Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.

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.

Should deck joist be 2×8 or 2×10?





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.

What is the maximum span for a 2×6 deck joist?

24 inches

Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.

What is the maximum span for a 2×10 deck joist?

2×10 floor joists can span up to 20′. However, this is for 12” o.c. spacing for live loads that are 30 psf. This is unrealistic because any living space or deck requires a joist that can support a 40 psf live load. Otherwise, the joists are not to code.

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 2×8 span for a deck?

A rule of thumb is 1.5 times a joist’s depth but in feet when spaced at 16” centers. In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet.

What size bearers and joists for a deck?

The bearers have to carry the weight of the entire deck and whatever is put on top of it, so they need to be strong. A 140×45 treated pine bearer will usually do the trick. Every 1.2 metres, a 90×90 H4 treated pine post will be needed. Treated pine is the easiest to work with.

Can I use 2×8 for decking?

Q: Can I use 2×8 treated lumber as deck boards? A: No, that’s a not a good idea. Lumber wider than 6 inches should not be used as a flat surface. Wide, flat boards have a tendency to pool rain water, which can lead to cupping problems.

Can you use 2×10 for deck boards?



There is certainly no problem using the 2x10s for any of the structural framing of the deck. Using 2×10 treated lumber for decking is another matter entirely.

How many joists do I need for a 12×12 deck?

For example, a 12-foot x 12-foot deck of 5/4 x 6 pressure treated wood decking on 16 inches on center spacing of joists will require: A 12-foot long deck with joists 16 inches on center will require 10 joists.

How far can a 2×10 span without support?

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.

What is the standard joist spacing for a deck?



16 inches

How Far Apart Should You Space Deck Joists? The short answer: deck joists are typically spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches apart, on center.

Can I use 4×2 for decking frame?

4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist. Pressure treated timber joists. These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too.

Do deck joists need to be pressure treated?

While all deck joists should be pressure-treated wood, PT wood now is not the same as 30 years ago. For example, because of changes in preservatives over time, today’s wood decks are built with the wood posts above ground (not making ground contact to reduce moisture content) and attached to concrete footers.

How many joists do I need for a 20 foot deck?



A 20-foot wide deck, for example, would require two beams: one at 10 feet and one and 20 feet in order to support a deck with 2×8 joists spaced 16 inches apart.

How many joists is 16 feet?

Nine joists will be needed for the 16-foot width.

What is a 5 4 deck board?

Decking boards come in varying thicknesses that can be a bit confusing. There is a nominal thickness and then an actual thickness. The most popular thickness for decking boards in North America is a 5/4 thickness which is an actual 1” thick.

What is the most common deck board size?

The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.

Can I use 1×6 for deck boards?



Width of material: We recommend only 1×4, 5/4×4 or narrower boards. Never use 1×6 or 5/4×6 material in close to ground applications. Spacing between boards: You must allow space for your deck boards to expand when they take on moisture, as they will inevitably do when exposed to wet weather, rain or high humidity.