Post Spacing For Deck Roof

Starting with your perimeter mark the location of each deck post to locate the fitting position.

Post spacing for deck roof.

A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12 on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. In general the maximum span for a 4 by 6 beam is 6 feet between 4 by 4 posts. A 2 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on.

Deck post spacing depends on numerous elements. Building a deck might sound like a fairly straightforward task that anyone can accomplish but there are a variety of elements that go into the planning stages to ensure the safety of the deck upon completion. A 4 by 10 can usually span up to 12 feet between posts. It provides more stability for larger decks the ability to hold a heavier load and more room for notching.

If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. While there may be a handful of circumstances that only require the minimum 4 4 deck post you will more than likely want to choose a 6 6 post for the deck. Decks with a lot of angles may also require additional footings.

If you move up to 4 by 8 you re usually allowed to span up to 10 feet between posts. Then snap a chalk line at this level along all the posts. Beams can be solid lumber or be built from lengths of 2 by lumber nailed together with 1 2 inch pressure treated plywood spacers in between this forms a 3 1 2 inch thick beam that is equal to the width of a 4 by post. This generally yields a maximum tributary area of about 70 square feet.

Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16. For taller decks with 2x10 framing i might question 4x4 posts. While a typical deck under 6 feet in height may only require posts set every 5 to 8 feet the type of deck the type of wood the height of the deck and a variety of other factors can influence the spacing of the support posts. Measure down from the door leading to the deck the width of the beams joists boards plus at least 3 inches or to whatever your local code requires.

I wouldn t blink at the use of 4x4 posts up to 8 feet in length. In general posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. For most situations you will want to place footings and posts less than 8 apart. The maximum distance between footings is determined by the size of your joist material.

When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. Cut the posts at this line. Most decks use 16 on center spacing for joists. If you have the ledger board installed you can use it as a guide.