It’s important to build a deck properly. This will ensure that it stays safe and strong for years to come. This means getting a permit and following best practices. Contact Deck Builders Franklin TN for professional help.
There are many parts that go into building a deck, but one of the most important is the beam. This is the structure that holds the rest of the deck up and transfers a significant portion of the deck’s live load to the foundation of the home. In order to build a strong and safe deck, you need to understand how beams work and the proper way to install them. This includes using a deck beam span chart and understanding what factors can affect a beam’s strength and how far it can safely stretch between support posts.
A beam is a structural member that supports vertical loads, primarily from gravity and lateral forces. It can also be used to support a column or joist in compression and as a part of a truss or girder. Beams can be made of wood, steel, aluminum or a combination of materials. They are commonly found in residential, commercial and industrial construction and are the backbone of many structures.
The ledger board is the connection between the house and the deck. It is the primary load-transfer point between the deck and the house, so it is vitally important that it is constructed to code. A poorly built or cared-for ledger can lead to rot or separation, so it is essential that the deck is properly tied to the home and that annual inspections are performed.
Beams must be able to carry the weight of the deck and any live loads it carries, as well as resist lateral loads. To do this, they must be anchored to the footings, and their connections should be reinforced with metal connectors to prevent failure from lateral forces.
The type and grade of lumber and its size can greatly impact how long a beam can safely stretch between the footings. In general, larger lumber and stronger grades of lumber can handle longer spans. In addition, the amount of live and dead load the deck is expected to carry can also affect how much it can stretch between the feet. Joists are installed on top of the beams and support the deck flooring. Blocking is usually installed in a zigzag pattern between the joists to add stability and prevent rot.
Joists
The joists of a deck are parallel beams that support the deck boards. They must be strong enough to bear the weight of people and furniture. Properly installed and spaced, they distribute the load evenly over the bearers. They also help to keep the deck surface from sagging or collapsing. Joists are sometimes referred to as floor joists, header joists, or trimmer joists.
To ensure the strength of a deck’s framing, it is important to choose the right lumber and follow proper building codes. Joists are usually made from sawn or dimensional softwood. They are also available in prefabricated metal and plastic form. They may be joined to their bearing beams in several ways, including resting on them, dropping in using a butt cog or half-dovetail lap joint, or being tenoned in with a soffit joist or tusk joist. They can also be joined to other joists with a through joist, which is a through-beam that passes from one side of the structure to the other.
Joist blocking is horizontal pieces of lumber or wood blocks that are installed between joists. It is typically placed at regular intervals, usually every 4 to 6 feet. The primary reason for installing joist blocking is to reduce movement and flexing in the deck framework. It also helps to prevent the deck surface from sagging or deflecting between the joists.
Decks need proper footings, which are concrete pillars that sit in holes you dig into the ground. The size of the footings is based on the deck’s load and the terrain of your site. Footings are also designed to spread the load of a deck over a larger area to minimize stress on joists.
Proper decking requires the use of deck joist hangers and lag screws, which are speciality fasteners designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Choosing the correct fasteners is essential for a successful project, and it’s advisable to consult with a professional contractor to determine the best hardware for your deck.
Screw Pile
The foundation of a deck is important for the stability and long-term durability of the structure. While posts can be set in the ground without a footing, this is not recommended and could result in movement and heaving of the deck which can loosen nails or screws and cause damage to the posts.
One way to build a deck that is both strong and stable is with helical screw piles. These are an alternative to traditional poured concrete footings and provide a faster, easier, and more cost-effective method for building a deck. The screw piles are also better for the environment as less soil needs to be removed compared to traditional digging and pouring.
Unlike the old-fashioned way of setting posts in the ground, where you have to dig big holes and then pour concrete for each footer, screw piles are installed using a machine that drills them into the ground, which means that there is much less disturbance of the yard, making it easy to finish your backyard project quickly.
In addition, you can start building your deck earlier in the year if you use screw piles because there is no need to wait for the concrete to cure, which can take a while. Screw piles are also suitable for many different types of soil, unlike bored or driven piles which may need pre-drilling in some hard layers.
Because of this, screw piles can often be used in conditions where a poured concrete foundation isn’t possible. For example, a deck can be built on screw piles in areas where soil is saturated or waterlogged. This allows you to take advantage of your outdoor space even when the weather is bad.
Like the mantra of real estate (location, location, location) for decks, so it is with foundations (piles): it’s all about the torque. It takes a lot of power to get screw piles into the ground at a depth that is adequate to carry your load, and it’s also important to know what the load capacity of the proposed founding strata is based on the geotechnical report.
Posts
Posts support the deck and transfer load from the deck beams to concrete footings sunk into the ground. They also help stabilize the deck floor against movement caused by weather conditions or soil. When building a deck, the number and size of posts will depend on the structure’s design, height off the ground and the expected load. For example, a 4×4 deck post is sufficient for most home uses, but larger 6×6 posts may be needed for high-rise buildings and other applications that require greater structural integrity. Local building codes often dictate minimum post size requirements, too.
Regardless of the size you choose, all support posts should be made from pressure-treated lumber with a label indicating that it’s suitable for ground contact. It’s important that the lumber is treated against rot and other damage that could compromise the structural integrity of your deck.
Deck builders usually use post anchors to secure the footings and help keep them elevated slightly off the ground, preventing moisture damage. They also often install a ledger board at the edge of each post to connect it to the house and support joists (or beams) that support the subflooring.
Some decks have railings to protect people from falling off the sides of the structure. These are connected to the posts by metal brackets. You can add style to the posts by putting on decorative trim called post skirts or caps. Post caps are available in a variety of materials, including wood, copper and wrought iron.