centimeters so they're not huge but unfortunately just big enough for stink bugs, spiders, and ants to come through.

Question: Does anyone have any solutions to fill the gaps or to make sure bugs cannot come through.

We've thought about using the remainder of the screen and staple it on the bottom but we were wondering if anyone could think of any alternatives or has experience in such problems. Thank you!

Edit: Here is a link to a google drive folder with pictures of the deck and the boards!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vC5EMLXYL5RsMR2bEtZGDzAYiniqeR9d

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Kyle
Original Author
4 years ago
Here is a link for some photos of the deck!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vC5EMLXYL5RsMR2bEtZGDzAYiniqeR9d
PRO
AdvantageLumber.com
4 years ago
Stapling the screen underneath is a good idea. You don't want to fill in the gaps because they allow the wood to expand and contract with changes in the air moisture. Without the gaps, the wood has nowhere to go, so the boards cup and warp.
Related Discussions
Metal grating as deck floor
Q
Comments (4)
I've liked www.mcnichols.com for the grating I've needed, but unless you have a really cool, modern home I can't imagine it not looking like a waste treatment plant catwalk. Aluminum would really be your only viable option, because I don't see powder-coated steel standing up to the foot traffic, and one scratch and it could rot from the inside out. What about a combination of standard wood (or composite) decking and spans of lexan (or similar) panels to allow light through? Do a frosted glass look, and you could light it from below at night for a pretty cool effect. Either way, have fun at the permit office. If yours is like mine, they frown on innovation.
...See More
Differential between deck surface and interior floor surface
Q
Comments (10)
it seems weird but 1 or 2 inches is like stepping down from a the height of a cigarette pack. It's just a height people don't encounter much and it makes them leary and actually makes them trip more than something like 4 inches. 4 inches is more like a short stair.. a distance we come across constantly. In the winter, snow will drift also. But experiment with the 1 or 2 inches.. and you'll see how it's like a strange lip.
...See More
Cost of 12x14 composite deck on concrete floor
Q
Comments (1)
No idea no where near enough info. Do you have a plan? How is the subframe being built? Size of the lumber?
...See More
Type of flooring? Screen room on raised deck exposed to moisture
Q
Comments (4)
Millboard is what we have. Also have screening under it (ours is eight feet above ground). Millboard is outdoor decking, so no problem with rain blowing in on it. The US distributor is Outlive Millboard. We love ours.
...See More
maddielee
4 years ago
Yes, you can screen from below (if you can reach it).

Be sure you have a good shop vac for cleaning that screen between the gaps.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floor: An Introduction to Solid-Plank Wood Floors

Get the Pros and Cons of Oak, Ash, Pine, Maple and Solid Bamboo

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Pick the Right Paving and Decking Material

By Carol Bucknell Garden Design

Once you’ve got the walls or fences of your garden figured out, it’s time to consider the ground surface or floors

PATIOS Flooring Ideas to Give Your Outdoor Room an Edge

The materials you lay underfoot — decking, tile or a mix of contrasting textures — can bring fresh appeal to your outside space

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Modern Bungalow’s Reverse Floor Plan Highlights Views

By Camille LeFevre

A kitchen, great room and outfitted deck make the top floor of this Los Angeles house the place to be

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING That Gap Under the Deck: Hide It or Use It!

By Olander Garden Design

6 ways to transform a landscape eyesore into a landscape feature

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 6 Ways to Rethink Your Patio Floor

By Laura Gaskill

Figure out the right material for your spring patio makeover with this mini guide to concrete, wood, brick and stone

BATHROOM DESIGN 18 Knockout Ideas for Wooden Floor Showers

By Mitchell Parker

Look to an often-forgotten material choice for shower floors that radiate beauty in almost any style bathroom

APARTMENTS Houzz Tour: Roof Deck Enjoys an Eiffel Tower View

By Delphine Després

An architect revamps a small Paris apartment to make space for outdoor living

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Pick the Right Floor for Your Garden Room

By Billy Goodnick Garden Design

Crunch the facts on gravel, flagstone, brick, tile and more with our mini guide to outdoor flooring surfaces

PATIOS How to Turn Your Deck or Patio Into a Comfy Getaway

Relaxed seating and clever details can transform your patio, deck or terrace into a place to relax this summer

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

What size rug? Chair and table on or off the rug?

9

8

help with bedroom decorating ideas

3

Need furniture help

2

how to make this wall a focal point?

4