Deck building is an art that you develop as you play. The enjoyment you get from the deck you build has less to do with how much you spend on it and more to do with how well it fits your style of play.

Joist and rafter spans should be determined based on the live load and snow loads for your region. Visit https://deckbuilderscharleston.com/ to learn more.

Post and beam construction utilizes vertical posts (posts) and horizontal timbers (beams) to form a sturdy framework that supports the walls, roofing and decking of the structure. The timbers are connected using either metal fasteners or more traditional mortise and tenon joinery, with the latter providing a more robust connection between the wood elements. This system allows for longer spans and more flexibility of interior design since internal load-bearing walls are not required.

Despite their age-old origins, post and beam construction is experiencing renewed popularity for its beauty, customization and functionality, especially among real estate developers who want to offer standout properties. Its connection to sustainable building practices also contributes to its ongoing appeal, and the ability to easily adapt to changing design requirements makes it a valuable option.

Traditional timber framing requires a high level of craftsmanship and skill, and some purists choose to use only hand tools to preserve the integrity of the wood. In contrast, post and beam structures can be built using prefabricated glulam timbers that reduce the amount of time needed to construct the frame. While some may see these manufactured beams as less elegant than traditional timber framing, others appreciate the reduced cost and reduced reliance on specialized labor.

With both timber frame and post and beam construction methods offering distinct benefits, understanding the pros and cons of each can help real estate developers determine which is best for their projects. Timber frame construction offers a more authentic, handcrafted look, while post and beam can provide greater versatility, particularly for modern designs that require high vaulted ceilings and large open spaces.

Both timber framing and post and beam can be erected in relatively short periods of time because they do not require as many structural supports. As the foundation for a new structure, these frameworks provide a solid base on which infill framing, insulation and external cladding can be added.

While post and beam structures are not as durable as concrete frames, they can withstand a greater range of environmental conditions than conventional buildings. This is particularly important for buildings located in coastal regions, as saltwater can damage the timbers and corrode metal fasteners. By choosing quality materials and incorporating design features that minimize environmental impact, builders can ensure their post and beam projects will last for generations to come.

Joists

The joists are the beams that support the deck surface. They are typically 2 x 6s through 2 x 10s depending on the size of the deck and local building codes. Joists are nailed together and anchored to the ledger board (which is attached to the house) and to the supporting posts.

Joists are also connected to each other with blocking, which prevents them from twisting under heavy load. Blocking is usually made from the same wood as the joists and is installed every 4 to 6 feet between joists. This is a requirement in many areas to ensure that the deck is strong and safe.

Often, the joists will be joined to each other with a hurricane tie, which is another piece of hardware used when the deck will be heavily loaded or located in an area subject to high winds. The joists may be joined to each other with bolts that attach them to the stringer and, in turn, to the beams, if applicable.

If you’re framing your own deck, it’s a good idea to use a joist span calculator to help you determine how far apart your joists should be. This tool can be found online and will help you figure out how long a joist should be based on the expected load of your deck as well as what type of lumber you’re using for your joists.

Another option when framing a deck is to use cantilever joists. These are joists that don’t rest directly on any of the support components of the framing. Instead, they project out past the joist or beam that they’re being supported by and into thin air. This makes it easier to frame a deck because you don’t have to worry about the ends of the joists being perfectly aligned with the support part of the framing.

Some deck builders choose to tape their joists, which is an inexpensive way to protect against water damage. Taping a deck is not without its challenges, however, as wood is a natural material that can be affected by humidity and fluctuation in temperature, making it harder for the tape to stay attached. This can cause problems over time, especially when it comes to water leaks.

Decking

Decks consist of a timber substructure with decking boards laid on top. The decking can be wood (usually pressure-treated) or man-made composite material. The choice depends on the style of the deck and on local building codes. Wooden decks require regular staining to protect them from rot and insect infestation. Composite decks are easier to maintain and do not create splinters when walking on them.

The timber components that support the frame of a deck are called bearers. They are usually made from lumber that does not rot or attract insects, such as cedar or redwood. Wooden decks can also be made from pine or spruce that has been treated with preservative chemicals to prevent insect attack.

Joists are horizontal beams that run through the bearers and support the decking boards. They can be either 2 x 6s or 2 x 10s, depending on the size of the deck and the weight that it will support. Pressure-treated lumber is used for joists because it costs less than other types of lumber and is durable enough for deck building. The joists should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart, and blocks are installed between them to help prevent twisting.

Ledgers are attached to the house wall and provide a solid base for joist connections. It is important that the ledger be fastened securely to the house wall, and a flashing is installed above it to shed water. It is also important that the ledger be packed out from the wall at every bolt fixing to prevent moisture from seeping between the ledger and the house.

Stair stringers are the structural members that support stairs on a deck. They are typically made from a species of wood that will not rot or develop insects and are attached to ladder frames, joists or stair heads, depending on the location of the stairs. It takes more force to step off a stair riser than it does to walk across a deck surface, so stair stringers are often spaced closer together than deck joists.

Stair treads are the decking boards that people step on when they are walking on a staircase. They can be made from a variety of materials, but most are made of composite or wooden decking boards.

Railings and Stairs

Deck stairs help you get from your house to the deck and back again. They can be straight or curved, and they can be built of wood, concrete or metal. Regardless of the design, stairs must be safe and secure to keep you from falling off the deck. Stair railings must also meet building and height requirements. Check with your city to find out what those requirements are, so you can build a deck that is both beautiful and safe to use.

The stringers that form the base of your deck stairs are typically made from pressure treated lumber, although you may use concrete pads if you prefer a different look. The stringers rest on top of footings that are anchored to the ground to give them structural support. Footings are usually poured in concrete, but they can be set in a brick or paver landing pad to save money and reduce installation time.

To determine the rise and run of your stair stringers, place a 2×4 piece of rail material against each post. Make a pencil mark on the front of the lower 4×4 post where it intersects with the front of the 2×4. Mark another line on the side of the bottom of the lower post where it intersects with the top of the 2×4. These lines are the reference points for cutting your stairs.

For each stair, cut a section of a railing cap (at least 12 in. longer than you need) at the rake angle and fit it in position on the upper post. Hold a level 2 in. or so down the rake to plumb the cap. Record the rake angle and vertical stand of the cap on the end of the board so you can later match it to the post face.

When you’re ready to install the final railing, remove the caps from the lower and upper posts and measure the length of the rake angle at the top of the posts. Match the rake angle of the new cap to the previous one so the railings will fit together smoothly and evenly.