Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Deck Cross bracing
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michaelshortt
10-03-03, 07:21 PM
My friend is building a deck. He is using 2x12's spanning 16 feet to the supporting beam and then a 4 foot overhang. It is at least 25 feet long and is connected to the foundation.I think he should be using cross braces between the 2x12's. If so how many?:)
lefty
10-03-03, 08:34 PM
He's overspanning the 2X12's and he is over cantilevering them. Have him put in a mid-span beam and reduce the cantilever to no more than 2'
michaelshortt
10-03-03, 08:55 PM
Thanks lefty, should he also have cross braces?
lefty
10-03-03, 09:16 PM
Monroe (michaelshortt),
The short answer is yes.
However, if the friend adds the midspn beam, he won't need to use 2X12's for the joists -- 2X6's will work just fine. (The price difference there will PAY for the extra beam!) Then have him get a couple of extra 2X6X12 or 2X6X14 and cut them into lengths to use as blocking between the joists. This will prevent the joists from twisting. 2x6's aren't going to be nearly as prone to twist as a 2X12 will.
The short answer is yes.
However, if the friend adds the midspn beam, he won't need to use 2X12's for the joists -- 2X6's will work just fine. (The price difference there will PAY for the extra beam!) Then have him get a couple of extra 2X6X12 or 2X6X14 and cut them into lengths to use as blocking between the joists. This will prevent the joists from twisting. 2x6's aren't going to be nearly as prone to twist as a 2X12 will.
michaelshortt
10-03-03, 10:16 PM
Called my friend, he has a 11ft span and 4 1/2 ft cantilever, will that work? Should it still be a 2ft cantilever?
lefty
10-03-03, 10:27 PM
Dimentional lumber -- don't cantilever it more than 2'. If he moves the beam out to 13-1/2' -- that is overspanned for a 2X12. Have him put in the mid-span beam 6-1/2' and use 2X6's or 2X8's for the joists. If he already has them, but hasn't cut them, he can return the 2X12's to Dunbar.
He can thank me in a couple of years when his deck dosesn't have a lot of 'bouce'!!!
He can thank me in a couple of years when his deck dosesn't have a lot of 'bouce'!!!
michaelshortt
10-04-03, 08:32 AM
Lefty,
He will thank you I'm sure. He has a guy doing most of the work and claims he works for a builder. His work does look pretty good. The support beam and the joists are all installed. I'm thinking if the 11ft span is good we will cut off the cantilever to 2 ft. and install cross braces. It is to late to return the 2x12's
He will thank you I'm sure. He has a guy doing most of the work and claims he works for a builder. His work does look pretty good. The support beam and the joists are all installed. I'm thinking if the 11ft span is good we will cut off the cantilever to 2 ft. and install cross braces. It is to late to return the 2x12's