Table of Contents
Components of the Deck Footing. – Most decks begin by pouring concrete footings and attaching post anchors. Post. – Posts are attached to the footings and hold the support beams up off the ground. Beams. Joist. Ledgers and header joists. Deck boards. Drainage system. Hidden fasteners.
What are the posts called that hold up a deck?
Support Posts — 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 posts that are installed to support the weight of the deck. Treads — The top boards on a stair.
What parts are needed to build a deck?
The basic deck construction for this project consists of: The foundation and 4 x 4 posts. 2 x 10 beams. 2 x 4 diagonal bracing. 2 x 8 framing and joists. 5/4-inch decking. Stairs. Railings.
What is a deck parting board?
Parting boards improve the aesthetics, safety, and often the longevity of decks by decreasing or eliminating the need for splicing boards that come in 12′, 16′, and 20′ lengths. Splices are where toes get stubbed and where rotting frequently occurs. Parting boards look terrific and can save you from the splice.
What are the rails of a deck called?
Guardrails are composed of an assembly of parts. There are different methods for building guardrails with a variety of materials for decks, but most rails built from wood share a common set of components.
What is deck banding?
Sometimes the band consists only of a piece at the end of the joists where you just made your final cut. Usually, however, for sake of appearance, the band covers all outer edges of the deck and is one size (2”) wider than the joists so that it acts as a curb for the decking. Nail the bands to the joists with 6d nails.
What is deck joist?
A decking joist is a repeated board used as the structural base for your deck frame that is attached to the ledger via galvanized joist hangers. Typically, joists run perpendicular to the house, while the decking on top runs parallel to the house.
What are joists and bearers?
Bearers are the timber or steel that attaches directly to the stumps in the ground, that supports the deck of flooring structure. Joists are the timbers that then attach across the top of the bearers, after which the timber or particle board floor is then attached.
How far apart should deck joists be?
Deck joists are typically spaced either every 12 inches or 16 inches on center. The maximum joist spacing you can use will depend on the size and allowable span of your joists.
What are the 4 main parts of a railing?
Guardrails contain, at minimum, posts, balusters, and a top rail.
Are balusters and spindles the same thing?
A baluster and spindle is actually almost the same thing, but the word spindle is more commonly used because it is easier to remember and say. Balusters usually rest on a footing; this could be a step, floor or deck, whereas, spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts.
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 is the difference between a joist and a stringer?
The stringer is the piece of lumber bolted to the house upon which the joists are fixed on or to. The spacing between the bolts depends on the size of the stringer and the span of the joists which are fixed on or to it.
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.
Do you need joist hangers for a deck?
Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.
What is the difference between a truss and joist?
While much different in design and function, joists and trusses are often used together in construction projects. While joists support the weight of floors and ceilings, trusses have a wide variety of applications, including supporting roofs and in bridge design.
What size should deck bearers be?
The bearers have to carry the weight of the entire deck and whatever is put on top of it, so they need to be strong. A 140×45 treated pine bearer will usually do the trick. Every 1.2 metres, a 90×90 H4 treated pine post will be needed.
What is the difference between a beam and a joist?
Joists are typically smaller beams that run across an open space, typically arranged in parallel series to support a floor or a ceiling. While both terms are often used interchangeably, beams are the main load-bearing structural element of a roof and joists usually span between two beams.
How do you build a simple deck step by step?
Step 1: Attach the Ledger. Photo by David Carmack. Step 2: Protect the Ledger. Step 3: Set Footings and Piers. Step 4: Install Post Bases and Side Rim Joists. Step 5: Install Front Rim Joist, Beams, and Interior Joists. Step 6: Install Front Rim Joist, Beams, and Interior Joists (continued) Step 7: Attach Trim and Decking.
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.
How many footings does my deck need?
Before starting to build, the first question is: How many footings do I need for a 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.
Do you have to notch deck posts?
Say “No” to notching pressure-treated deck posts. We want you to build an outdoor railing system that you, your family and guests can enjoy without worrying about safety issues. In order to do so, you need to know this building shortcut is not advisable, and we recommend avoiding it at all costs.
