Instead of installing pressure-treated decking one board at a time, we use what we call our “rack and roar” method. It’s quick, it works great with wet PT lumber, and it’s especially effective in straightening bowed boards.
We start by securely fastening the deck board that is farthest from the house to the joists, first snapping a line if necessary to make sure the board will be perfectly straight and parallel with the house after it is installed. Then we lay all the remaining deck boards loosely across the joists, so that the boards are snug to each other, but with about a 4-inch to 8-inch gap next to the house. Next, a helper uses a long 4×4 post, using the ledger as a leverage point, to pry against the “racked” decking so that the deck boards are tight to each other.
After measuring to the house at both ends to ensure that the decking is parallel (and adjusting the leverage as necessary), we go ahead and securely fasten the deck board that is nearest to the house while still applying leverage. Then we take the pressure off and quickly fasten the remaining deck boards to the joists, using a long board as a straightedge to ensure that the fasteners are accurately aligned. If we’re using pneumatic nails instead of screws, this method is so fast that we can easily outpace our compressor. As the wet decking dries out, gaps will open between the boards for drainage (don’t use this method with KD decking).