Hey fellas,
I have a question on the deck I’m building. The back end runs 14′ and I want to put a post (4×4) on each corner and then one in the center which would be about 6’8″ from each end. I’m capping the posts with a 2×6 flat over the tops and a 2×4 attached vertically under the 2×6 and another 2×4 at the bottom a ffew inches of the deck surface. Between the 2×4’s I’ll set my spindles. Question is do you think 3 posts spaced like mentioned on the back side will be strong enough? Is there a minimum spacing on posts that I should be aware of? Appreciate input. The way I have it laid out is visually pleasing but I want to make sure it’s safe. Thanks so much.
Johhny
Replies
John:
According to the Ontario Building Code, max spacing between posts is 7', but this is allowed only if the posts are bolted to the sides of two floor joists, I.E. sandwiched in between 2 joists. and bolted. For most other configurations, (bolting to rim joist, bolting to single floor joist) max spacing is from 4-5 '. Make it stronger than you think it needs to be and you'll never regret it.
Cheers
Andy
6' is great. Sometimes, I go to 8' or so. important thing is that the assembly must withstand 250# of horizontal force.
When going more than 4' I usually need intermediate support, but your rails are vertically aligned, so you should be able to rund fine without that.
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Is the 2x4 on the bottom installed vertically? If so, you are spanning 6'-8" with only 1-1/2" of depth to resist the required 250# horizontal load. Would you feel comfortable standing in the middle of a 2x4 laid flat and spanning 6'-8"? Certainly not if you weighed 250.
If the bottom 2x4 is installed on the flat, your detail could work. The top 2x4, installed vertically, needs to be securely fastened to the flat 2x6.