Trying to design my deck, I need help please!?
Question:We want to build a deck that is attached the front of our ranch home. It absolutely can not be higher than 14". Otherwise it is higher than our front steps. The deck size we want is 30'x9' and would span most of the length of our home. We were told by some friends that for support reasons that we have to use 2x12 as part of the framing. My boyfriend said that was too big, and we wouldn't be able to do the deck with that board size. Can we build the frame some other way and not have our frame underground? I can e mail a copy of the materials list quote if that would help in any way...
Answers:
I am not sure where you live but you might check with local bldg. codes first to see what they require. A 2x12 seems awfully big to span across 9'. I had a deck that was spanning only 8" but used 2x6's and that was plenty. Only going 9' a 2x6 should be plenty or you could even use a 2x8 and you should be fine.
I would contact an expert for this problem. If you don't, you may regret it once you are finished. There is a lot of expense in this kind of project and you don't want to spend a lot of money and then end up being unhappy with your finished project. Spending a little extra upfront can mean a lot later on.
i would think you could dig the holes for the peirs deep enough and set them in cement for the supprt needed to get by the 2x12 issue. however, 14" total height may be prohibitive. i guess your friends are suggesting building a sub-floor underneath the actual decking? hmmm seems to me that depending on the height of peirs, you could still use a typical joist type sub floor and get plenty of support. IF you are saying the 2x12's are goinng to be the actual floor of the deck, i wouldnt care for that. so i agree with boy friend, i think you can use peirs, floor joists, and 2x whatever decking. but the peirs will have to be set but good and floor joists perp to decking. good question!
Most houses with pier and beam only use 8 inch beams under the sub flooring. I'd get some professional advice but 12 inches is a bit much.
you can buy a online deck design program or go to www.homedepot and sign up for one of their diy classes
Go to your local lumber supply store.
They have pressure treated kits you can adjust to your needs.
A good rule of thumb is a 2x6 will span 6' a 2x8 spans 8' 2x10 10' etc. etc.
So in your case I would either use a 2x10 or you could use a 2x8 and put solid blocking down the center of the joists, this would be plenty strong enough. Then your total height would only be 8 1/4", if you use 1" decking.If you need any more details, feel free to email me
the biggest thing is the spacing of the boards. if you go 2x6 you'll be fine if you space them 16 inches. at least thats what the county around here want. then you'll need a beam of som sort at the end runing paralell with the house. a 4x8 beam would be fine. get twelve foot lengths and cut them down on site so you have enough. but how would you attach them to the house? you need some hangers to attach to the stem wall or something. just call your local building inspection department of the government and ask them what they want you to do. if you don't get permitted they might hate you for it.
More Related Questions & Answers...