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Diagonal Decking Patterns to Enliven Your Design

March 10, 2021
Diagonal Decking Patterns Featuring TimberTech PRO Collection in Tigerwood Mocha with RadianceRail Express

Reasons to choose diagonal decking patterns include:

  • An unexpected, eye-catching design.
  • A sturdier under-foot feel (due to closer joist spacing).

Diagonal decking patterns are those where the deck boards are laid at a 45-degree angle to the deck frame, as opposed to being laid straight across the frame. Laying your deck boards diagonally may seem like a simple change, but it can deliver big impact to your deck’s design.

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How to Build a Diagonal Deck

Diagonal deck patterns demand specific substructure construction, including closer deck joist spacing, so you’ll need to build a new substructure.

Deck Joist Spacing Diagonal

Substructure & Building Needs

For diagonal decking patterns, joists need to be spaced at 12″ on center, rather than the standard 16″, to keep the boards secure.

Diagonal decking patterns will also require more materials than a standard deck, which will affect your overall costs:

  • More joists to fit into your deck frame.
  • About 15% more deck boards than a traditional installation.
  • More fasteners to secure the additional deck boards.

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Ways to Use Diagonal Decking Patterns in Your Deck Design

Laying your deck boards diagonally is an eye-catching design choice. Create an even more dynamic look by combining diagonal decking patterns with other design elements.

Diagonal Decking Patterns Featuring TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection in English Walnut

Create a Sense of Depth

Diagonal decking patterns do more than add visual interest to your deck design – they can add a sense of depth by drawing the eye outward.

This is especially useful in smaller spaces, where diagonal deck boards can help the area feel more spacious.

Pick Multi-Width Decking

Make your diagonal decking pattern pop with Multi-Width Decking. TimberTech® AZEK® deck boards come in narrow (3.5″), standard (5.5″), and wide widths (7.25″).

Explore diagonal arrangements in an assortment or pinstripe pattern (two narrow boards between each standard-width board).  

Diagonal Decking Patterns Featuring TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection in Coastline with pinstripe Multi Width
Diagonal Decking Patterns Featuring TimberTech AZEK Harvest Collection in Brownstone with Sedona Accents

Juxtapose High-Impact Diagonals

If you have a multi-level deck, place each level of diagonals at perpendicular angles to each other. Not only does this help differentiate your deck levels, but it creates a unique, striking design.

Add a different colored deck board to picture frame each level for a clean, finished look.

Get Bold With a Diagonal Inlay

Instead of laying diagonal boards across your entire deck surface, create a compelling focal point with a diagonal inlay.

Use different colored deck boards than the rest of your deck’s surface to really make your inlay pop.

Deck Featuring TimberTech PRO Legacy Collection in Mocha with Pecan Accents and RadianceRail Express Kona

Ready to bring your diagonal decking patterns to life? Discuss your design ideas with a TimberTech-registered contractor who can lend their expertise to build you the perfect outdoor living space.

Bring the Beauty of TimberTech to Your Backyard

Work with a TimberTech pro for a build that transforms your outdoor living space.

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