FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Using 4×6 pt as decking ?

djh | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 4, 2007 05:56am

Happy 4th to all.

My brother-in-law has a lake house with a second story exterior deck 8’x32′. The house was built in 70’s and is a Deck House. The existing deck boards are 4×6 doug fir (installed with the 6″ side up) and mostly rotted. They span 8′ from girder to girder. I’ve checked span charts and can’t find the info I want. Can we replace the existing decking with 4×6 pressure treated?

Thanks,

Don

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. DonK | Jul 04, 2007 06:17pm | #1

    No way would I risk my life with PT lumber on an 8' span. The stuff they sell for PT around here would warp, twist and sag so much in a week that you wouldn't be able to walk from one side to another. I bought some 4x4's last week and I swear I could have built a round gazebo with them after one week.

    Others may have different feelings. Good luck with your quest.

    Don K.

    EJG Homes    Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

    1. djh | Jul 05, 2007 05:34pm | #6

      DonK,

      Thanks for the response. The original material was 3x6 doug fir. I have the same warping concerns with the pt. We have a plan "B": spanning the girders with 2x6's @ 16oc and using 5/4 decking. We are limited by door swings as to how deep (thick?) we can make this.

      Thanks,

      Don

  2. Geoffrey | Jul 05, 2007 07:11am | #2

    DJH

    Got any pics?    Where's your Deck House located?

    Ditto what the previous poster said regarding PT, not a good option.

                                                                                       Geoff

  3. Piffin | Jul 05, 2007 07:56am | #3

    Cosmeticly and practicaly it is not a good option, but the question you ask is structurally.

    To have any idea, you have to start with what the required live loid ie. snow load is for your area. You can click on your name and fill in your profile, or you can tell us that here in this thread.

    IMO, it is better to reframe and use some nice dceking

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. djh | Jul 05, 2007 05:40pm | #7

      Piffin,

      Thanks for the input. The existing material was 3x6 doug fir and after 30+ years about 30% is rotted. There has never been an issue with the existing as far as bounce/deflection etc. If we go with the 4x6pt I'll need a bunch of 6" piffin screws.

      Thanks,

      Don

      1. User avater
        Gene_Davis | Jul 05, 2007 06:46pm | #8

        Is the decking square edged, or T&G?

        Bear Creek Lumber, Winthrop, WA, will ship you some nice 3x6 in WRC, and you would probably be good for another thirty to forty years.

        Another choice from them would be Alaskan yellow cedar, smelly to work with, beautiful to behold.  Here is what they say about durability:

        "Durability: Resists weather, rot, termites and corrosion from acid solutions. Has 2 1/2 times the life expectancy of Douglas Fir in vats and flumes."

        Edited 7/5/2007 11:49 am ET by Gene_Davis

        1. djh | Jul 07, 2007 02:54pm | #11

          Gene,

          Thanks for the info. The bro-in-law has decided to go with 4x6 pt and wants to get it done by Sunday (Good luck!)

          Don

      2. Piffin | Jul 05, 2007 09:38pm | #10

        "I'll need a bunch of 6" piffin screws."Don't forget to send mucho dinero with your order 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  4. User avater
    Gene_Davis | Jul 05, 2007 03:33pm | #4

    We lived in a Deck House in St. Charles, MO.  Had it for three years.  Set in a woodland lot, most of the entire back of the house was glass and faced a scene of shade from huge oaks, with a miraculous understory of dogwood and redbud.

    The view from inside, in the spring, was like a Monet painting.

    1. IdahoDon | Jul 05, 2007 04:59pm | #5

      You could easily use ipe to span the distance and end up with a flat surface.  There is a government website somewhere with the load ratings for it if the inspector needs some info on the stuf.

        

      Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

  5. dovetail97128 | Jul 05, 2007 07:34pm | #9

    DJH,

    I am wondering if it is possible for you to header off between the existing beams and add joist to the structure using more hangers .

    If this is possible then you can reduce the span of your decking to 4' fairly easily.

    There also used to be a "Super Deck" a laminated T&G decking that was made up of 3 plys of 3/4" material with the center ply offset to make the T&G. I used it on 8' spans with no problem but it was not weather exposed.

    "Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca

    1. djh | Jul 07, 2007 02:56pm | #12

      Dovetail,

      That was quickly ruled out as an option because it interfers with the view of the lake from the windows below.   Ah well, they never said it would be easly.

      Don

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data