Hi,
A friend is building a 20′ X14′ deck, and is planning to span the 14′ with a single joist, no beam in the middle. A deck book he has….actually,I let him borrow it, says that he can span that distance but it seems to me the deck would be pretty bouncyand he should split the difference. Going to a 2X12 is not an option because of height issues ; the deck is pretty close to the ground. What do you think?
George
When deck posts exceed what the prescriptive code tables allow, it's time to consult a structural engineer for post sizing and possible bracing.
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Replies
2x10 is fine, I believe max span is 15'4", can't remember for sure.
Edited 9/4/2008 8:05 pm ET by frammer52
yep
2x10 will span it.
If concerned about deflection, can always add cross blocking at midspan.
Also, SYP is much stronger than most other lumbers so spans are greater, however, some codes have increased design load requirements for decks due to some deck failures during parties.
14', no problem at all with 2x10's. If your not comfortable, set the girdger back at 12'.
george
Try this span calculator.
http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp
Rich
I'd go to a closer spacing, say 12" on center, or even closer.
Best of luck
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Set the girders at 2' and 12', then the span is only 10'. Mid point bridging will not increase the joist span and may cause squeaking of the floor system.
Don't you guys read? The op said "no beam, span 14"
If he had room for a beam, or two beams, he could use 2x12.
2x10 is ok, max 14'-6" w/ kd spruce, syp should be fine. A row of blocking at the 7' point will stiffen it, too.
Bing
don't come down on us too hard, you know we're just construction workers>G<
It's all good :)
yep>G<
Don't you guys read? The op said "no beam, span 14"
He does have a beam, it's just that it's at the end and is a flush beam.
Joe Carola
Gee, thanks for clarifying that. I thought the 2x10's were going to hang in mid air 14' away from the house. I was pointing out the height issue. No beam under. :)
Bing
Good job!Joe Carola
Thanks!
Ps. What's a girdger?
Bing
Ps. What's a girdger?
Wow, you went back to point out that I misspelled girder? I won't be able to sleep now.
Joe Carola
Didn't think it was any more picky than " there is a beam, it's just on the end and it's flush"
just kiddin around dude.......
If there isn't room for two beams, maybe there is room for one at the midpoint. Then the span would be zero.
LOL, after watching you two go at it, I think I'll head for someplace peaceful and quiet like the POL threads in the Tavern
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I'll head for someplace peaceful and quiet like the POL threads in the Tavern
POL, is that stand for Pollution threads................;-) Those political threads are the biggest joke ever, here and at JLC.
Joe Carola
Edited 9/7/2008 5:40 pm ET by Framer
a quote from Chief Architects site written by the administrator Doug Park regarding discussion about politics & religion
My observation over time is that the wise man stays out of these discussions because he will know that his opinion is not nor ever will be fully shared by others. These discussions can only lead to an agreement to disagree at best and an all out flame war at worst.
seems to be a smart observation
I agree with him 100%.Politics, Religion and Racism all turn out that way 100% guaranteed.
Joe Carola
Now I really feel dumb......I havent been reading the pol threads cause I thought they were polish......
Bing
Didn't think it was any more picky than " there is a beam, it's just on the end and it's flush"
just kiddin around dude.......
No problem. I guess the,"Don't you guys read?" comment stirred me up a little.
Joe Carola
Your good w/2x10, but also consider any additional weight he may have on the deck and placement. I usually design decks for 60 psf here in Michigan, and many codes in our area require that loading. So, technically I guess your pushing the limits of the span with treated lumber, but that being said, I am one to go single beam as well. I would consider the 12" o/c spacing as mentioned by other(s). Your only talking a few xtra 2x's.
I just had one framed - 14'x16' w/ 2x10-14' joist spans. They are SYP as is most all PT here. There is some bounce but not bad.