The distance of the beam from the ledger determines the deck joist span. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. The standard rule for footings is that for a basic deck, the larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings you'll need. Most span and spacing tables present values for common dimensional lumber sizes and species. Most decks use dimensional 2-by lumber which is more readily available. 7. Each factor affects the span, the spacing, or both, as well as the placement of beams and support posts that make up the deck frame. The joist spand between these main beams with a couple screws to set them in place and after joist hangers were added. The more elaborate the decking plan, the greater the joist structure requirements. The spans in these tables were determined on the same basis as the code-recognized Span Tables for Joists & Rafters and Wood Structural Design Data, both published by the American Wood Council; concentrated loads and uplift loads caused by wind were not considered. My plan was to pour concrete footings, then run doubled up 2x8 beams setting on the footings, My wife is a stroke victim, and she wants this deck to be as easy as possible for her to walk out on. To decrease the number of footings, but likely increase the cost of construction, you can instead use an engineered beam. Joist Span Calculator. Support Post Spacing for Eventual Hot Tub on Deck. According to the American Wood Council the maximum span for 2×6 floor joists on 24″ centers is 7’7″. Beam Configuration. 2×6 Decking is more costly than 5/4 decking of the same wood. for boards laid at an angle to the joists. The plan needs to identify the number of beams and support posts, the layout and number of joists, and the plan for the deck boards. Step 4 - Place the Footers. The height available from ground level to entry-level may trigger the need for landings or the inclusion of a lower deck. The overall load is made up of the dead load and the live load. For example, a 2 x 12 joist placed 16” OC. There are many considerations before undertaking a … Joist spacing is determined by the type of wood used, and the size of the joist itself. Bear in mind that other decking designs will require different techniques and joist spacing. I also want want to add more floor joists in the hot tub area. Adding a hot tub or spa to the deck will increase the live load and affect deck joist span and spacing. This document does not apply to decks which will experience snow loads, snow drift loads, ... JOIST SPACING (inches) SPACING OF DECK JOISTS WITH NO CANTILEVER (inches)1 SPACING OF DECK JOISTS WITH CANTILEVERS (INCHES) 12 16 24 12 16 24 Always hire a professional contractor to build your deck and follow all applicable codes and regulations. Designing a deck specifically for a hot tub requires a lot of forethought. The IRC reflects proven construction techniques for wood decks using widely accepted conventional construction materials and practices. or less if diagonal to prevent sag and bounce. The deck … This top tips for building hot tub decks post is from the experts at Real Cedar.com, check them out to see why you should consider authentic cedar for your deck.. Although this requires quite a bit of effort, it is much less expensive than outsourcing the job to a professional company. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated. Joist blocking spacing at half or third points strengthens the deck frame by improving the connections and distributing forces to more support members. joist spacing increases material cost between $70 for 2x8s and $100 for 2x10s. And that is without a hot tub sitting on them. The design utilizes a double 2×12 beam with 6×6 posts spaced 6-feet apart, and ledger with joist hangers. So to span 10-feet use a 2×8. Can a deck support a hot tub? It requires two 3” or 3-1/2” fasteners in every joist and is also spaced 1/8” to 3/8” apart. With the deck being 3 feet high On one end, this qualifies for "permitting" and should go through your local building regulatory office. Windows, trees, neighbors, and utilities are other factors to keep in mind. 2×6 deck boards can span up to 24”o.c. The area under the hot tub should be framed as a separate system, with its own footings. From a small square landing pad outside the back slider to expansive multi-tiered, multi-functional space, one thing they all have in common is the welcoming draw for a hot tub.Hot tubs, however, are very heavy, especially when filled with water, and chances are that your existing deck can’t safely support it without additional reinforcement. I am trying to determine the weight capacity of my outdoor deck for a hot tub. I am about to install a hot tub on our deck that will need to be extended. The span of deck joists depends on the selection of dimensional lumber available in your area. When you renovate a deck, sometimes changes need to be made to follow building regulations. Attached decks require a ledger for securing it to the building, while free-standing ones need an additional beam and post framework. Lumber with no blemishes is rated select, clear, or #1 and is stronger and more expensive. by John Stuart (Calgary, AB) I'm struggling to find the appropriate materials for the lower portion of a 2 tier deck that will be supporting a hot tub. The average 8' x 8' hot tub weighs over 5,000 lbs when filled with water and people. The fact that the deck has not collapsed under the weight of the hot tub is amazing. Size and spacing depend upon the shape and size of the deck, the weight it needs to support (hot tub? Many composite decking brands and all 5/4” wood boards are limited to 12”o.c. Also, putting extra 4x4 posts under each corner of the hot tub. Decks close to the ground are permitted greater spans than decks raised further above grade. It also improves the structural strength of the deck. Bachelor's Degree. The live load also affects the footing size. Any deck supporting a hot tub or other extraordinary load requires Alberta-engineer-stamped design for joists, beam, posts and foundation, and all connections including ledger board connection to a house wall. Living in a region with heavy snow loads or winds can also increase the live load values, and so should be included in the design considerations when building a deck. would work with beams only 7' … The load capacity of the floor under the tub is based primarily on the size, spacing, and span of the floor joists. Doubling a joist will increase its width allowing it to span by about 25% while doubling the thickness will add 75% to 100% more to the span. 4. Slow growth trees have more growth rings which means they are denser and stronger than trees that grow more quickly. and 3 @ 6" o.c. Decks come in all shapes and sizes. However, cedar will gray with age and requires cleaning and sealing or staining regularly. Here’s what I’ve discovered: Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. Additionally, the inconsistent spacing will create an irregular pattern of fasteners that detracts from the visual look of the deck. Home > Joist Span Calculator. The table shows the maximum span permitted for 2×8 and 2×10 joists for 12”o.c. A single spruce 2×6 may span 8’-8”o.c, and a double spruce 2×6 joist reaches 25% further, or 10’-10”. This brings us to the next part of the puzzle. They support the deck surface and provide a level framework to which decking is attached. when laid diagonally to joists, and 16”o.c. Privacy Screens -How High Can I Go With Titan Wood Post Anchor? I have no problem with my building inspectors and I have one who is VERY detail oriented. Decks may provide access to various rooms of a building and also to the ground which affects the design and height of the deck. 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