Table of Contents
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.
Should deck joists be 2×8 or 2×10?
For upper-level decks, 2×10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards.
How thick should joists be on a deck?
16” on center = Standard for residential decking applications. 12” on center is recommended for a sturdier underfoot feel, when using standard deck board thickness of 1”. 24” on center = Sometimes used for commercial applications such as docks and boardwalks; wider joist spacing requires greater deck board thickness.
Should I use 2×4 or 2×6 for deck?
If you use 2x4s for deck joists, it may cost more money and work in the long run. The material costs more than if you purchase 2x6s because the 2x4s can’t span as far, and you must create more beams and footings for support. You also can’t include guardrails and stairs with 2x4s as your support.
Can I use 4×2 for decking joists?
4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist. These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too. When making your decking frame you should use a 400mm spacing between your timber joists.
How far can a 2×8 span for a deck?
Depending on various factors, the maximum span for a 2×8 floor joist is 16′ 6”. The maximum span for roof rafters is 23′ 9”. For headers, the maximum span is 11′ 2”. Finally, a single deck beam has a maximum span of 5′ 11” and double maxes out at 8′ 9”.
How far can a 2×8 span without support?
Based on different manufacturers’ specifications, the maximum span a 2×8 LVL is from 12′ to 15′. Spans are also affected by the species of wood used in the manufacture of the laminated joists, with western woods edging out eastern woods in unsupported span distance.
Can I use 2×8 for deck joists?
2×8 for joists will be fine, with 16″ OC. Should use 2×10 for beams but 2×8 will be fine as well. If you are worried you can triple the 2×8 for the beams but double will be sufficient. You should put the beams at 7 and 14 feet out from the house, with the piers you should do 3 per beam with spacing of 1, 7, 13.
How far apart do you put floor joists on a deck?
How Far Apart Should You Space Deck Joists? The short answer: deck joists are typically spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches apart, on center.
Can I use 2×6 for deck boards?
Wood decking is commonly available in 2×6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. 2×6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.
How far can you span a 2×4 deck joist?
A 2×4 can span a maximum of 6′ 7” when spaced 16” apart and used as a floor or deck joist. When used as a ceiling joist or a roof rafter, a 2×4 can span up to 7′ 3” spaced at 16”, and 6′ 4” when spaced 24” apart.
Can you use 1×6 for deck boards?
Never use 1×6 or 5/4×6 material in close to ground applications. Spacing between boards: You must allow space for your deck boards to expand when they take on moisture, as they will inevitably do when exposed to wet weather, rain or high humidity.
Can you use 4×2 for floor joists?
4×2 timber floor joists on the ground floor have been used for decades but should be no more than 16 inch or 400 mm centres and be supported at no more than 2 metre centres , 6ft or 1.8 m is preferable and practical .
Is 4×2 strong enough for decking?
2×4 Deck Joist Can Only Span 5’8″ (1.72m) Between Supports. Either you are limited to a small deck, less than 6′ (1.8m), or you will need a mid-span beam. Three 6×6 posts, one on each end plus at mid-span, allow you to use 2×4 joists but is still strong enough to not flex with every step.
Can you use 3×2 for decking base?
3×2 can be used but you’ll have to support it more frequently throughout its length, say every five feet or so.
Can you use 4×4 for deck joists?
For most decks, 4×4 lumber is strong enough for structural posts. If a deck is raised more than 6 feet above the ground, codes may require 6×6 posts.
Can a 2×10 span 16 feet?
The length of one 2×10 joist span depends on the wood species and how far apart it is from the next 2×10. A 2×10 southern yellow pine joist can span 16 feet and 1 inch without support. A doubled 2×10 beam can span 11′ without support for a deck that is 4′ wide.
How much load can a 2×8 support?
Weight supported by a double or triple wood headers. Span (feet) Weight Supported (lb) 2 x 2″ x 6″ 3 x 2″ x 8″ 4 2250 5850 6 1680 4690 8 3990.
How many decking boards do I need for a 10×10 deck?
For a 10×10 square deck, you would therefore need twenty-two 10′ deck boards. Dimensions for deck boards can vary depending on the look you want and the deck board type you use. However, the most common is a 5/4” thick by 6” wide deck board of any length.
