Can I build a deck with 2×8 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.

How far can you span a 2×8 beam?





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.

Do I need to double beams for deck?

Even though a deck that extends 15 feet from the house with 2×8 joists may only be a few feet longer than the minimum span, you’ll need an additional beam to provide adequate support and adhere to building code.

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

Deck Joist Span Chart

Joist Spacing (o.c.) 16″
Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×6 8′-4″
2×8 11′-1″
2×10 13′-7″
2×12 15′-9″

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”.

What size beams should I use for a deck?





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 3 2X8 beam span?

Dimensional Lumber Deck Beam Span Chart

Joist Spans
Southern Pine 3-2X8 10′-7″
3-2X10 12′-9″
3-2X12 15′-0″
Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir, Redwood, Cedars, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine 3X6 OR 2-2X6 5′-2″

How far can 3 2X8 span?

How far can a triple 2×8 beam span:- as per general rules and guidelines, #2 grade southern pine of a triple 2×8 deck beam can span upto 10 to 11 feet when total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) with deflection limit L/360.

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 apart should deck beams be?



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. (On-center means the length from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist, rather than a gap from edge to edge).

How many posts do I need for a 12×16 deck?

As a guide, if you choose to use 20-foot boards, you will need to purchase 22 of these boards. Similarly, 18-foot boards will require 24 boards, 16-foot boards will require 27 boards, 14-foot boards will require 31 boards, 12-foot boards will require 37 boards and 10-foot boards will require 44 boards.

How far apart should support posts be for a deck?



8 feet apart

Starting with your perimeter, mark the location of each deck post to locate the fitting position. In general, posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. The maximum distance between footings is determined by the size of your joist material.

How many posts are needed for a 10×10 deck?

A freestanding 10′ x10′ deck needs 4 posts, supporting two pairs of 2-ply non-incised 2×8 beam, upgrading the beam to 3-ply using incised wood.

How many post do I need for a 20×20 deck?

Quick Attached Deck Footing Chart

Size of Deck Beam Size Number of Footings
16′ x 16′ (3) 2×8 3
20′ x 12′ (2) 2×8 3
20′ x 14′ (2) 2×8 3
20′ x20′ 2 beams (2) 2×8 6 (2 rows of 3)