Answer: 2 X 8 joists spanning only 8 feet is more than enough. However, with this type of situation, the heavier the better, so you will have a very stable and secure platform with the use of 2 X 10’s.
Full Answer
Should I use 2x8 or 2x10 for beam?
Should use 2x10 for beams but 2x8 will be fine as well. If you are worried you can triple the 2x8 for the beams but double will be sufficient. You should put the beams at 7 and 14 feet out from the house, with the piers you should do 3 per beam with spacing of 1, 7, 13.
What size 2x8 do I need for floor joists?
2x8 for joists will be fine, with 16" OC. Should use 2x10 for beams but 2x8 will be fine as well. If you are worried you can triple the 2x8 for the beams but double will be sufficient. You should put the beams at 7 and 14 feet out from the house, with the piers you should do 3 per beam with spacing of 1, 7, 13.
Should I use 2x4 or 2x6 lumber for decking?
Actually it’s not typical to use either 2x4 or 2x6 dimensioned lumber for decking. Deck boards are usually a bit thinner. That said I have deck surfaced with 2x6 pressure treated boards with a nail shank gap between the boards. I did this because I didn’t want to pay extra for less substantial “decking”. I’m very happy with that choice.
What is the maximum span for a 2x10 16 inch deck?
maximum span for 2 x 10 16"oc is 13'-8" with a 24" cantilever... but this is minimum building code and sometimes minimum code is not good enough. Did you attach cross members between the joists, this prevents them from twisting and helps stiffen up the deck so it doesn't feel bouncy

Can I use 2x8 for decking?
Q: Can I use 2×8 treated lumber as deck boards? A: No, that's a not a good idea. Lumber wider than 6 inches should not be used as a flat surface. Wide, flat boards have a tendency to pool rain water, which can lead to cupping problems.
Can I use 2x8 for deck beam?
If the outside edge of your deck is at least 17” above grade, a double 2x8 deck beam should be installed to support the joists along the outside. The joists will then extend over the beam in a cantilever position.
What size joist should I use for decking?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
How far can 2x8 decking span?
A rule of thumb is 1.5 times a joist's depth but in feet when spaced at 16” centers. In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet.
How far can you span a 2x10 for a deck?
Deck Joist Spacing by Wood Type & Deck SizeJoist Spacing (o.c.)16"Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir2x1013'-7"2x1215'-9"Redwood, Western Cedars, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine2x68'-0"2x810'-7"9 more rows
How long can a 2x8 span without support?
A 2×12 (2-by-12) floor joists can span up to 23 feet 3 inches, 2×10 (2-by-10) up to 19 feet 1 inches, 2×8 (2-by-8) up to 15 feet & 2×6 (2-by-6) up to 11 feet 4 inches at 16″ spaced by using southern yellow pine graded as #1 when live load of 30 lbs/ft^2 & dead load of 10 lbs/ ft^2.
Can you use 2x10 for deck boards?
There is certainly no problem using the 2x10s for any of the structural framing of the deck. Using 2x10 treated lumber for decking is another matter entirely.
How far can you span a 2x8 floor joist?
But first, generally, how far can a 2×8 span without support? Depending on various factors, the maximum span for a 2×8 floor joist is 16' 6”. The maximum span for roof rafters is 23' 9”. For headers, the maximum span is 11' 2”.
How far can a 2x10 floor joist span?
A #2-2×10 joist can span between 11'-5” and 18'-0”, as a rafter between 13'-9” and 21'-7”, and as a beam 3'-6” and 13'-0” or more. The span depends on spacing, lumber species, and grade, and for a beam, the lamination thickness, as well as numerous other factors.
Can a 2x10 span 16 feet?
Douglas fir 2-by-10 joists graded as "Structural Select" allows joist spans up to 21 feet for a live load of 30 pounds per square foot when spaced 12 inches apart, 19 feet 1 inch for 16 inch spacing and 16 feet 8 inches for 24 inch spacing.
How do I strengthen my deck joists?
1:062:45Build a Stronger Deck: Joist Connections - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe hu or hu c are better options for higher load capacities double shear nailing can provide aMoreThe hu or hu c are better options for higher load capacities double shear nailing can provide a strong connection using fewer fasteners by distributing the load through two points on each nail.
Do you need blocking between deck joists?
Most lumber manufacturers recommend that the blocking between the floor joists be placed every 2 feet. For example, if your deck has 8-foot-long joists, you will want to add a piece of blocking every 2 feet: at 6 feet and 10 feet. These standards ensure your floor joist blocking is safe and up to every standard.
How much weight can a 2x8 beam hold?
A 2×8 will adequately support a dead load of 20 psf and a live load of 40 psf depending on some factors, including allowable span. This equates to a total load of 60 psf. Therefore, for a 2x8x10, the total load would equal 600 pounds per lineal foot.
How do you build a 2x8 deck beam?
0:122:40Build a Stronger Deck: Beam Connections - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll likely need to use one of three common types of beam a solid beam a multi ply beam or twoMoreYou'll likely need to use one of three common types of beam a solid beam a multi ply beam or two single solid beams connected on each side of the post. For beam to post connections.
How do you make a 2x8 beam?
0:342:04DIY Shed AsktheBuilder How to Make a Wood Floor Beam - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight about in the center of that 12 footer and then all we're going to have to do is cut upMoreRight about in the center of that 12 footer and then all we're going to have to do is cut up approximately two six-foot pieces at the end to make this one the twenty.
How big of a beam do I need to span 16 feet?
For a 16 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×14 or 6×14 size of wood beam. Thus, a 3 nailed 2×14 or 3-2×14 or 6×14 wood beam can allow to span 16 feet. For a 16-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 14 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×14) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.
How far can a 2x8 span?
In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2x8 up to 12 feet; 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet. The larger the deck, the larger the joists.
What is a joist in a deck?
Joists are the repeated structural members that are used to build a deck frame. The minimum size joist to be used in deck construction depends on the number of footings and beams that will be installed.
What is center to center spacing for deck joists?
The layout term for joists is “On Center,” which is the center-to-center measurement from one joist to the next. Most decks use 16" on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16". Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.
How far apart should joists be on header?
Marking joist locations at 16" on center spacing on the header with a marker.
Why is it important to have a deck?
And while it’s important to have a deck that’s aesthetically pleasing to you, the most vital part about your deck is making sure it’s structurally sound. That includes knowing the difference between a joist and a beam and what purpose they serve to your deck and its functionality and safety.
Can you stretch a string across a composite deck?
This can sometimes cause an uneven surface. That’s why stretching a string across the joist spacing for composite deck boards can help detect spots that may be higher than others. These spots can be addressed with a power hand planer to give you a nicer, smoother surface for the deck of your dreams.
Do you fill nail holes for deck harware?
Always fill all the nail holes for deck harware.
How long does it take to oil a Trex deck?
I oil my deck once in the spring, and that's it. Takes all of 20 minutes, and about 2 quarts of Linseed oil.
Is it cheaper to have a wider plank or a narrower plank?
Your per square foot price will be cheaper with the wider planks, but narrower will drain better and theoretically last longer.
Is Trex a strong dock?
Trex and the like are definitely not as strong. When I built my dock with Trex, I went with 16" between cross supports and that is just for foot traffic. I would not even consider it to drive a vehicle over unless it were just a covering to a solid sub-floor.
Can I buy lumber at Lowes?
Don't buy your Lumber from Lowes or Home Depot. Way more expensive than a lumber yard. Put up a wanted ad for contractors to help you get the lumber for cheaper on their account with cash. Or I'd be willing to if you wanted to drive to Lindon to get it from Burton Lumber.
What is the size of a 2x8?
That does not mean 2x8 because modern 2x8's are actually 1 1/2" x 7 1/2", so you need the next. That all depends on the length of the clear (unsupported) span the joists have to make. Without that number, this question cannot be answered as asked.
How many feet can a 2x8 span?
Nowadays, most people use 2x8’s, which can span 14 feet , or 2x10’s which can span 18 feet. You could use 2x12’s but they can only span 20 feet. After that point you start to think about being creative and getting in an architect and an engineer to design it.
How many mm joists for a pier?
Using a standard size ‘grid’ pattern to set out your piers (6′ or 1.8m) you can use 100x75mm (4x3″) HWD bearers. Joists should be spaced at no greater than 450mm center to center (18″). Using this formula you will meet legal requirements to build your deck without any ‘springing’.
How wide is a 2x8 joist?
So you need a joist that is minimum 8 inches wide. That does not mean 2x8 because modern 2x8's are actually 1 1/2" x 7 1/2", so you need the next size up (though realistically, you could probably use 2x8 safely, though it's always better to overbuild when possible).
How wide can I use Douglas fir joists?
Despite what Scott Welch says, you can use Douglas fir 2x6 floor joists to span 10 feet or less. It is a little unusual, but if a house is less than 20 feet wide, and you run a beam down the center, it works. I had a house which was only 18 feet wide on a 25 foot lot, with a supporting wall running down the center, so it had 2x6 floor joists.
What is the equation for a span of 10 feet?
If the span was 10 ft, your equation would be 10/2+2=7. In that case, a standard 2x8 would be used.
What is the best wood for external framework?
The best durable timber for external framework is hardwood (HWD). Therefore the dimensions of the timber sizes will be considerably less than for softwoods.
