deck framing question - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

buckeyeso2 · 04-09-2008, 10:17 PM

I am building a 14' x 36' deck. I want to run the deck boards perpendicular to the house, so I can do it with no splices. I also would like to run my joists perpendicular to the house. Can I frame the deck 16"o.c with 14 foot joists and then strip out the top of the deck with 2x4's layed flat(parallel to the house)thus giving me the correct framing direction for my flooring boards? I was not sure if the 2x4's would stay straight enough if I layed them down in this manner.

deckman22 · 04-09-2008, 10:36 PM

Is this so you can install the dekdrain? Seems the 2x4's may have some flex so I'd opt to up them to 2x6's. Maybe consider doing the decking on a 45 degree angle, you'd have to use longer boards, but you could still keep from having any buttjoints.

buckeyeso2 · 04-09-2008, 10:42 PM

we are using millenium decking. Supposedly it will keep the underside dry. I just figured that the most waterproof method would be to install it in a continuous piece sloping away from the house. the 45 degree angle is a good thought. I would have to got to 12" oc on the joists but i would rather do this than the flat 2x4's. thanks

**BuiltByMAC** · 04-10-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckeyeso2

I also would like to run my joists perpendicular to the house.

Why?

Mac

buckeyeso2 · 04-10-2008, 09:00 PM

because i have never installed a deck on 2x4 purlins before and don't know for sure how straight they will stay. I do not like the thought of experimenting on this model home that we are building.

redwood · 04-10-2008, 09:38 PM

If you screw those 2x4's down to joists on 16" centers, they won't go anywhere. However, a lot of screws from the decking in a straight line could split the 2x4.

Alwaysconfusd11 · 04-10-2008, 09:48 PM

Wouldnt the decking look funny? and if not why wouldnt you just make the joists parallel to the house so they are perp to the decking?

Bone Saw · 04-10-2008, 10:29 PM

if you run your decking at 46 degrees and joists on 11" +/- centers, you'll have nothing more than a bucketfull of waste and nary a joint on your decking with joists perp to house, an extra joist or three cost nothing near the 2'+ scraps I see folks paying to throw out

I dont know why folks get wrapped around the axle over seems, 45 degree decking runs, and waste. we all know decking comes in 12, 16 and 20's, and you can practically eliminate your scrap factor and totally eliminate your seem factor by adjusting the run angle and framing oc to one of those lengths

dlcj · 04-10-2008, 10:47 PM

we have done a few 8' x 56' front pourches this way. Set double 2x10 girders 8' oc prependicular to house and a single 2x10 rim board all way round. Then 2x8x8' joist 16"oc set on a 2x2 bond timber nailed to 2x10 girder. You could use joist hangers too just takes more time than bond timber. Then 8' decking perp to house. Your case set the girders at 7'2 something and being 14' long may have to up to 2x12s or support the middle with post or block.

HallamContract · 04-13-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckeyeso2

I am building a 14' x 36' deck. I want to run the deck boards perpendicular to the house, so I can do it with no splices. I also would like to run my joists perpendicular to the house. Can I frame the deck 16"o.c with 14 foot joists and then strip out the top of the deck with 2x4's layed flat(parallel to the house)thus giving me the correct framing direction for my flooring boards? I was not sure if the 2x4's would stay straight enough if I layed them down in this manner.

yes that would be perfectly fine