I want to hang a porch swing in the patio area that I created under my deck. The deck joists are 2×6 pt spanning 15′. On end is in a joist hanger and the other rests atop the 2X10s that are supported by 4X4 posts. Do I need to sister these joists? What type of hardward will work?
Thanks in advance!
Richard
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Replies
clear span?
if your 2x6 are spanning 15' you need to address a whole lot more than sistering one to hang a swing. Honestly i wouldnt hang a swing from that. how much head room do you have under the deck? how old is the deck?
As Mark suggests, if those 2x6s are actually spanning 15 feet and are supporting a walking surface above they're already too flimsy, even before you hang something on them. And a porch swing will add significant "dynamic load", over and above the simple weight of the swing and its occupants.
Just as a thumb suck, without consulting any tables or formulas (and without knowing the precise geometry of this deck), I'd say you need to "sister" with 2x10s, and the existing 2x10 needs to be doubled.
instead of a porch swing
Assuming 2x6 Spruce/Pine/Fir 16" on Center, you're way over the allowable span. See Table 2: http://www.awc.org/pdf/codes-standards/publications/dca/AWC-DCA62012-DeckGuide-1405.pdf
Your best bet, instead of putting 2x12 joists in, would be to place a properly-sized beam and posts in the middle of the joist span. Either that, or stop using the deck.
Hanging a porch swing
Please accept my apologies, I mis-spoke in my origainal post.
The deck joists are indeed 2x12 PT. There is a gutter-type system installed below the deck to keep the underneath dry. The clearance was what I originally measured.. The gutter only leaves space for a 2x6, maybe a 2x8 if I remove the existing cleat.
Speaking of the gutter system, does anyone regonize it or is 'home-grown', fabricated on site?
Thanks,
Richard
Hanging a porch swing
Please accept my apologies, I mis-spoke in my origainal post.
The deck joists are indeed 2x12 PT. There is a gutter-type system installed below the deck to keep the underneath dry. The clearance was what I originally measured.. The gutter only leaves space for a 2x6, maybe a 2x8 if I remove the existing cleat.
Speaking of the gutter system, does anyone regonize it or is 'home-grown', fabricated on site?
Thanks,
Richard
OK, if you've got 2x12s then the joists should not need any siblings. Just hang the puppy.
Simplest scheme is a pair of screw hooks, but there are probably purpose-made systems for swings. (Will the swing be home-brew, or something you're purchasing?)
The "gutter system" looks kinda hybird. It may be the plastic was part of a kit, but the wood pieces were added by someone who was a bit anal.
Thanks!
The swing is from Penobscot Bay Porch Swings of Maine. I installed in on hooks, but it looked too puney. So I had to ask the question. There is hardware specific to swings.
I'd like to add more bays (over my outdoor shower) to the existing 'gutter system' but I don't have a brake to bend the sheet metal. I guess I'll have to look for something similar.
R
Thanks!
The swing is from Penobscot Bay Porch Swings of Maine. I installed in on hooks, but it looked too puney. So I had to ask the question. There is hardware specific to swings.
I'd like to add more bays (over my outdoor shower) to the existing 'gutter system' but I don't have a brake to bend the sheet metal. I guess I'll have to look for something similar.
R
Assuming that the hooks you used are sized OK (should be if provided by the supplier) then you shouldn't have a problem. The one thing you might do is wedge blocking between the supporting joists and the ones adjacent, to spread the load and reduce bounce.
In the pictures your gutters looked like plastic sheet -- I know that there are similar systems that use sheet plastic. But for that job you can rig your own brake fairly easily with some scraps of plywood, if you don't demand real sharp corners.