6' x 10' deck- Should beams or joists run lengthwise?
#1
06-27-12, 06:00 AM
6' x 10' deck- Should beams or joists run lengthwise?
I am building a simple front deck that is 34" high. It is freestanding on 4 posts. The deck surface will be about 6' x 10' and the posts will be spaced at about 4 feet wide and about 8' long.
The 6' side is what is abutts the house entry door, and the stairs will turn 90* and step down towards the driveway.
My question is which way to run the beams/joists/decking? Should I use 6' beams and 10' joists, resulting in the deckboards being paralell to the house?
I'm not sure which is better visually, but I am more conserned with stability of the frame work. What do you all think?
The 6' side is what is abutts the house entry door, and the stairs will turn 90* and step down towards the driveway.
My question is which way to run the beams/joists/decking? Should I use 6' beams and 10' joists, resulting in the deckboards being paralell to the house?
I'm not sure which is better visually, but I am more conserned with stability of the frame work. What do you all think?
#4
06-27-12, 10:07 AM
Its looking like I'll probably go that way. Differance in cost between the two in lumber is only like 10 bucks and going parrel to the house means a few less joist hangers, ect.
But really its about the same cost. Unless someone has a reason to go the other way, I'll go with deck boards running paralell to the house. making my beams 6' long on 4" post centers with 10' joists.
Thanks
But really its about the same cost. Unless someone has a reason to go the other way, I'll go with deck boards running paralell to the house. making my beams 6' long on 4" post centers with 10' joists.
Thanks
#5
06-27-12, 02:18 PM
If you run your joists in the 10' direction you may have to use 2x8's as 2x6's only span about 9'6". Check with your inspector to see what he will allow you to use. Use joist hangers, naturally. I agree with the others, planks parallel to the house will look better.
#6
06-27-12, 03:20 PM
OK, I went and drew it both ways to add up the lumber. Its really close in cost so that doesn't sway me.
But no general rules saying for example "joists should always be longer than beams" or something to similar effect? OK then!
So thanks you guys. I'm going to go w/ decking paralell to the house. 10' joists and 6' beams.
But no general rules saying for example "joists should always be longer than beams" or something to similar effect? OK then!
So thanks you guys. I'm going to go w/ decking paralell to the house. 10' joists and 6' beams.
#7
06-28-12, 01:54 PM
Member
Or you could show your artistic side, and run the deck planks at a 45-degree angle. More work and more waste, but definitely worth it in my humble opinion.
#8
06-28-12, 02:18 PM
Your opinion is golden, bridge. I like that idea a lot. I just finished a deck, really two decks with angular decking. Really gotta figure close and yes, you will have more waste, but the final product will make a statement.
#10
06-28-12, 10:01 PM
Member
marksr--if a few more deck planks would impact your checkbook that much, maybe you should consider eating more cold cereal for breakfast. By not duplicating diagonal end-cuts in the corners (i.e., using the drops in the opposite corner), very little extra waste would result. All of his field members will be cut-down 10-footers, which is what he would be using if he runs them full-length, parallel to the house.
#11
06-29-12, 09:29 AM
Well we'll probably just go with straight decking parallel to the house. I have shorten the length down to 8', so 2x6 joists and 2x8 beams (or I can use 2-2x6 to make the beams).
What extra framing is needed to do the 45* decking?
What extra framing is needed to do the 45* decking?
#12
06-29-12, 05:03 PM
I think you may be confusing a term or two. Beams go under your joisting. I think you are meaning rim joists, that surround the deck joists. If you drop to 8' you can use 2x6 joists with no problem. No additional framing is needed for angular decking, just a good 12" miter saw to cut the angles repeatedly accurate. This is the reason for the waste. You will be cutting the decking where it ends over a joist, and may have a foot or two left over that just won't reach the next joist.
