Joist Spacing For Composite Decking

Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low maintenance decking.
Joist spacing for composite decking. For adjoining structures or posts remember to always allow for a 3 16 minimum gap where the decking meets the structure. Also many composite decking materials require 12 or even 10 on center stair stringers spacing to support composite stair treads. Current building codes require that all decks should be supported with a minimum of 2 x 10 pressure treated pine joists that are spaced 24 apart although 16 oc is standard building practice. The chart below clarifies the appropriate deck board spacing based on the temperature at the time of installation.
Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16 on center with the exception of max deck boards which allow for maximum 24 on center. Most composite decking materials like trex composite decking require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16 on center spacing for straight decking and 12 on center joist spacing for 45 degree angle diagonal decking. The majority of composite deck board brands including trex timbertech and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches o c. For all other decking products maximum stack height is 14 bundles important to note that proper dunnage spacing must be in place for these heights.
For select decking enhance decking and 1x12 and 1x8 products the maximum stack height is 12 bundles. If you plan to install your decking at a 45 degree angle your joists may need to be 12 inches apart. Another mistake to avoid when installing composite decking is spacing the joists too far apart. Most composite and pvc decking brands like trex and azek recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches oc.
When stacking multiple bundles. Accordingly if bundles are loose. Some brands like weardeck let you get away with more reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom weardeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches oc. For a more rigid feel 12 or less may be preferred.
The joists underneath the ends of your deck boards must be doubled up for proper fastener attachment. If you re planning to replace old wood decking with pvc or composite measure the deck joist spacing first.