How to Calculate Deck Spans for the Ultimate Outdoor Hangout

Building a deck can create an outdoor oasis for entertaining, but the project must be safe and structurally sound, with proper decking beam spacing, so you can enjoy your deck for years to come. Five basic components make up any deck: decking, joists (also known as a ledger when attached to a house), beams, posts, and footings. To ensure that a deck is safe and strong, local building departments have strict code requirements for these components. Before building a deck, take the time to look up your local codes. The following guide will walk you through basic deck requirements and best practices for calculating deck joist and beam spans.

Types of Lumber for Decks

The strength of a board depends on two factors: its species and its quality. Among lumber commonly available in a pressure-treated form for deck framing, Douglas fir and Southern yellow pine are strongest, but Southern pine has more of a tendency to warp. Hem-fir is a designation that includes hemlock, fir, and other species that grow in the same stands. Some hem-fir is solid and stable, while some is weak and likely to warp and crack. Consult with a lumber dealer and your local building department before using hem-fir.

Lumber quality also has a bearing on a board's strength. Boards graded No. 2 and better are the best choices for deck building. Construction grade, common, and No. 3 stock have defects that make them unsuitable for a deck. "Select grade" or No. 1 boards are top-quality but are usually not worth the extra cost for use in deck building.

Editor's Tip: Lumber comes in even lengths. Your deck calculations, plans, and construction will be easier if you plan your deck with this in mind. You'll do a lot less cutting if you build a 12x16-foot deck rather than one that's 11 feet 7 inches x 15 feet 10 inches. There will be less waste too.

Deck Footings and Posts

Most codes require concrete footings that extend below the frost line in areas with freezing winters. A shallow footing is allowed in warmer regions, but codes will specify a minimum amount of mass in the footings. If a site has marshy or sandy soil, massive footings may be required. 4x4 lumber is strong enough for structural posts with a 2x6 span for most projects. However, if a deck is raised more than 6 feet above the ground, codes may require 6x6 posts.

Calculating Deck Beam Spans

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 piece of 4x8. They are also less likely to crack.

Deck Beam Spans—Distance between ports, using No. 2 and better Southern pine or Douglas fir.

Beam: 4x6—Joists span up to 6': Beam span: 6'

Beam: 4x8—Joists span up to 6': Beam span: 8'

Beam: 4x8—Joists span up to 8': Beam span: 7'

Beam: 4x8—Joists span up to 11': Beam span: 6'

Beam: 4x10—Joists span up to 6': Beam span: 10'

Beam: 4x10—Joists span up to 8': Beam span: 9'

Beam: 4x10—Joists span up to 10': Beam span: 8'

Calculating Deck Joist Spans

The required width of a joist depends on its span: how far it must travel between beams or between a beam and a ledger. It also depends on the joist spacing. For instance, deck joist spacing 24 inches apart requires wider joists than deck joists placed 16 inches apart. See the deck joist calculations below and study your local code.

Deck Beam Spans—Distance a joist spans between a beam and a ledger or between beams, using No. 2 and better Southern pine or Douglas fir

Joist: 2x6—If joists are spaced 16": Span: 9 1/2'

Joist: 2x6—If joists are spaced 24": Span: 8'

Joist: 2x8—If joists are spaced 16": Span: 13'

Joist: 2x8—If joists are spaced 24": Span: 10 1/2'

Joist: 2x10—If joists are spaced 16": Span: 16 1/2'

Joist: 2x10—If joists are spaced 24": Span: 13 1/2'

Decking Board Considerations

Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking with boards with a 2x4 or 2x6 span can be 24 inches. If you run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together. Again, it's essential to know your local codes.

Know Your Local Building Codes

Your local building department has regulations designed to ensure a solid and durable deck. While a few requirements might seem dated or unusual, most are based on the following common concerns:

• Span requirements ensure your deck won't sag or collapse during a party or under snow load. Codes specify maximum spans according to the type of wood used.
• A deck more than 2 feet or two steps above ground must have a railing. Codes dictate how high the deck railing must be and how far apart the balusters can be. In addition, small children must not be able to climb it. Some codes require handrails, not just cap rails, for stairs.
• If you attach the deck to the house with a ledger, code states how many fasteners of what type must be used. A specific type of metal flashing might be required.
• Many codes demand that deck posts be held in place by a specific type of post anchor.
• In cold areas, many codes require footings that extend below the frost line so that the deck does not get raised up in the winter by frost heave. Other departments might allow a floating deck with shallower footings that rise and fall during freeze-and-thaw cycles.