Sage-Tips

Can you use regular 2×6 for decking?

Wood decking is commonly available in 2×6 and 5/4 x 6 profiles. 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and is milled with a radius edge or bull nose. 2×6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions.

What size joists do you use for decking?

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.

Can you use untreated wood for deck joists?

It’s better to use treated lumber and know your deck will be secure in a few years than try to use untreated wood for the supports and watch them rot away rapidly. If you’re using pressure treated lumber and are concerned about its risks, applying an oil-based sealant is the best protective measure.

How much weight can a 2×6 handle?

According to the Codes, a 2×6 on edge with the weight pressing through 5.5” of wood will support approximately 53lbs per linear foot. So, an 8-foot length will support about 424lbs. However, a short span 2×6 on edge can support between 600 and 900lbs depending on wood species, grade, and other factors.

Can I use 2×6 lumber for floor joists?

The maximum distance a 2×6 can span, according to the 2018 IRC, for a floor joist, is 12′-6”, ceiling joist 20′-8”, rafter 18′-0”, deck board 24”, deck joist 9′-11”, deck beam 8′-3”, and 6′-1” as for header. Always check the codes for determining factors or consult a Structural Engineer.

How do you strengthen a 2×6 floor joist?

If the floor is bouncy but the joists are not sagging, the simplest fix is to reinforce the joists by installing additional joists adjacent to the original ones. Called “sistering,” this is done from beneath the floor in the crawl space. New two-by-six joists are cut to fit snugly beside the old ones.

Can I use 4×2 for decking joists?

4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too. When making your decking frame you should use a 400mm spacing between your timber joists.

How do I protect my deck joists from rot?

15 ways to prevent deck joist rot

1. Ventilation Dries Deck Joist Extending their Life.
2. Seal the Joist with a Water Repellant Sealer.
3. Allow Water to Escape Helps Preserve Deck Joist.
4. Overhang your decking, direct water away from the joist.
5. Slope Joist.
6. Flash the ledger and beam.
7. Remove Protruding Post Railing.

Do you have to use treated lumber for floor joists?

Generally, building codes require pressure-treated or naturally durable wood for the following applications: Joists or the bottom of structural floors without joists that are within 18″ of exposed soil. Wood supports that are embedded in, or in contact with, the ground.

What is the proper spacing for deck joists?

Deck Joist Sizing and Spacing. Most composite decking materials require 16″ on center spacing for straight decking and 12″ on center joist spacing for 45 degree angle diagonal decking. Also, many composite decking materials require 12″ or even 10″ on center stair stringers spacing to support composite stair treads.

What is the proper joist size for deck framing?

When you’re putting together a deck plan, the joist size depends on the space between the joists and the length of the joists. The minimum joist size is a 2-by-6, which may span up to 11 feet 7 inches without additional support if they are spaced just 12 inches apart.

How far apart should joist be on Trek decking?

When designing a new trex or composite deck, the spacing between floor joists should be 12 inches on center . On center means that the measurement should be taken from the center of a joist edge to the center of the next joist edge.

How far apart do you put deck floor joists?

The wide majority of decks and deck frames built in the United States feature pressure-treated lumber as the deck framing material. How far apart should deck joists be spaced? Deck joists are typically spaced either every 12 inches or 16 inches on center.