Deck beam span calculator

Building a deck? Then you need to know how to compute the spans for it to be structurally sound.

Each joist is one of a series of long, horizontal structures that support the decking itself. While posts are vertical, joists lay horizontally on top of each beam to provide a sturdy, level surface to lay your decking materials across. Joists can be made from wood or steel. Use the joist span and spacing calculator below to plug in your desired type of wood, the size of your joists, and the required spacing between each joist. Do it with the brand that invented composite decking, backed by , and year limited warranties. As a rule, the larger the deck, the larger the joists.

Deck beam span calculator

Deck beams and joists go hand-in-hand as the framing materials for your deck. While joists provide a horizontal support system for deck boards, beams provide support for the joists. Your beams will need to bear the load of not only your decking materials, but additional components of the frame itself. Use this calculator to find out the beam span and deck footing size for your project. Be sure to have your joist span calculations ready to enter for an accurate reading and check out our concrete calculator to determine the size of your footings. Three tiers of premium composite and aluminum deck and porch railing provide low-maintenance options for all tastes and budgets. According to our beam span chart resource , the span of a beam is dependent on a few variables: the species of lumber, size of lumber, and the load it carries. Some of the most common types of wood used for beams include:. All are high-quality woods to use for framing purposes, however, your geographic region plays a role in which woods will be available to you. Redwoods, Hem-Fir, and some of the other combination woods are not available outside of the Western part of the United States. On the flipside, Pinewoods are only available in Southern and Eastern regions of the country. However, shipping costs for large amounts of lumber can cost almost up to five times the actual price of the lumber itself.

A shallow footing is allowed in warmer regions, but codes will specify a minimum amount of mass in the footings.

Specify beam geometry and loads to get started analysing the beam. The beam calculator automatically uses ClearCalcs' powerful finite element analysis engine to determine moment, shear, and deflection as you work. Start your free ClearCalcs trial to unlock saving and export, as well as even more calculators for wood, steel, and concrete beams, columns, and footings. Experience the full power of ClearCalcs with a 14 day free trial and start being more productive. The ClearCalcs beam calculator allows the user to input the geometry and loading of a beam for analysis in a few simple steps. It then determines bending moment, shear and deflection diagrams, and maximum demands using a powerful finite element analysis engine.

Deck beams and joists go hand-in-hand as the framing materials for your deck. While joists provide a horizontal support system for deck boards, beams provide support for the joists. Your beams will need to bear the load of not only your decking materials, but additional components of the frame itself. Use this calculator to find out the beam span and deck footing size for your project. Be sure to have your joist span calculations ready to enter for an accurate reading and check out our concrete calculator to determine the size of your footings. Three tiers of premium composite and aluminum deck and porch railing provide low-maintenance options for all tastes and budgets. According to our beam span chart resource , the span of a beam is dependent on a few variables: the species of lumber, size of lumber, and the load it carries.

Deck beam span calculator

A beam is a solid structural member that is supported by posts and footings that accepts and transfers the load from joists. Once you know the distance between support posts and the length of the joists that will be supported you can determine the required size by checking our beam-sizing chart. The size of a beam is a function of the amount of weight it must support and the distance it must span. A common beam is composed of the same size and type of lumber used for the joists by nailing 2 or 3 together side by side. Even if you are allowed to use a smaller beam, you should maintain the same depth of material as the joists to present a uniform appearance. The relationship between directly applied and fastened boards is what bonds the strength of a multiply beam. Occasionally a beam application may require spanning a long distance that exceeds the design limits for conventional beams. In these cases you may have to use an engineered beam to meet the required load capacities.

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Once the loading and geometry have been specified, the calculator automatically uses the ClearCalcs finite element analysis engine to determine the moments, shear forces and deflections. The strength of a board depends on two factors: its species and its quality. Specify beam geometry and loads to get started analysing the beam. Position of Supports from Left allow the user to input any number of supports, and specify their position along the length of the beam. Trending Videos. Beam span is typically dictated by the architect or site constraints and usually it is up to the engineer to find the appropriate beam size based on this requirement refer below section. Choosing Wood for Your Joists The location where you live plays an important role in choosing wood for your joists. Another benefit to steel framing is that the material is non-flammable and many insurance companies offer a discounted rate for steel deck framing. Building a deck can create an outdoor oasis for entertaining , but the project must be safe and structurally sound, with proper decking beam spacing, so you can enjoy your deck for years to come. For instance, a beam made of two 2x8s is probably stronger than a solid piece of 4x8. Consult with a lumber dealer and your local building department before using hem-fir. Use limited data to select advertising. Shop Trex Railing. Shear and moment diagrams are graphical representations of the internal forces and moments within a beam.

Each joist is one of a series of long, horizontal structures that support the decking itself. While posts are vertical, joists lay horizontally on top of each beam to provide a sturdy, level surface to lay your decking materials across.

Please enable JavaScript. Here are some common beam support types:. A ridge beam is a horizontal beam placed at the apex of a sloping roof. Trending Videos. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. Bending moment is crucial for understanding how the beam will behave and deform under different loading conditions. Another benefit to steel framing is that the material is non-flammable and many insurance companies offer a discounted rate for steel deck framing. For instance, a beam made of two 2x8s is probably stronger than a solid piece of 4x8. Railing Calculator. Experience the full power of ClearCalcs with a 14 day free trial and start being more productive.