Spacing of deck posts is an important factor to consider when building a deck. The two most common sizes used for terrace posts are 4 × 4 and 6 × 6.When using 4×4 posts, place them no more than 6 feet apart, and when using 6×6 posts, no more than 8 feet apart. The reason for these rules is that the railing system will not have adequate support if the posts are too far apart. The ideal space between platform posts is 8 feet or less.
The distance between the platform support posts depends on the type of wood used and the size of the beam and beam. There is no minimum interval and maximum spans can reach up to 15 feet. Any platform that has 8 x 12 or more will need to install a pole at each of the corners. A linear post must be placed between each pair of corner posts.
The shorter sides in this case, the 8-foot side will have a distance of 4 feet between the deck posts. The larger side of 12 feet will have a space between posts of 6 feet as a minimum code requirement. Proper spacing between deck posts follows the deck post spacing chart found in the local building code. Local building codes are likely to provide roof construction tables that indicate the allowed spacing between roof support posts.
The maximum space for 4 x 4 x 6 platform posts should be 6 feet in the center, while the maximum space for 6 x 6 foot platform posts should be 8 feet in the center. Therefore, a larger platform span means that you'll have to space the deck support posts closer to each other. For most DIY projects, mass tables, masonry lines, tape measures and simple calculations are enough to establish the space between the bases of the platform. As I have already mentioned, there are tables that allow platform builders to determine how far apart they can place the support posts from the platform depending on the size of the beam, beam and support post.
Learn how to determine the number of shoes and support posts you need for your platform when designing your platform frame. While there are thousands of design options and at least hundreds of materials to choose from, where you place the platform posts will remain the same depending on the size of your deck. Learn to use pegs and ropes to locate the bases of the platform and establish the correct spacing between the roof posts at the bottom. Like a deck beam, joists that are longer will require platform support posts that are more spaced from each other.
If you can't find the local building code on the Internet or you just want to play with the calculations to imagine what the design of your deck's support posts would look like, visit an online deck post spacing calculator. Decks can also be constructed with composite wood, plastic decking, imported hardwood and aluminum, which is resistant to mildew and is gaining popularity among deck designers. While these online calculators are great for visualizing what your deck might look like in terms of where you would place the support posts of your deck, keep in mind that they're just an estimate. As mentioned above, the code will also tell you at what height you can build a deck with 4 × 4 support posts, which normally never exceed 5 feet from the foot to the surface of the platform.
Here in GA, you can use the AWC prescriptive deck guide or GA's prescriptive amendment deck guide. The International Residential Code requires deck railings for any terrace that is more than 30 inches above ground. When it comes to building a deck, it's important to understand how far apart you should space your deck support posts for optimal safety and stability. Knowing how far apart your deck support posts should be spaced depends on several factors such as type of wood used, size of beam and beam, size of platform span, local building codes and more.
This article provides an overview of all these factors so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to spacing your deck support posts.
