Joist Spacing For Composite Decking
Most composite and pvc decking brands like trex and azek recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches oc.
Joist spacing for composite decking. Composite decking brands also generally require 12 inches o c joist spacing for 45 degree or angled composite deck board applications. For select decking enhance decking and 1x12 and 1x8 products the maximum stack height is 12 bundles. Some brands like weardeck let you get away with more reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom weardeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches oc.
On center for standard straight composite decking installation. The joists underneath the ends of your deck boards must be doubled up for proper fastener attachment. Most deck joists are centered 16 inches apart which is the maximum deck joist spacing for most low maintenance decking.
Accordingly if bundles are loose. Another mistake to avoid when installing composite decking is spacing the joists too far apart. For a more rigid feel 12 or less may be preferred.
The majority of composite deck board brands including trex timbertech and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches o c. When stacking multiple bundles. If you re planning to replace old wood decking with pvc or composite measure the deck joist spacing first.
Current building codes require that all decks should be supported with a minimum of 2 x 10 pressure treated pine joists that are spaced 24 apart although 16 oc is standard building practice. Most composite decking materials like trex composite decking require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16 on center spacing for straight decking and 12 on center joist spacing for 45 degree angle diagonal decking. The chart below clarifies the appropriate deck board spacing based on the temperature at the time of installation.
For all other decking products maximum stack height is 14 bundles important to note that proper dunnage spacing must be in place for these heights. If you plan to install your decking at a 45 degree angle your joists may need to be 12 inches apart. Also many composite decking materials require 12 or even 10 on center stair stringers spacing to support composite stair treads.