I had a deck business for almost 10 years. I always butt the boards up tight, and in about a year you will have the "nail" gap. As far as treating wait at least 6 months or you are just wasting money as it will not penetrate properly and you'll just do it again next year. Olympic Maximum, not olympic regular is by far the best stuff out there now. I have a 15 year old deck and it looks like new. Also I refused when building to use 5/4 decking even if it is Thomponized, I have always used 2x6. You are looking at a few hundred bucks most additional, but well worth the investment. It will not cup or warp nearly as bad. Stick with 16" on center with 2x6 and you will have a 25 year plus deck easily.
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