A Work in Progress. The 2015 IRC simplified sizing deck beams with the introduction of Table R507.6 “Deck Beam Span Length.” That table presented the maximum spans for a series of multi-ply, built-up-dimensional-lumber beams from a double 2x6 through a triple 2x12, with beam spans based on the span of the deck joists from the ledger to the beam.
Deck Beam Span & Footing Size Calculator in 2025 Deck beams and joists go hand-in-hand as the framing materials for your deck. While joists provide a horizontal support system for deck boards, beams provide support for the joists. Your beams will need to bear the load of not only your decking materials, but additional components of the frame ...
See the Deck Post Size Table to make that determination because it will affect the size of beam you choose. The Deck Beam Span Table on this page makes it easy to determine how far apart your posts and therefore the span of the beam should be. But let’s first explain what the numbers in the chart actually mean, because it can be a bit confusing.
A deck may be supported with a 24" x 24" column pad and a minimum 10" sono tube. You may also use a “big foot” footing and sono tube combination. Notes: 1. Supported joist length is half the sum of joist spans on both sides of the beam. 2. Lumber used for joists, trusses, rafters and beams shall be identified by a
For calculation of effective deck joist span, the actual joist span length shall be multiplied by the joist span factor in accordance with Table R507.5(5). TABLE R507.5(4) MAXIMUM DECK BEAM SPAN—70 PSF GROUND SNOW LOAD c
Explore detailed deck beam span charts for sturdy deck construction. Ensure your deck is safe and reliable with accurate measurements and expert advice. (908) 332-8616 Mon - Fri: ... Use the chart to confirm that your chosen beam size and material can safely span that distance.
Beam Span Calculator For help, simply click on the beside the section you need help with, watch this Tutorial Video. Lumber Species Southern Pine Douglas Fir Douglas Fir-Larch Hemlock-Fir Spruce-Pine-Fir Redwood Western Cedar Ponderosa Pine Red Pine
Figure 2. Joist Span – Non-Ledger Deck. BEAM SIZE & ASSEMBLY REQUIREMENTS Deck beam spans shall be in accordance with Table 3 and can extend past the post face up to LB/4 as shown in Figure 3. Joists may bear on the beam and extend past the beam face up to the lesser of LO or L/4 as shown in Figures 1A and 2, or the joists may attach to the ...
How to Size a Deck Beam. Written By ... and the length of the joists that will be supported you can determine the required size by checking our beam-sizing chart. The size of a beam is a function of the amount of weight it must support and the distance it must span. A common beam is composed of the same size and type of lumber used for the ...
Use the joist span table to find the acceptable joist sizes for a 12' span, 2x8s at 12" O.C., 2x10s at 16" O.C., or 2x12s at 24" O.C. Use the Beam and footing sizes table and find the 8' post spacing column. With a 12' deck span, the beam may be either two 2x8s or two 2x10s, depending on the wood used.
DECK BEAM SPAN LENGHTHa,b,g (feet - inches) DEPTH of deck. 6: 8 10 12 14 16 18 1 - 2 x 6: 4-11: ... Beams supporting deck joists from one side only. ... pine-fir. e, redwood, western cedars, ponderosa pine. f, red pine. f. Southern Pine. SIZE. d. SPECIES. c. c, No. 2 grade with wet service factor. g, Beam cantilevers are limited to the adjacent ...
The International Residential Code (IRC) determines the size of your deck beams related to the deck beam span. The deck beam span is the distance between the center of each post supporting the deck beam. The IRC covers the maximum deck beam span for a wide array of deck beam sizes depending on the wood species and the size of the dimensional ...
Deck Span Calculator. This calculator helps you determine the span for your deck joists. To use it, enter the span of the joists in feet, the spacing between the joists in inches, the size of the joists (like 2×6, 2×8, etc.), the load in pounds per square foot (psf), and the type of wood used. ... Input the beam size, joist span, and deck ...
After answering those questions, I choose a beam configuration, such as a double 2×8, from the IRC’s Table R507.5 (Deck Beam. Span Lengths) and determine the number of footings needed based on the size of the deck. I prefer a double 2x beam because. it can rest on notched 6×6 posts.
Information about Treated LVL Framing Lumber is from Pacific Wood Tech and for beam spans for double-1.5″ material references this spans chart. Treated LVL. 4×4: 8′, 12′, or custom length by ft. 6×6: 10′, or custom length by ft. ... 3×9 Beam: Custom length by ft. 3×12 Beam: Custom length by ft. 5×9 Beam: Custom length by ft. 5×12 ...
StruCalc’s deck beam calculator helps size beams, joists, and footings. Use built-in tools for deck post spacing, span limits, and code-compliant framing. ... Whether you need a deck beam span calculator, deck footing calculator, or are configuring joist and post layouts with a deck post spacing calculator, StruCalc gives you the clarity and ...
The farther decking beam spacing is—the farther apart the posts are—the more massive a beam must be. The calculations below list approximate recommended deck beam spans. Beams made of two or more pieces are usually at least as strong as solid beams of the same size. For instance, a beam made of two 2x8s is probably stronger than a solid ...
Deck beam span tables and charts are super helpful for homeowners and contractors. They help choose the perfect beam size for deck projects. These tools show the biggest safe spans for different sizes and types of lumber. They consider live load, dead load, and how much the beam can bend. The Deck Beam Span Table makes picking the right support ...