Joist Size and Span Distance

by Jeff
(Ontario)

I'm building a 20 foot by 14 foot deck. What size of lumber do i need to span the 14 foot distance?

Joist and Beam Loads

by Richard
(Ottawa, IL)

I added a beam and joist table that's easy to use under design help.

www.BarnettDeck.com

More Joists or Beams for More Strength for Deck?

by Bruce - New Home Owner

We just purchased a vacation home in a area with little or no codes for deck building. The deck we have is 16' x 16'. The posts are cedar and 8x8". The joists are treated pine, 12" apart, 2x12s and 16' long. The end joists are notched into the 8x8 posts at the corners. There are three posts at the end of the deck away from the house. The floor is the composite wood. The deck is high- about 15' off the ground at the end away from the house. The end at the house is into the band board with spacers and large bolts.

My concern is the span of 16' from the house to the end of the deck where the posts are. To me that seems like a long span. The deck needs to hold at least 16 people as it is a 6 bedroom home and will be rented out often. The builder says it is fine.

The builder said that we can add beams or whatever, but we would need to pay extra. I am fine with the additional cost, but just want the deck to be safe.

Should we place additional posts? Is there some other way to make it stronger, or is it safe the way it is? What do you think?