Wood Deck Span Tables

Use the span tables below to determine allowable lengths of joists and rafters based on size and standard design loads.

Wood deck span tables. In areas with mild climates patio roofs are generally designed for loads of 30 psf pounds per square foot. The table includes spans for common lumber species used for deck framing like southern pine douglas fir hem fir redwood western cedar and other species. Engineering analysis is required in this situation. Listed are 46 tables based on common loading conditions for floor joists ceiling joists and rafters.

Deck framing tables codes specifications. Deck joist span table. Choose from multiple types of decking and from 2x6 up to 2x12 joists. The numbers in gray indicate the distance between the support posts.

Deck joist rule of thumb. Codes dictate how high the deck railing must be as well as how far apart the balusters can be. The figures are based on quality materials. For heavy roofs or in areas with substantial snowfall or winds call your local building department for code requirements.

In typical deck construction with a ledger on one side of the joist and beam on the other the size of the joists is driven by the size of the deck and based on the general maximum spans mentioned above. A deck more than 2 feet or two steps above ground must have a railing. At framing tables spans where in addition to span tables for dimension lumber timbers we also give a rough rule of thumb that gives. Framing span tables for all types of wood construction not just decks are given separately.

Deck joist allowable spans as per tables 2a 2b 3a and 3b. You can also use the wood beam calculator from the american wood council website to determine maximum rafter and joist lengths. Eam selection for supporting a single span as per tables 4a 4b 5a and 5b. A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet.

A 2 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on. Eam selection for supporting two spans as per tables 6a 6b 7a and 7b. Codes specify maximum spans according to the type of wood used. Span requirements ensure your deck won t sag or collapse during a party or under snow load.

For best results refer to our wood and composite deck joist span table. Deck beam span table. Numbers in blue are joist spans beam to beam or house to beam. Tables are not valid if joists span continuously over more than two supports.

Dimensional lumber deck beam span chart. The tables below give maximum spans for rafters and beams. View joist rafter tables.