![]() Before you build a deck, verify this with your local building department and read the installation instructions for the decking material itself. How Far Apart Should Deck Joists Be Spaced?Ī lot of questions need to be asked about the joists when it comes to specifying and building a deck that's going to be enjoyed for a long time - and it's not quite as easy as it may seem.Īs a rule of thumb, the normal spacing for deck joists is 16 inches on center. ![]() The size and construction of beams in a raised deck are very important and should be specified by an architect, a residential structural engineer, or the building department of your local municipality. On a raised deck the beams away from the house are almost always supported by vertical posts or columns. The joists sit on top of a beam or for durability should be attached to a beam using heavy duty galvanized exterior joist hangers. It’s responsible for supporting the weight of all the joists and all the decking boards - plus the weight of everything and everyone who might be enjoying your new deck build some sunny day soon. Building code has very stringent minimum standards for the amount of weight a deck floor must be able to hold so there's no chance that the deck will collapse in normal use, and you can determine the size of the joists using a span table - often part of a local Municipalities deck building guidelines.īeams are the main load-bearing elements for the structure of your deck. Joists are the repeated structural members that are used to build a deck frame with - to put it simply, they're the parts you can't see that hold the deck planks up! 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. Deck Structure Specifications - Joists and Beams: Find out where exactly your property line is too so you know you meet the necessary setbacks. So the first step when building a new deck, especially a raised deck, is to call your local authority or town hall to see what the limitations are, what the specifications required for building a new deck are, and what they will require from you to get a permit if needed. This is why you should first learn what the local setbacks and permit requirements are so you don't waste your time coming up with plans and applying for a permit that would be instantly refused. Depending on how meticulous your municipality or state is, you may need a permit and you may need to show drawings to get one. This is why building code and permits exist - to ensure a minimum safety standard is met. Raised decks need to be built to support the weight of everything that may be on them, patio furniture, barbeque, and most importantly all your friends and family who are there to enjoy a cool beer. ![]() ![]() The first step of building a deck in Canada or North America should be staying on the right side of the law and keeping safe. Durability strategies for a longer lifespan.Wood selection - pressure treated or hemlock base, cedar or composite decking.Creating a solid base structure: cement pillars (Sonotubes), screw piles, floating deck blocks.Deck specification - make sure the structure is strong enough.Meeting setbacks and getting building permits in Canada & US.Deck building tips for a durable deck construction:
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |