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Decking
Information Guide
Things to check with the Local Building
Codes:
More Careful
Planning Part 2
Covers: Deck
loads, Railings and stairs, Joists and ledgers.
Deck load must be considered, that is a
deck has to bear its own weight, and any weight placed upon
it, which includes people, furniture, snow. Code for this
usually is around 10 psf for dead load, and 40 psf for live
load, added up it makes 50 psf. Again code books will
provide this information too.
Normal or default lumber sizes will
include 2x6 decking boards over 2x6 joists, spaced 16 inches
on center, supported by a 2x10 ledger, 4x8 beams and 4x4
posts attached to concrete piers encased in cement around
2 feet out of the sides of the pier and 1 foot deep or
more. However some cities are requiring fuller dimensional
lumber for the joists , ledger and posts, due to fire
hazards in the area, better to check with the Building
department. And do they require pressure treated lumber for
the frame?
When you choose your type of decking
board thickness determines the joist spacing too.
Read the manufacturers recommendations
on joist spacing.
Be sure to use metal framing connectors
which are engineered for every deck joint there is and the
method of attachment. They are cheap , easy installation
and ensure your frame work. Connectors are usually secured
with 10 d nails minimum. . For joists and ledgers use
special joist-hanger nails.
Places where bolted connections are
acceptable, use an adequate dimension to handle shear
loading. If you can attack a ledger to the house frame, this
can save you time and money . Note: If you do fasten a
ledger to the house, be sure to do it properly or else water
will accumulate there and cause rotting. You will need to
fasten the ledger with bolts or lag screws with washers and
flashing and spacers to prevent rot.
When a pair of joists meet over a beam
they must lay at the very least 3 inches and use three 10 d
nails into where they join together , or a metal or wood
splice.
Railing and Stairs
Railings must be solidly attached , and
have a minimum height of 36 inches and some areas require 42
inches and less that 4 inch spacing between spindles and
between bottom rails and deck . This ensures young
children, pets, and babies from falling off the deck or
getting their heads caught.
Stairs
Check on this too. Be sure your stair
railing design meets code. Can you use 2x6 handrails
routed, or a more traditional handrail? If the stairs
are adjacent to a wall or pass by a deck, be sure to have
at least a 1 ½ inch space for hands to pass. Find out too,
if your stairs will require some kind of illumination and
or have automatic controls for this.
Electric and plumbing codes need to be
concerned with if you are installing a outlets, spas, or
sinks etc.
All of these concerns must be
installed according to local codes and even sometimes
requiring a licensed contractor. Check with the Building
Department.
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