Hello everyone,
We built two wooden decks using Garapa wood. The boards we used are 145 mm (5.7 inches) wide and 25 mm (1 inch) thick. For one of the decks, I purchased three recessed ground lights. Each requires a hole with a diameter of 105 mm (4.1 inches) to be drilled.
I’m unsure whether to drill the hole centered in a single board (which would leave a 20 mm (0.8 inch) edge on each side) or to position the hole between two boards so that more of each board remains intact.
With the first option, I’m concerned that the 20 mm (0.8 inch) edge might not be sufficient and could crack or develop cracks over time as the wood expands and contracts. With the second option, I’m worried that the two boards might move differently and cause issues.
Does anyone have experience with this?
Thanks!
We built two wooden decks using Garapa wood. The boards we used are 145 mm (5.7 inches) wide and 25 mm (1 inch) thick. For one of the decks, I purchased three recessed ground lights. Each requires a hole with a diameter of 105 mm (4.1 inches) to be drilled.
I’m unsure whether to drill the hole centered in a single board (which would leave a 20 mm (0.8 inch) edge on each side) or to position the hole between two boards so that more of each board remains intact.
With the first option, I’m concerned that the 20 mm (0.8 inch) edge might not be sufficient and could crack or develop cracks over time as the wood expands and contracts. With the second option, I’m worried that the two boards might move differently and cause issues.
Does anyone have experience with this?
Thanks!
SaniererNRW123 schrieb:
There are simpler and also waterproof solutions. You should have used a Friedl box and directly laid the cables for comparably small lamps – there are great spotlights starting at 25mm (1 inch).Yes, now I see it that way too 😉 Unfortunately, it doesn’t help me. He just used what he always uses.
DASI90 schrieb:
I’m reluctant to remove the floorboard again. With one board, the screws no longer gripped the aluminum subframe. If the screws are already loose now, it won’t get any better over time. I would fasten everything firmly. Take the board off, drill the hole in the center, and that’s it. With proper tools, you can leave about 20cm (8 inches) of edge intact.
I wouldn’t move the hole to the center between two floorboards (there are images online for reference). Also, where would you position the drill? In the gap? 🙄
Show the current situation and where you want to place the hole.
driver55 schrieb:
If they are already loose now, it will only get worse over time. I would tighten everything so it’s absolutely secure. Remove them, drill the hole in the center, and that’s it. With proper tools, you can leave a 20mm (0.8 inch) edge.
I wouldn’t place it exactly between two floorboards (there are pictures showing this). Also, where would you position the drill? In the joint? 🙄
Show the current situation and where the hole should go. No, nothing is loose. I just screwed a board incorrectly and had to remove it. That’s why I couldn’t reattach the same board with the pre-drilled holes in exactly the same spot with the screws. I used a new board and shifted the hole slightly. Still, this experience teaches me to try to leave the floorboards in place first. Otherwise, everything is firmly secured. The lights are also positioned at the outer edge, so no one will seriously or regularly stand on them. My concern is more about what those 2cm (0.8 inch) will do to the wood over the next few years. I’m well equipped with a 105mm (4.1 inch) hole saw from Bosch. I’m almost leaning towards drilling the 105mm (4.1 inch) hole in the center after all, because as you said, I can’t start the centering drill bit between two boards either.
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