I am in the process of putting new decking (5/4 board) on an existing deck. The customer wants an intricate pattern. This would require installing several rows of blocking. In the past on new construction I have done this by inletting a 1X4 into the 2X8 joists. On this project there is a section where there are 2X6 joists. They span 6ft 8in. The 3/4 X 3 1/2 inch notches would lie about 1 ft from each end.
Would the 2X6 be Abel to accept the notches and still be Abel to support a load safely? Will building codes allow this?
Kip
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The short is answer is....yes.
You can cut a notch in the top of a joist so long as the notch is cut within the 1st or the last 3rd of the length of the joist. Hence, if your joist measures 82 inches long, you could safely put a notch in the first 27 inches from either end of the board where it is supported...cutting a notch in the center ( middle 1/3rd section) is a "no-no."
The depth of the notch cannot exceed 1/6th the overall depth of the joist. Since your joist is a 2X6... your notch can be up to 15/16ths deep. Since you plan to notch in the 1st and last (3rd) section, and since your notch will not be deeper than 3/4 (12/16ths)...you should be just fine.
Now the "long" answer....actually it's shorter...but....in order to ascertain whether Code will allow you to perform this notching...consult with them first....doesn't really matter what I say or anyone else says if your local BI code official won't sanction it...so confirm it with them before notching.
Davo