Q&A

How far apart should support beams be on a deck?

How far apart should support beams be on a deck?

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 should my beam spacing be?

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.

How far can a 2×6 deck beam span?

Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches. If you will run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together.

How far can a double 2×10 deck beam span?

10 feet
A double ply beam can span in feet if there is no overhang beyond it. A double 2×12 beam can span 12 feet, a double 2×10 can span 10 feet, and so on.

How far can a 2X6 beam span without support?

A 2×6 can support up to 50 pounds per square foot of weight without sagging with a maximum span of about 12 feet when spanning a distance horizontally, with the 2×6 standing in a vertical position.

How far apart deck beams?

In most cases, you’ll want to determine the spacing between beams first, then use joist size appropriate to that spacing. If the deck will be no more than 6 feet off the ground, a common recommendation is to space the support beams no more than 12 feet apart.

What is the standard spacing between floor joists for a deck?

Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12″ on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. Joist Spacing for Composite Decking

What size deck should I build?

Some builders recommend that a deck should be as large as the largest room inside the house (typically the living room). Here’s another tip: Most decks are built in increments of 2 feet. That’s because building materials are usually sold in even lengths of 8, 10, or 12 feet or longer.

What is the proper joist size for deck framing?

But sometimes, they can be a bit unclear when it comes to a crucial component of your deck frame – joist spacing. Decking manufacturers may recommend anywhere between 12 and 16 inches for commercial decks and 12 to 24 inches for residential decks.