How much does the decking timber shrink?

[markis]

So I am laying northern decking boards on my patio. 28*120. Those who sold the decking said that it is still quite wet and that I should lay them butt-to-butt so that I get the right gap between the boards.
How much do you think they will gap? Is it 2-3 mm?

 

[Mjölnaren]

How much do you think they will gap? Is it 2-3 mm?

I think it will be a bit more. Up to 5-6 mm. 8)
Then it depends on where it is mounted. Under a roof (larger gap) or outdoors.

 

[markis]

Looking for about 3-4 mm, so I'll keep placing them with about 1 mm spacing. It remains to be seen how it turns out.

 

[jojjeblom]

Hello. During various deck constructions, I've tried different gaps; a 4" nail resulted in too large a gap, the thickness of a thumb was okay, but placing them flush against each other was best. The wood was quite fresh. /jojje

 

[muppen]

do not leave any space if you want to get 3-4 mm later, if you separate them from the start the gap will be bigger. 8)