I hope you have a better understanding of material selection for framing a deck and how Codes can be used to ensure the deck is structurally safe and sound. 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. Many experts agree improperly installed ledgers are one of the leading causes of deck collapse and associated injuries. For the fasteners these are all stainless steel 304, for more information please see the webpage on durability. The spacing, span, grade, and joist dimensions are identified in the International Residential Building Code (IRC) which guides most national and state codes.

The height available from ground level to entry-level may trigger the need for landings or the inclusion of a lower deck.The Codes identify maximum joist and beam span requirements for different wood types to ensure decks don’t sag or collapse under the weight of people or snow load. Most manufacturers have deck joist spacing stipulations similar to 5/4 decking, however, some boards are rated for greater distances. Chapter 5 of the 2018 ICR has a variety of tables that are full of useful information about minimum footing sizes (R507. With both straight grain and wood grain finishes, you can choose from one of our popular finish colors or use our custom color range optionto craft a composite deck that is truly yours. Erecting and spacing beams to allow shorter spans means less expensive and more readily available timbers may be used.

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. Place a scrap piece of decking joist material in the joist hanger to set the width and then nail or screw the joist hanger on the inside of each double beam every 400mm. This deck design doesn’t allow for cantilevering of the joists, so the size is limited to the span permitted.When building your decking, you have to place the deck joists correctly and ensure they are properly spaced apart. If you are remodeling a pre-existing deck, always check that joists are correctly spaced according to today’s codes and regulations, and replace them if necessary. Square and rectangle decks are relatively straight forward, making it easier to calculate the appropriate spacing to support the deck boards.