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Curved framing - Kerf or Block?

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
How do you frame your curved decks?

There's the kerf option, which creates a better curved, but some would argue invites rotting.

Others will trim the joists and just block at the ends of the joist, and let the fascia board smooth out the curve.

Thoughts on which way is better and why?
 
#2 ·
We do a bunch of blocking and try to avoid kerf cutting as much as possible.
Some trim boards have to be cut that way.

I really, really like to use composite deck boards to make curves, even for pt decks, letting the pt deck boards go over the composite curve.

Some people glue up the kerf cuts, some don't.

Reason: efficiency
 
#3 ·
I like the clean look of a kerfed radius. We built everything exposed with clear redwood, often with treated framing. I thought redwood was fairly easy to bend. If I kerfed treated lumber, I back treated the exposed center with copper napthanate or penta. Either way, I wet everything well prior to bending and used screws or hand drives to avoid shattering the kerf blocks. Composite barely existed 25yrs ago, I have no experience using it, and l never liked the look.
 
#5 ·
Laminated mahogany with West System epoxy will last a long time.

Kerfs are rot traps, blocking is good, but in conjunction with laminating.


Pressure treated is too wet to laminate properly in my opinion.
 
#7 ·
I have a local Mill rip the # 1 P T 2x6 into 1/4'' strips then lay them up in the lumber racks for some dry time. I pick out "clear " stock as best as I can.

I never have used anything but titebond 111. No need for epoxies. A lot of shop built clamps.

Really now that we are practiced the time is not all that more than the other two methods mentioned, most likely less. It does require good weather or working inside the shop.

www.WoodsShop.com , Joe has been an inspiration for many years. We build the radius in similar ways.

JonMon www.deckmastersllc.com
 
#9 ·
I would always build the curves with laminated tp plywood til I saw what Bonesaw did with those curved stairs. Next time up we bent the TP frame, was easier than I thought it would be.
 
#10 ·
I also was impressed with the BoneSaw projects Al.

I would never have even Thought of doing that with wet PT 2x12s !!! He is definitely one of the best natural Carpenters around.

Even doing a curved staircase like that.

Impressive

J.
 
#11 ·
John Hyatt said:
I also was impressed with the BoneSaw projects Al.

I would never have even Thought of doing that with wet PT 2x12s !!! He is definitely one of the best natural Carpenters around.

Even doing a curved staircase like that.

Impressive

J.
Click to expand...
Do you have a link to the installation you're talking about? Sound interesting.
 
#16 ·
RobertCDF said:
Every 4" seems to work ok. The fascia smooths it out too.
Click to expand...
Isn't there track specifically made for that? I thought it had little screws in a slot that you just tighten up, it was like 3-4" pieces and allowed the end user to make the curve and just tighten up the screw when it was good but had the advantage of shrinking or expanding each piece to fit the exact tangent without making cuts.
 
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