Grade Board / Skirt Board / Splash Board

Grade board, skirt board, and splash board are all similar names for the treated lumber nailed at grade around the perimeter of the building.

Grade board is typically 2x6 or 2x8 lumber treated to UC4A specifications. This product is treated for ground contact but not embedment.

Install Skirt Board
Find the corner post with the highest grade. Set the building grade here by setting a nail in the corner post. Place a nail in each post around the building maintaining a perfectly level string line or laser.

Install grade board with 30D (4 1/2") ring shank nails, setting the board on top of the grade nails temporarily placed around the building perimeter.

End Gaps
Leave a small gap between skirt boards to allow for expansion and contraction as temperature changes occur.

Corners
Whether you miter or butt / overlap the corners is a matter of personal preference.