What can I use instead of joist hangers?

The most common alternative to using joist hangers is a ledger strip. This technique requires a plank of wood to be secured to the outside wall to create a “ledge” where the joists would rest for support.

Do you need the hangers for deck joists?





Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.

Should joist hangers be nailed or screwed?

Nail to the joist—standard hanger. For standard joist hangers, secure the hanger to the joist using only 1-1/2 in. long galvanized joist hanger nails. Avoid longer nails that would poke through the joist and splay out the other side of the hanger.

How do you hang a deck joist?

Step 1: Attach Rim Joist

Measure and cut the rim joists to length. Set one edge of a rim joist on the beam with the top edge of the other end flush with the ledger. Fasten the boards with two 3-inch deck screws. Fasten the other rim joist the same way.

How much weight can a 2×8 support?





A 2×8 will adequately support a dead load of 20 psf and a live load of 40 psf depending on some factors, including allowable span. This equates to a total load of 60 psf. Therefore, for a 2x8x10, the total load would equal 600 pounds per lineal foot.

How much weight can joist hangers support?

These hangers are bent to 45 degrees and can be installed with joist hanger nails using the same method as straight joist hangers. Angled joist hangers should be available at your local lumberyard for 2×6 and 2×10.
Joist Hanger Vertical Capacity.

Joist Size Min Capacity lbs
2×6 400
2×8 500
2×10 600
2×12 700

Can you use a 2×10 joist hanger on a 2×12?

Hangers can be used with both their matching nominal joist size and the next size up—2×10 hangers are approved for use with 2x10s and 2x12s, for example.

Can I use a 2×8 joist hanger on a 2×10?



The most common joist hanger I find on decks is a LUS28*. This joist hanger can be used with 2×8 and 2×10 joists.

Can joist hangers be screwed?

Although standard deck screws aren’t designed to provide the type of strength required by joist hangers, there are several nails and screw-like fasteners perfectly suited for the job.

Should deck joists be 2×6 or 2×8?

For upper-level decks, 2×10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards.

Are joist hangers strong?



Therefore, Joist hangers are versatile and are much stronger than using traditional nails or screws alone. They are also easier to fit and relatively cheap given the length of time they will last. Provided all the holes have nails or screws inserted, they provide excellent stability.

Can I use 2×8 for deck joists?

2×8 for joists will be fine, with 16″ OC. Should use 2×10 for beams but 2×8 will be fine as well. If you are worried you can triple the 2×8 for the beams but double will be sufficient. You should put the beams at 7 and 14 feet out from the house, with the piers you should do 3 per beam with spacing of 1, 7, 13.

Are 2×6 strong enough for deck joists?

You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9’0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9’10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).

How far can a 2×10 joist span without support?

How Far Can a 2×10 Beam or Header Span? A 2×10 beam – made up of two 2x10s nailed together – can span up to 11′ without support beneath a deck that is 4′ wide. For a more normal-sized deck, the same beam can span 8′, supporting a deck that is 8′ wide. You can also triple a 2×10 beam.

How far can a 2×8 span without support?



In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet. Based on all factors though, a 2×8 joist span is 7′-1” to 16′-6”, and a rafter 6′-7” and 23′-9”. In this guide, we’ll explain what span means in terms of construction, factors that impact the span, and how much weight a 2×8 can support.

What size beam do I need to span 15 feet?

Thus, for a 15 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×12 or 6×12 size of wood beam. For a 15-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 12 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×12) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

Does double joists increase span?

For example, if you double the thickness or number of joists in a floor, the distance the boards can span will increase by approximately 25%. But if you double the width of the boards, the distance the joists can span increases between 80% to 100%, even though you’re using the same board feet of lumber.

How far can 2×10 floor joist span?

Max. Live Load 60 lbs/ft2 (2873 N/m2)

Maximum Span (ft – in)
Nominal Size (inches) Joist Spacing Center to Center (inches) Lumber Grade
2 x 10 12 16′ – 8″
16 15′ – 2″
24 13′ – 3″

Can a 2×10 span 12 feet?



A #2-2×10 joist can span between 11′-5” and 18′-0”, as a rafter between 13′-9” and 21′-7”, and as a beam 3′-6” and 13′-0” or more. The span depends on spacing, lumber species, and grade, and for a beam, the lamination thickness, as well as numerous other factors.

Can a 2×10 span 15 feet?

Joist Spans

At 16 inch spacing, 15 feet 2 inches and 13 feet 3 inches at 24 inch spacing. Use a joist span table such as those found in the Resources section to determine the maximum 2-by-10 joist spans for other species and lumber grades.