How to Space Decking Joists for Optimal Performance

Learn how far apart each joist should be spaced when constructing a deck for optimal performance. Factors such as size & type of wood used & load capacity must be taken into account.

How to Space Decking Joists for Optimal Performance

The space between platform beams should never exceed 16 inches in the center (with the exception of MAX platform boards, which allow a maximum of 24 inches in the center). For a stiffer feel, 12 inches or less may be preferred. In North America, the space between the joists of residential roofs is typically 12 to 16 inches apart, or according to the local building code. Most platforms require a 16-inch space for the platform itself, and a 12-inch space is used for special applications, such as ladders or commercial structures.

Consult the installation guide that comes with your deck for specific instructions. Table R507.7 of the International Residential Code provides more information on the regulations that govern the maximum spacing between beams for roofs. The spacing between the joists on the platform is the distance between the joists, measured from the center of one beam to the center of the next, and is usually 12, 16, or 24 inches. The span is the distance that a beam travels from one main book to another, or from one beam to another, without support. The narrower the space between the joists, the longer the span. As an expert in deck construction, I recommend that beams be constructed from two 44 x 145 mm Q-Deck joists and that they be placed in centers of up to 1.8 m.

In this case, the maximum distance between the centers of the roof posts is 2.07 m (C1) or 2.24 m (C2). The following guide will explain the basic platform requirements and best practices for calculating the wingspan of platform joists and beams. It is essential to correctly plan the spans of the joists and spacing of the joists. This ensures that your deck complies with building codes and makes it much easier and faster to obtain construction permits you need to start your platform project.

Southern pine

is stronger than most other common types of wood for deck construction and offers the largest wingspan. Call us at 1-888-824-5316 to work with an expert deck planner and create a deck project that perfectly fits your vision and your level of experience with self-built builds. There are six main factors to consider when designing and building a platform that determine the span and spacing of your deck beam: size of wood used for frame; size of joist boards; load capacity; type of decking material; orientation of deck boards; and number of people using deck. Keep in mind that boards are sold in even lengths, which means that your deck will require more cutting and waste of wood if you're designing a deck with odd numbers.

If you're not sure what size of wood you should use for your deck frame or size of joist boards you need for your project, consult a professional deck installer. A structurally sound and secure platform is end product of all components of building, even if only thing you can see and admire are roof boards. We have team of terrace project planners ready to create plan that will help you create stronger and safer platform with best possible framing materials. Platforms can provide access to several rooms in building and also to floor, affecting design and height of roof. Most residential covers are designed for loads up to 10 people and payloads of 40 psf, while commercial roofs must withstand actual loads up to 100 psf or more.

Your terrace will look professional as long as you prepare, research and use high-quality building materials, such as NewTechWood composite decking. Platform joists have different maximum wingspan lengths depending on size, spacing and frame material with which you are creating your platform. Joists are usually spaced 12, 16 or 24 centers apart, depending on load that platform structure will bear and size, type and orientation of platform tables. Platform boards that cross joists diagonally at angles such as 30°, 45° or 60° extend longer distance, so spacing between platform beams must be adjusted. To ensure optimal performance when constructing a deck, it's important to understand how far apart each joist should be spaced. As an expert in this field, I recommend taking into account several factors when determining how far apart each joist should be spaced.

These include: size of wood used for frame; size of joist boards; load capacity; type of decking material; orientation of deck boards; number of people using deck; local building codes; and desired stiffness level. For residential decks in North America, it's typically recommended that joists be spaced 12-16 inches apart or according to local building codes. For stiffer decks with less bounce, 12 inches or less may be preferred. For MAX platform boards however, a maximum spacing of 24 inches in the center is allowed. When it comes to commercial structures such as ladders or other special applications, a 12-inch space is usually used instead. It's important to consult an installation guide that comes with your specific deck for specific instructions on how far apart each joist should be spaced. Table R507.7 from International Residential Code provides more information on regulations governing maximum spacing between beams for roofs.

Southern pine is also recommended as it's stronger than most other common types of wood used for decks. Finally, if you're not sure what size wood should be used for your frame or what size joist boards are needed for your project, it's best to consult a professional deck installer who can help create a plan that perfectly fits your vision while ensuring optimal performance.

Muriel Sturkie
Muriel Sturkie

Amateur food guru. Total music specialist. Hardcore bacon expert. General zombie expert. Infuriatingly humble coffeeaholic. Infuriatingly humble beer expert.