Deck beam span calculator

Specify beam geometry and loads to get started analysing the beam.

Building a deck? Then you need to know how to compute the spans for it to be structurally sound. These tips and this information will help. Building a deck can create an outdoor oasis for entertaining , but the project must be safe and structurally sound, with proper decking beam spacing, so you can enjoy your deck for years to come. Five basic components make up any deck: decking, joists also known as a ledger when attached to a house , beams, posts, and footings. To ensure that a deck is safe and strong, local building departments have strict code requirements for these components. Before building a deck, take the time to look up your local codes.

Deck beam span calculator

Each joist is one of a series of long, horizontal structures that support the decking itself. While posts are vertical, joists lay horizontally on top of each beam to provide a sturdy, level surface to lay your decking materials across. Joists can be made from wood or steel. Use the joist span and spacing calculator below to plug in your desired type of wood, the size of your joists, and the required spacing between each joist. Do it with the brand that invented composite decking, backed by , and year limited warranties. As a rule, the larger the deck, the larger the joists. For example, joists spaced 16 inches from the center of the joist next to it can span 1. To learn more about deck joist sizing, spacing, and allowable span, reference this chart. The location where you live plays an important role in choosing wood for your joists. Not every species of wood is widely available in every region. Similarly, Southern Yellow Pine is less common on the West coast. There are also strength differences between Redwood, Fir, Pine, and other types of wood. Check your local building codes for find out which species of wood are available in your market and -- most importantly -- check into the strength and spanning capabilities of a species.

Learn More About Joists.

Deck beams and joists go hand-in-hand as the framing materials for your deck. While joists provide a horizontal support system for deck boards, beams provide support for the joists. Your beams will need to bear the load of not only your decking materials, but additional components of the frame itself. Use this calculator to find out the beam span and deck footing size for your project. Be sure to have your joist span calculations ready to enter for an accurate reading and check out our concrete calculator to determine the size of your footings.

A beam is a solid structural member that is supported by posts and footings that accepts and transfers the load from joists. Once you know the distance between support posts and the length of the joists that will be supported you can determine the required size by checking our beam-sizing chart. The size of a beam is a function of the amount of weight it must support and the distance it must span. A common beam is composed of the same size and type of lumber used for the joists by nailing 2 or 3 together side by side. Even if you are allowed to use a smaller beam, you should maintain the same depth of material as the joists to present a uniform appearance. The relationship between directly applied and fastened boards is what bonds the strength of a multiply beam. Occasionally a beam application may require spanning a long distance that exceeds the design limits for conventional beams. In these cases you may have to use an engineered beam to meet the required load capacities.

Deck beam span calculator

Each joist is one of a series of long, horizontal structures that support the decking itself. While posts are vertical, joists lay horizontally on top of each beam to provide a sturdy, level surface to lay your decking materials across. Joists can be made from wood or steel. Use the joist span and spacing calculator below to plug in your desired type of wood, the size of your joists, and the required spacing between each joist. Do it with the brand that invented composite decking, backed by , and year limited warranties.

Sammys taste of chicago menu

Choose from hundreds of free downloadable deck plans based on the International Residential Code. View More Deck Framing Articles. Before building a deck, take the time to look up your local codes. Construction grade, common, and No. Calculating the weight of a beam is essential for determining its overall mass and understanding its impact on the structure. For instance, deck joist spacing 24 inches apart requires wider joists than deck joists placed 16 inches apart. It provides additional support and stability compared to simply supported beams, as the load is distributed across multiple support points. Therefore, the start and end magnitudes specified by the user must be the same. For example, joists spaced 16 inches from the center of the joist next to it can span 1. Find a Retailer. Maximum Joist Span.

Deck beams and joists go hand-in-hand as the framing materials for your deck. While joists provide a horizontal support system for deck boards, beams provide support for the joists.

Using the example above, a beam would need a moment capacity of more than 1kNm to be structurally adequate from a strength perspective. With this in mind, the joist span can range between 6 ft, 10 inches, to 18 ft. Shop Trex Railing. Use the joist span and spacing calculator below to plug in your desired type of wood, the size of your joists, and the required spacing between each joist. Maximum Joist Span. The user inputs the name, magnitude and location from the left of the beam. A minimum of one fixed support, or two pinned supports are required. ClearCalcs also has wood , steel , cold-formed steel and concrete beam calculators, easily allowing engineers to determine the appropriate size and span of a simply supported beam for their specific design requirements. Here are some common beam support types:. Caitlin Sole. By inputting the loads and beam properties, the calculator determines the shear force at different points along the length of the beam. Treated Hemlock or Pine may be a better solution.