


Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. Most decking is not strong enough to support wider spans than 16". Most decks use 16" on center spacing for joists. The layout term for joists is “On Center,” which is the center-to-center measurement from one joist to the next.
Trex pergola and hurricane install#
If you identify a crown on the board, you should always install it with the hump pointing upwards to the sky. You’ve probably never paid attention as you cross one, but almost all bridges have a crown to them for the same reason. Crowns can be very helpful in preventing low spots mid-span in joists that are heavily loaded. What are Other Joist Installation Considerations? Refer to the article on ledger boards for more information. Incorrectly installed ledger boards account for many decks collapses every year.
Trex pergola and hurricane code#
Always follow local code guidelines for installing and properly flashing the ledger board, or consider building your deck as a freestanding structure. What About Attaching Joists to Ledger Boards?īe particularly cautious to follow an approved ledger connection method to the house. This solution will corrode substandard joist hangers and the fasteners used to connect them to ledger boards and flush beams. Each time it rains, a chemical brew is created from the rainwater touching the joists. Joist hangers must be of the highest quality and approved for contact with the newer treated lumber that has a higher copper content. Joist hangers are used to attach the ends of joists to the face of a beam or a ledger board. Deck Joist Spacing by Wood Type & Deck Size Joist Spacing (o.c.)

You can also use ’s Joist Span & Spacing Calculator to determine how long your deck joist should span. For best results, refer to our wood and composite deck joist span table. In typical deck construction, with a ledger on one end of the joist and a beam on the other, the size of the joists is driven by the size of the deck and based on the general maximum spans mentioned above. The larger the span, the larger the joists. See the below span chart as well as the local codes and guidelines for your jurisdiction. Your joist span will depend on the size of the joists (i.e. Some decking materials installed at a 45-degree angle to the run of the joists require the joist spacing to be 12 inches on center. Before you build a deck, verify this with your local building department and read the installation instructions for the decking material.

The normal spacing for deck joists is 16 inches on center. How Far Apart Should Deck Joists Be Spaced?Ī lot of questions revolve around joists when it comes to building a deck. The size and construction of beams are very important and should be specified by an architect, a residential structural engineer, or the building department of your local municipality. Beams away from the house are almost always supported by vertical posts or columns. The joists sit on top of a beam or are attached to a beam using joist hangers. It’s not only responsible for supporting the weight of the joists but other building elements as well. What Is a Beam?Ī beam is the main load-bearing element for the structural soundness of your deck. You can determine the size of the joists using a span table. The building code has very stringent minimum standards for the amount of weight a deck floor must be able to hold. The minimum size joist used in deck construction depends on the distance the joists span between bearing points and the species and grade of the treated lumber used to create the joists. Joists are the repeated structural members that are used to build a deck frame. That includes knowing the difference between a joist and a beam and what purpose they serve to your deck and its functionality and safety. And while it’s important to have a deck that’s aesthetically pleasing to you, you first have to make sure it’s structurally sound. Bringing your favorite people together to enjoy a beautiful summer day on your deck is a great way to unwind and relax.
