To learn more about deck joist sizing, spacing, and allowable span, reference this chart. I want to … Hi guys, just wondering what the max joint spacing i could get away with for just plain 90x22 treated pine decking. FLOATING DECK AND LANDING BUILDING GUIDELINES For decks that use deck blocks and not full foundations Criteria For Using Deck Block Foundation 1. Section R507.5 notes that deck joists can cantilever up to 1/4 of the joist span. Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is tight to your spacer and drive the nails. Shall have a maximum clearance of 24” from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. We include a description of tightly-butted tongue-and-groove pressure treated deck boards as well as typical 5/4" thick pressure treated deck boards that should be spaced for drainage. 2 x 6 needs a maximum of 32 inches. Quality wise, I prefer the 5/4 decking. The following are sizes that should not be exceeded. To begin, double-check to make sure the space between the joists is a consistent 14-1/2 in. Deck Joist Spacing for 5/4 Decking. Spacing your cedar decking correctly will allow the deck to dry more quickly after wet weather and allow room for swelling that may occur because of damp conditions. Ready to start calculating how much lumber you’ll need for your joists? Deck boards – no matter the thickness (5/4″ or 2″) should always be fastened on top of a DOUBLE joist so there is enough nailing edge on each decking board where they are butted. STEP 2. Both a 1 x 4 board or a 1 x 6 board need a spacing maximum of 16 inches. Some folks use 2x6 … It takes more than a stunning product. STEP 1. Most composite and PVC decking brands, like Trex and Azek, recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches OC. Maximum spans for decking shown in the table are based on a continuous beam with two equal spans and a concentrated load of 220-lb at the center of one span. My front deck (480 sq) has 2x6 decking and the rear deck (300 sq) has 5/4 decking, both 16" on center. To use 5/4" decking, requires 16" or smaller spans. Each decking board needs to be attached to each joist with two 8d nails or two #8 decking screws. The joist spacing shown is also valid if the decking is laid in a diagonal patern to the joist. Click here for Composite Decking Fixing Instructions. Reading through load tables, it is recommended to use 2x4 or 2x6 stock as the decking, if one is spanning 24". [9.12.2.2. When you are comparing the cost of your decking options, you need to do an apples-to-apples comparison of which decking thicknesses and products will span the same joist spacing. Here we will focus only on the decking materials, but if you want to know the total cost to build a deck, you'll need to take into account the price of the substructure (posts, beams, and joists). If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Cutting the blocking at exactly 14-1/2 in. When spacing your joist structure, the maximum gap between joists (from centre to centre) should be no more than 400mm. An additional set of decking joist were affixed to the top of the basic frame, running across the house so that the client's desire could be accommodated without too … First is the decking material. I am just building a small deck about 300mm off the ground out the front of my shed to bring it up to the same level. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. Treated S.P.F 2×6 decking can span 24” (600mm), but reducing it to the more common 5/4” decking can only span 16” (400mm). Some brands, like WearDeck , let you get away with more – reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom, WearDeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches OC. Wet end-use conditions and unseasoned (green) lumber sizes are assumed. Using screws to attach decking. It was installed on 45 degree angle to 2x10 joists with 16" spacing. SPACING BETWEEN JOISTS. For example, joists spaced 16 inches from the center of the joist next to it can span 1.5 times in feet the depth of their inches. 3) Joists are Set Too Far Apart . Again this is to ensure adequate termite inspection can take place. Ipe is a more ridged decking and can span greater lengths as equivalent cedar decking but still the thicker, the larger possible joist spacing. The spans of joists varies based upon several factors: joist size, spacing between joists, decking material and wood species. Spacing the Boards Wood is a porous material and as such has a tendency to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. You will get most of any bounce on a deck from the span/size of the joists, not the decking, so one up your joists for a sturdy deck. Is it OK to use 5/4 PT decking on 45 degree angle to 16" spaced joists or should I install at 90 degrees. Beams and Deck Post Spacing. Looking at the chart, if the joists span 10 feet, you can use a 4-by-8 beam with posts spaced 8 feet apart, or a 4-by-12 beam with posts spaced 12 feet apart. Proper deck board spacing should have a 1/8-inch gap after the decking has dried out. The IRC specifies that decking boards must be made from 2 x 6 lumber or composite boards with a minimum spacing of 1/8 inch between boards. i am trying to keep is simple If the spacing varies by more than 1/4 in., now is a good time to adjust the joists that are off layout. Decks attached to the house shall have double diagonal bracing either: (a) fixed to the underside of joists with each brace fixed to each joist with 75 mm No. But you’ll notice when you look at the portion of the span table for joists with cantilevers that the joist span for decks with a cantilever is often less than the span for the same sized joist without cantilevers. If you will run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together. The minimum beam size is a 4-by-6 made from two, 2-by-6 planks. for boards laid at an angle to the joists. Deck Cantilevers. Overall length and width of deck, length of landing and stair, pier spacing, joist span and maximum height of the deck above grade. Current building codes require that all decks should be supported with a minimum of 2”x 10” pressure treated pine joists that are spaced 24” apart (although 16” OC is standard building practice). If you install your decking using wet boards, pressure-treated decking that has not yet dried out, then you should install them with no gap as a gap will be created as they dry and shrink. Many localities allow the use of 1 1/4-inch ipé or teak boards, but it's best to check first. Beyond that, there are three things to consider when deciding the spacing on your deck framing. As a rule, the larger the deck, the larger the joists. Decking boards span from joist to joist. will not leave any wiggle room and you could end up pushing the joists … Chisel technique with nails used for decking spacers. (7)(c)] 2. The true span of the decking board is used, taking into account the thickness of the supporting joist beneath it. (7)(b)] 3. How do you build the ideal deck? Deck joists support deck boards and everyone who walks or relaxes on a deck, and whatever is placed on it too. Some decay has occurred on two of the joists which I will replace. The outside edge of the deck is constructed with a board the same width as your joists. Start nails into the deck board. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches. accordingly if bundles are loose. Decks are supported on 4-by-4-inch posts, one in each corner and at least one every 8 feet. Generally, the maximum joist spacing for boards running perpendicular to the joists is 16”o.c. Deck Framing. Fasteners: nails, screws, or hidden clips to attach decking boards. The supports for the decking will be 24" center-to-center. This article explains proper gap size to leave between deck boards for drainage and drying, and extra steps to take to protect deck joists from rot. wood chisel into the joist and tight to the edge of the deck board with the bevel facing you. 1.5.4 Screw Fixing ... 2.2.4 Deck Framing and Decking Boards ... AS 3660.1 requires the bearer and joist of the deck to provide a gap of 25 mm between the wood surface and the building envelop (Figure 4). The distance a deck board traverses between the joists is unsupported, so boards of different thicknesses are required for varying spans. Composite and softwood decking will follow the 16" on center rule, but hardwood decking can handle greater spans with similar dimensions. The spans shown are typically used even with heavy loads such as hot tubs. When stacking multiple bundles, Joists are commonly spaced at 12” OC, 16” OC, and 24” OC. Again, it's important to know your local codes. You could use 1x6 for deck. 14 Type 17 batten screws or two 75 x 3.15 mm nails, or (b) for decks greater than 1800 mm high, fixed between a pair of posts, parallel to the wall, with the ends of braces bolted to posts Installing double joists where the boards meet in a run takes “pre-planning” – meaning you need to know where the boards will butt and have a double joist installed BEFORE nailing down the decking. 5/4 x 6 needs a maximum of 24 inches. Decking (deck flooring): the surface - the layer of decks on the joists. The pier size is in the intersecting box of the row that corresponds with your joist The structure will include a 5' high elevated deck, that is 6'x4'. Durable Decking With Beauty and Longevity In Every Fiber. Once you have your joist span, and pier spacing you can size each component of the deck using Tables 1 and 2 below. Decks, Patios, Porches, Walkways, Driveways, Stairs, Steps and Docks - Joist spacing for 5/4.... - Hello, I'll be replacing my deck this coming week, as the current deck is rotting apart due to bad As luck would have it, there was sufficient clearance room rto add and extra 4in (100mm) to the height of the envisaged deck. For Select decking, Enhance decking, and 1x12 and 1x8 products, the maximum stack height is 12 bundles. Joist spacing. For example, if you are comparing Black Locust to a Composite Deck, you should compare the price of 1x Black Locust to 5/4 Composite and also factor in the extra work and cost to lay the extra joists. This correlation holds true for cedar, ipe and treated decking. For all other decking products maximum stack height is 14 bundles (IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT PROPER DUNNAGE SPACING MUST BE IN PLACE FOR THESE HEIGHTS). Make sure you plan adequate space for your joists. You normally use 2x6 material on 16" center joists. 2. Note: spacing recommended is for domestic or light commercial use, if in any doubt seek further professional help. Deck joist spacing for composite decking is the same as that for 5/4” boards. It doesn't seem to check as easily as the 2x. Drive a 3/4-in. However, your joist spacing needs to be shortened from 16 inches to about 12" or less so the 1" material will not deflect and and break under stress. The beams support the joists and transfer the load from the deck onto the posts and ledger. Call Us Toll Free: 1-877-232-3915 The proper deck joist span (distance between supporting beams below the joists) for your deck should be known before you start building and is needed to draft your deck plan.. Another mistake to avoid when installing composite decking is spacing the joists too far apart. At Thermory, our decking boards were designed, modified and milled with the perfect outdoor experience in mind. The spacing reduces to 12”o.c. 3.