Deck beams support the weight of decking and people on a deck and are typically made of 2×12 lumber. They need proper support through deck joists or slot and bolt technique, and must comply with building codes.
A deck beam is a support post that supports the weight of decking materials and any person or object placed on the deck. These are typically bolted to established bridge girder posts. When attaching deck beams to posts, it is important to provide support for the lumber above and beyond nails and bolts, which may weaken over time and not adequately support the structure.
Most often, deck beams are created from lumber measuring two inches (5.08 cm) by 12 inches (30.48 cm). The wood will be cut to the correct length based on the deck plan. Each deck beam will need to be attached to a deck post using a deck joist or a slot and bolt technique.
The deck joist is a metal bracket that is bolted to a deck footer and girder. The joists support the weight of the beams, floorboards and handrails attached to the deck. A footer is required at all four corners of the deck and in the measured spaces on the underside of the deck for additional support. The number and distance between footers and beams will be determined by the overall weight of the deck. This weight can reach several tons, once the furniture is placed on the deck floors and people start using the space.
Deck joists are also used to attach deck beams to the house structure. These joists need to be bolted into a solid stud through a home’s exterior. The footers can also be used to support the weight of the bridge girders if the studs are not strong enough to support the bridge.
A slot and bolt technique can be used in place of deck joists to support the beams. This technique uses large footer posts. The posts are notched with a circular saw to maintain the width of the deck girders. The deck beam is then secured to the footer using carriage bolts.
Notches can be cut on two sides to support the corner deck beams. The remaining posts are often notched down the middle to support the single beam that runs the depth, or width, of the entire bridge. Deck beams can be placed parallel or perpendicular to the house, depending on approved deck plans.
Properly supported beams are required by many local and state laws and building codes. Before building a bridge, local building agencies may need to approve the bridge plan. After the structure is completed, an inspection may be required to approve state and local building codes.
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