Table of Contents
How do I start deck framing?
Can I draw my own deck plans?
Drawing wood deck plans are the first thing you should start drafting – before you start buying lumber, wood and other materials. Drawing your own plans means you can break away from boring designs and create something better suited to your needs and tastes.
Should deck joists be 2×6 or 2×8?
In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. The larger the deck, the larger the joists. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards.
How many posts do I need for a 12×16 deck?
A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. These must be topped with adjustable post caps.
How far apart should posts be on a deck?
In general, posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. The maximum distance between footings is determined by the size of your joist material.
Is there an app to design decking?
The Trex Deck Designer mobile app allows you to customize your own deck on a mobile device with the touch of your finger. Choose your deck dimensions, mix Trex decking and railing materials and colors and generate a materials list that you can then email to yourself and take to your local lumberyard.
Do I need an architect to build a deck?
Yes, you would still need an architect for a deck. This is to make sure that the deck is well designed, as functional as it can be, and is compliant with all the needed provisions of your locality. Read on if you plan on having a deck built or if you just want to know when you’d need an architect for a project.
What size should deck joists be?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
Do joists go on top of beams?
One of the most traditional ways to frame without joist hangers is to have the joists rest on top of a beam. There’s nothing wrong with this method, but realize the top of the beam will be at the bottom plane of the floor joists. It’s easy to install the hanger so tight you can’t get the joist into the hanger.
Do you need to use joist hangers when building a deck?
Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.
What do deck joists sit on?
When building a deck that will be adjacent to a house, joists are often attached at the house end using a header board (from which the joists are “hung” using joist hangers), keeping the tops of the joists at the same level as the header board. At the opposite end, support is provided by a deck girder.
What size wood should I use to build a deck?
For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s. The 5/4 decking (pronounced “five-quarter”), available in cedar and pressure-treated fir, is 1 inch thick and 5-1/2 inches wide with rounded edges that make for a splinter-free surface. Cedar 1x lumber usually has one rough side and one smooth side.
How far can a 2×8 span without support?
In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet. Based on all factors though, a 2×8 joist span is 7′-1” to 16′-6”, and a rafter 6′-7” and 23′-9”. In this guide, we’ll explain what span means in terms of construction, factors that impact the span, and how much weight a 2×8 can support.
How far apart should floor joists be?
Most often, floor joist spacing is 16 inches apart on center, but this can vary depending on building codes and the requirements of the structure in the blueprint. Floor joists help distribute the load of a structure.
Should deck posts be set in concrete?
A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.
How much should a 12×16 deck cost?
12×16-foot Raised Deck: You could build a 12×16-foot treated-lumber raised deck with stairs, for about $3,100 in materials. Hiring someone to do the work for you brings your total cost to $3,700-$9,500.
How often do you need a footing for a deck?
For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8′ apart. If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck, you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?
Unfortunately, a 4×4 post may not be able to withstand the weight, causing the entire porch to buckle. A 6×6 post gives you a little more long-term stability, particularly in those colder climates. Not only does it perform better when carrying heavier loads, but it also makes the heading for your roof more secure.
How many footings do I need for a 12×12 deck?
For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it’s easy to figure out how many you’ll need.
