How far can a deck beam span?

Joists spaced the standard 16 inches apart can span 1.5 times their depth in feet. A 2×6 joist can span up to 9 feet, a 2×8 can span up to 12 feet, and a 2×10 can span up to 15 feet.

How do you raise deck joists?





Cross-Joist Bracing



The best way is to place cross-braces, such as two-by-fours, across the length of the deck on the underside of the joists. Place them perpendicular to the joists so that you can then raise the whole deck at once as necessary.

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.

How far apart are decking bearers?

Set up the bearer spacings at a minimum of 1800mm centres with stump holes no more than 1500mm apart. The outside run of stumps will need to align with the outside edge of the deck.

How far can a deck span without support?

Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12″ on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.

How do you support a deck beam?

  1. Step 1: Stack and Square Deck Beams. Stack the three 2×10 beam members on top of each other with their crowns facing the same direction. …
  2. Step 2: Cut and Attach Spacers. …
  3. Step 3: Clamp and Screw Deck Beams Together. …
  4. Step 4: Drill Holes for Bolts. …
  5. Step 5: Tap in Bolts.
  6. How do you jack up a sagging deck?





    Position a car jack on the two-by-four or use a bottle jack. Raise the jack so it contacts the wooden floor joist supporting the decking. Continue raising the jack until the deck is no longer sagging. Place a wood or masonry shim under the deck support post so it will once again support the deck securely.

    How do you reinforce a deck?

    Reinforce post connections



    Strengthen post connections with carriage bolts. Drill holes, knock the bolts through, then tighten a washer and nut on the other side. Ideally, posts should sit directly under the beam or rim joist to support the deck.

    How do I raise my deck 2 inches?

    Quote from the video:
    Quote from Youtube video: And realistically if you want to raise it back up all you need to do is grab the jack. And a 4×4 something strong place it underneath a beam. And if you don't have any beams.

    How do you calculate deck span?

    So to span 10-feet use a 2×8. Another way for 16”o.c. is that a joist can span 1.5 times its thickness in feet – so, for a 2×8 calculate 1.5 x 8” = 12′ for the span.

    What is the difference between a bearer and a joist?



    Bearers are the timbers that are attached to the stumps or posts that support the deck and Joists are the timbers that are attached across the bearers to which the decking boards are in turn attached.

    What size are deck joists?

    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.

    How far can a 2×8 joist span for a deck?

    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.

    How far can a 2×6 joist span on a deck?



    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. If you will run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together.

    How far can 2×10 deck joists 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 joist span without support?

    But first, generally, how far can a 2×8 span without support? Depending on various factors, the maximum span for a 2×8 floor joist is 16′ 6”. The maximum span for roof rafters is 23′ 9”. For headers, the maximum span is 11′ 2”.

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



    How Far Can a Triple 2×10 Beam Span? A triple #2 – 2×10 beam of Southern pine can span between 7′-6” and 13′-0” with a live load of 40PSF depending on the joist span. Using DF-L, Hem-Fir, or SPF and the span changes to 7′-2” and 12’6” under the same conditions.

    How far can a doubled up 2×10 span?

    10 feet

    A double ply beam can span in feet if there is no overhang beyond it. A double 2×12 beam can span 12 feet, a double 2×10 can span 10 feet, and so on.

    What is the longest span for a 2×10?

    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″