Does anyone see any problem with this:

I've got computer designed plans for an 18'x20' deck from my local lumber store. The loads are calculated at 58 psf given the following:

(3) freestanding beams of 2x12's and 2x10 joists. The max span b/w the beams will only be 10', so it should be rock solid. 2 beams are 20' wide, a third shorther beam of 10'.

Here's my Q: The plan calls for 3 beams because the run of the house that will butt the deck has an alcove in it, and therefore one long ledger will not work. I want to build a 5' wide stairway in this plan, but inset it in the deck, rather than take up lawn space by attatching it to the exterior rim joist. The best way for me to do this would be to eliminate the third (short) beam and simply attatch 5 of the joists to a short ledger on the house. This would leave the remaining joists spanning the 2 big beams, and not attatched to the house.

is there a problem here??

thanks.

 

We just build a 12 x 16 free standing deck using Dek-Block Piers. They have a great site. Take a look at http://www.deckplans.com

They have lots of plans, ideas and free help.

Ted