In typical deck construction with a ledger on one side of the joist and 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.
Floor joist spans wood deck.
Here s a helpful chart covering the most popular wood framing species and their maximum allowed spans.
Plus unlike floor joists decks needs to be able to support the extra weight of pressure treated wood handrails as well as snowfall during winter.
Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.
Even when using the strongest wood to build joists for a deck that wood is still subject to the elements and can bend bow or warp with time.
Section r507 5 notes that deck joists can cantilever up to 1 4 of the joist span.
Joist beam spans sizes.
The larger the deck the larger the joists.
Decking boards span from joist to joist.
Listed are 46 tables based on common loading conditions for floor joists ceiling joists and rafters.
If you use 5 4 decking joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches.
Steel joists offer a stronger straighter and potentially safer alternative to wood.
View joist rafter tables.
Joist size spacing between joists decking material and wood species.
If you will run decking at an angle you might need to put the joists closer together.
Again it s important to know your local codes.
The proper deck joist span distance between supporting beams below the joists for your deck should be known before you start building and is needed to draft your deck plan.
Framing tables for decks.
This article explains typical spans for deck joists deck beams and deck flooring giving both standard span tables and a quick rule of thumb that works pretty well.
For best results refer to our wood and composite deck joist span table.
The deck joist span chart below is based on the updated codes from the international residential code 2015 which for the first time specifically addressed these deck design considerations.
Deck joists have a different maximum span length depending upon the size spacing and framing material that you re creating your deck with.
Recommended or allowable joist beam spans.
Steel joists such as trex elevations are machine made making each joist an identical twin.
The spans of joists varies based upon several factors.
Floor joist span tables for various sizes and species of wood.