Deck Post Spacing Chart
A cantilever is the unsupported end of a joist that extends past the last support post at the edge of your deck.
Deck post spacing chart. See the deck post size table to make that determination because it will affect the size of beam you choose. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12 on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans. Deck post sizes 40 psf live 10 psf dead.
Deck joists are typically spaced either every 12 inches or 16 inches on center. Maximum joist span of a 2x8 is 10 6 at 16 o c. To make it simple place your posts no further than 8 apart.
The wide majority of decks and deck frames built in the united states feature pressure treated lumber as the deck framing material. Maximum cantilever of a double 2x8 beam past a support post is 12. Height ft load area sq.
Maximum cantilever of a 2x8 is 24 at 16 o c. If you have the ledger board installed you can use it as a guide. Vertical loads figured as concentric along axis.
Draw a line through the mid span of the joists. The weight load of your deck also affects the spacing of the posts. For typical decks where only a few family members or the occasional extra guest and backyard patio furniture are expected the average 5 foot to 8 foot measurements for post spacing can be used but if you expect heavy loads of any kind you will need to contact an engineer as well as your local building inspector to determine the exact spacing.
The deck beam span table on this page makes it easy to determine how far apart your posts and therefore the span of the beam should be. Then find the mid span of the beam that the post supports and extend lines from there back to the line at the joist mid span. Then snap a chalk line at this level along all the posts.