In rebuilding my front steps, I have discovered an oddly framed front porch. The porch decking sits on 2″ x 6″ joists on approximately 18″ centers (they vary a bit), which are supported on the stair end by a 4″ x 4″ beam spanning 6′ 9″. The 2″ x 6″ rim joist of the porch to which the stair stringers were attached sits atop this beam (as do the first 2 inches of the joists).
Does this framing seem adequate? I can’t find a span table than mentions a 4″ x 4″ beam. Owing to both gas and water piping, changing it out, or even sistering it would be a pain. I could add a post, but would rather preserve the open space underneath the porch.
When I stand on the porch and bounce, it seems rigid (no perceptable springiness). It just looks rather wrong.
Suggestions?
Replies
I would build it with a 2X10; however, the combination of the 2X6 and 4X4 seems to be working for you. I would leave it as is as long as your usage is reasonable, such as no barbecues with 20 people on the structure.
That span does seem a bid broad, particularly if you have snow load on the deck or stairs.
If all you have is room for a 4" * 4", but you need more span capacity, you could order a glulam 4 " * 4" - they can deal with a bigger span. Another alternative would be go powdercoated, galvanized I beam?
Wylie
Success = Work+ Risk + Luck, in that order. Muriel Seibert
It sounds like the 2X6 is doing the suporting. A 2X6 is rated for I think a 7 foot span when used a a joist. I would double it and use a 2X2 ledger or metal joist hangers.
Kip
I'm a firm believer that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Yours doesn't sound broke ( yet) to me.
But for when it does someday, or if someone were presenting this Q for a new build with limited space, I would recommend that they not use a 4x4 iunder the joists and use instead, a doubl;ed 2x8 or 2x10 and hang the joists to it with hardware.
I am suspecting that perhaps since the joists you have run perpendiculat to the 4x4, then decking boards run parrallel to it and they add to the suport system. now, if this were decked in trex, which is heavier and non-structural, you would be seeing quite a sag.
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