Deck Joist Connections on Dropped Beam
jnjug
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I’m thinking about building a free standing deck that is approx. 20′ x 20′.
Obviously either way the joist run it’s 20′.
I was looking at DCA 6 and where Beam Sizes are mentions it states that joist shall not frame in from opposite sides of the same beam.
So is it not acceptable to install 2x joists on top of the a central beam in opposite directions ?
If that’s the case how can a 20′ length be achieved?
Replies
Table 2 shows several options that support 20 ft joist. the expectation is to have an overhang.
Quote: This document applies to single level residential wood decks that are attached to the house to resist lateral forces. [R507.2.4]
since you want to build a free standing deck, you cannot rely upon this document.
I suspect that the term "frame in" is meant to refer to joist hangers, with the top of the joist at the same elevation as the top of the beam, or joists that end on the beam.
if you have overlap on the joists, so that some overhangs a central beam in each direction, I suspect you will be ok.
so if you want a 20 ft deck, and do not want to purchase 20 ft long joists, you cannot expect to install two 10 ft long joists end to end, but use 12 foot long joists with an overhang. (nailed together and sitting squarely on the central beam) ( I think 10ft 6 inches would work)