Deck Post Spacing Chart

Most decks use 16 on center spacing for joists.
Deck post spacing chart. The weight load of your deck also affects the spacing of the posts. Joist spacing for composite decking. The deck beam span table on this page makes it easy to determine how far apart your posts and therefore the span of the beam should be. Size your deck beams and headers with our easy to use span table which allows you to cross reference the post spacing and joist length to determine the right deck beam size.
Cut the posts at this line. But let s first explain what the numbers in the chart actually mean because it can be a bit confusing. Maximum joist span of a 2x8 is 10 6 at 16 o c. The tributary area is the portion of a deck that s supported by a single post.
To calculate it for a particular post imagine a plan view of the deck see illustration left. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16. No lateral loads considered. Then find the mid span of the beam that the post supports and extend lines from there back to the line at the joist mid span.
Measure down from the door leading to the deck the width of the beams joists boards plus at least 3 inches or to whatever your local code requires. See the deck post size table to make that determination because it will affect the size of beam you choose. A cantilever is the unsupported end of a joist that extends past the last support post at the edge of your deck. How far apart should deck joists be spaced.
Use 6 6 deck support posts and an 8 or 10 wide 3 ply beam. Deck post sizes 40 psf live 10 psf dead. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12 on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. Height ft load area sq.
A span is the unsupported distance between two posts. Draw a line through the mid span of the joists. The most confusing part about understanding how far apart to space your joists is understanding the chart that explains it. If you have the ledger board installed you can use it as a guide.
Ft beam spacing x post spacing. Proper deck post spacing follows the deck post spacing chart that is found within your local building code. For typical decks where only a few family members or the occasional extra guest and backyard patio furniture are expected the average 5 foot to 8 foot measurements for post spacing can be used but if you expect heavy loads of any kind you will need to contact an engineer as well as your local building inspector to determine the exact spacing. Then snap a chalk line at this level along all the posts.
Maximum cantilever of a 2x8 is 24 at 16 o c. Maximum cantilever of a double 2x8 beam past a support post is 12. What is the proper deck post spacing. To make it simple place your posts no further than 8 apart.