Once you know the material, joist size, and you have a plan with the intended size and shape of the deck, you can calculate the desired deck joist span and spacing. It is better to go shorter than to try and maximize span bridging for a more solid and secure platform. Joists often consist of wood or steel, because composite or plastic joists usually lack the strength needed to support the weight of decking. Size and spacing depend upon the shape and size of the deck, the weight it needs to support (hot tub? degree capping:360-degree capping protects each side of your composite decking — including the composite core of the board — from moisture and pest damage.

Which if you’re willing to adjust during the permits process, bring the decking number, and you can adjust decking or joist spacing after they confirm the spacing.

For instance, 2x6 joists are less expensive than 2x12 joists, but if the deck will need to support any heavy equipment, like a hot tub, then 2x6 joists may not be able to hold up under the weight.

Along with sharing what I learned of the things that can further enhance your outdoor oasis, making your deck, your happy place with the right accessories. As this section is quite involved, the webpage is just a guide, for full details on joists please refer to NZS3604.The joists are usually not visible, so using expensive premium timbers isn’t necessary as long as the beam structure is properly placed.

In this newsletter we explore joist spacing and the considerations before installing Teckwood’s composite decking. The shape and size of the deck influence the layout and number of joists, potential spans, and even the spacing. This site is owned and operated by E 3 Construction Ltd, a limited liability company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.The maximum safe distance for a cantilever depends on several factors, including the type of lumber you’re using and the size and spacing of the joists. Lower grades, economy, or utility lumber have too many knots or large knots that weaken the lumber too much for structural use. Check for any drainage problems in the area where you plan to build your deck – these must be resolved before starting. The height available from ground level to entry-level may trigger the need for landings or the inclusion of a lower deck.

The information and advice in this article is provided in good faith and is designed to give general information and guidance. If you are laying the boards perpendicular to the joists, then 16-inches on center joist spacing will likely be good enough for the project. The spacing, span, grade, and joist dimensions are identified in the International Residential Building Code (IRC) which guides most national and state codes. The span and spacing of the deck joists can vary depending on the type of material used in the construction of the deck. Profile options:Choose from solid deck boards, solid deck boards with grooves, circle hollow deck boards with grooves and more.Although 2x4s may be used for low-profile joists near ground-level they aren’t normally included in structural joist tables. Joist tape isa self-adhesive tape made of rubberized asphaltthat you place on cut joist ends to help protect it from water and reduce sound transmission. Install a drainage system:Make sure you have some sort of water drainage system installed under your deck, but above your joists. To find the ideal joist spacing, it's necessary to know exactly how big the deck will be, as well as the planned shape of the deck.