Floor Joist Spacing For Deck Boards

Most decks use 16 on center spacing for joists.
Floor joist spacing for deck boards. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16. Spanning 16 6 between supports may cantilever up to an additional 4 1 for a total maximum length of 20 7. Southern pine deck joist maximum spans no cantilever with cantilever joists may cantilever up to of the actual adjacent span. For a more rigid feel 12 or less may be preferred.
Live load floor joist span tables in chapter 7 of the state residential code based on the 2012 international residential code. Then use spacers at each joist to keep the gap between boards consistent and to keep the boards running straight. Many jurisdictions following the international building code which requires a minimum 1 8 inch spacing between boards. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists.
For example a 2 x 12 joist placed 16 oc. Decking manufacturers may recommend anywhere between 12 and 16 inches for commercial decks and 12 to 24 inches for residential decks. Joist spacing for composite decking. Both sizes have their pros and cons.
Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch. Sixteen penny nails are about the right size for spacing between deck boards. When building a house or even a deck it is important to confirm you have the correct joist sizes spans and spacing before you get started. The eighth inch spacing provides for a safer surface for walking.
Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12 on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. The majority of composite deck board brands including trex timbertech and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches o c. Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16 on center with the exception of max deck boards which allow for maximum 24 on center. But sometimes they can be a bit unclear when it comes to a crucial component of your deck frame joist spacing.
While most residential construction uses 2x8 joists with 16 inch spacing there are many other factors you need to consider when determining the proper joist span length. Composite decking brands also generally require 12 inches o c joist spacing for 45 degree or angled composite deck board applications. For example a two by twelve douglas fir beam supporting joists that span 8 feet must be supported by posts that are no further than 13 feet 9 inches apart while a southern yellow pine beam of. I asked my local building official how he checks a deck plan to make sure the joist size and spacing combination will meet requirements of the building code he goes to the 40 lb.