Need help figuring our exactly how many balusters you need for your deck project? I'll use the PCz post caps (left) if I have a condition on a slope with possible lateral movement or a heavy load with a large joist over a longer span. Hit + and - buttons to open or close spacing, re-calculating the deck to find how different spacing options effect cost and materials. However, posts differ from spindles or balusters in that a post will always make contact with the base of the deck itself. By Mike Guertin. Joist Span Calculator. However, if the spacing is too wide, the patio cover's beams will bow under the weight of the joists and roof covering materials. This value must not be greater than the bearing capacity of the soil. If your deck is slightly out of square (different widths), calculate results for both widths, and set out each end to suit. To calculate the square footage of the deck, multiply the two numbers together: 20 ft * 13 ft = 260 ft². blocklayer.com Directory ? Inch or Metric. Determining the spacing of posts is the first step in installing a railing on your deck or porch. In our example, we can look at any post/footing to determine its tributary area. ft . Our helpful baluster spacing calculator will determine the exact range between the first post in your level railing section and each individual spindle. Whether you’re planning to hire a professional contractor to build a new deck or are taking the DIY route and building a deck yourself, there’s a lot of planning involved. beside the section you need help with., Or watch this Tutorial Video. Calculate baluster centre and spacing options with full diagrams and running measurements to set out. Follow local building codes - max spacings … Installed balusters should withstand 50 pounds of pressure exerted over a 1-sq.-ft area. If your deck ranges between 24 inches and 30 inches from the ground, local building safety codes require your deck to have a railing that is at least 3 feet (36 inches) high, extending from the deck’s surface to the top of the railing. 2. The total is 55 psf, multiplied by the square footage of the 12×12’ deck results in a total loaded weight of 7920 pounds. The Titan post anchor is the most advanced hidden wood post anchoring system of its kind. The maximum distance between … Or, if your deck has many angles, additional footings are necessary. We have a variety of calculators to help you figure out the dimensions and quantities of all the different building materials you will need on your job site. The loading, spacing, and sizing of structural members is influenced by local environmental conditions, material choices, service conditions (wet, dry), and occupant usage such as hot tubs and fire places. Variety of colours available; Fade, warp, rot and splinter resistant; No need for oiling or staining; Use for decks of any height; Made from bamboo, timber and recycled plastic Accurately calculating post spacing before you install your railing will ensure that you will not need to do costly reinstallations later on in your remodeling project. An email has been sent to your selected email address. If it is, you must increase the size of the footing to spread the weight out over a greater surface area or increase the number of footings. Feet: Inches: Step2. The main Navigation tabs at top of each page are Metric - inputs in millimeters (mm) For Inch versions, directly under the main tab is a smaller 'Inch' tab for the Feet and Inch version. U.S. building code requires support posts for the rail structure to be no further apart than 6 feet on a deck with 4×4’ deck rail posts and no more than 8 feet apart for decks with 6×6’ deck rail posts. The pier size is in the intersecting box of the row that corresponds with your joist span and the column that corresponds with your pier spacing. This article explains and includes a video for how to use this online calculator for deck joist options. These posts divide railing into sections, where spindles or balusters are placed to provide a safety barrier. The Deck Store Online's Baluster Calculator can help you determine how many balusters you will need with just a few clicks. Click here to determine the size of footing you need for your deck posts. If there are 13 pickets, that means 14 spaces: 29 inches divided by 14 spaces = 2.07 inches. It also depends on the joist spacing. The total load for each tributary area is then divided by the area of each footing in order to determine the load psf imposed on the soil. ... joist hangers and joist support posts that raise the actual deck. ... Home > Beam Span Calculator. Beam Span Calculator. The American Wood Council (AWC) has an online calculator that can be used to calculate the size and grade of joist needed for a given joist span, on-center spacing, live load and dead load. That means you’ll need (12’+8’ =) 20’ of the railing. Once you have your joist span, and pier spacing you can size each component of the deck using Table 1 below 3. The other side wall posts need: Your project will need: The current design of your deck requires a footing larger than 24" diameter. Overall length and width of deck, length of landing and stair, pier spacing, joist span and maximum height of the deck above grade. Leave a 2" space between the brackets and the exterior cladding of the house. 9.3 - Mark the location of the 4" × 4" posts on the first and last step of the stairs. code for nailing they will still check, may warp and will shrink at the splices which allows moisture to get trapped with dirt promoting the compromise of the beams over time. Detached Deck. - If your property is within the regulated area of If your deck does not have an easily divisible length, use an online spacing calculator (see the link in the Resources section for an example). AG-CO is not responsible for inaccurate data entry resulting in product failure due to overloading. The anchor is hidden within the post unlike unsightly bulky exterior metal post brackets. Deck balusters ensure a sturdy wood railing – that is, if they're spaced correctly. This calculator determines the size of each tributary area of your deck. If necessary, adjust number of deck boards to match in both calculations, and see if different board gaps at each end of deck are acceptable, compared to equal gaps and cutting the last board at … For help, simply click on the beside the section you need help with, Or watch this Tutorial Video. Footing larger than 24” is required. Deck balusters ensure a sturdy wood railing – that is, if they're spaced correctly. Baluster Guide ; Baluster Image Gallery ; Baluster Estimating Calculators Of course if you are still unsure or have questions about baluster types, brands, or comparability, feel free to give us a call or email. The lengths of each side of a deck often vary. The Titan post anchor is the most advanced hidden wood post anchoring system of its kind. Installed balusters should withstand 50 pounds of pressure exerted over a 1-sq.-ft area. In that case, the required spacing of the posts will be based on the deck loading, the span of the beams, and the geometry of the deck. Tread. How does it work? When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. We will examine the calculations for Post 1 and Post 2. Typically I use the ACz post caps (right) for most decks, they handle the loads well and are easier to work with placing the heavy beams. The width of each space is 2 inches (rounded). Wondering where to start? Once you have your joist span, and pier spacing you can size each component of the deck using Tables 1 and 2 below. The future is here. Please adjust post spacing and / or beam spacing to reduce the load on the footings. There is no minimum span, and maximum spans can reach up to 15’. Most city inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing. Pier Spacing 6 8 10 8 10 dia. 4. If you're building a simple deck, footings and posts should be placed less than 8 feet apart. The total load for each tributary area is then divided by the area of each footing in order to determine the load psf imposed on the soil. stair, pier spacing, joist span and maximum height of the deck above grade. As a result, the post spacings for a railing will vary as will the length of the railing section that fits between each post. The answer is the number of balusters you’ll need. Adjust building width or post spacing to reduce load. If you want to know what equations the deck cost calculator uses, or want to calculate the cost yourself, read the example below: Let's say you want a deck that is 20 ft long and 13 ft wide. Such calculators allow you to calculate the spacing of your posts using the width of the posts, the length of the area to rail and the size of the balustrades. If you're building a simple deck, footings and posts should be placed less than 8 feet apart. This calculator is intented as a guide. Default is 50 psf which you can change. Distance Between Deck Posts . Footing larger than 24” is required. engineer or other design professional. Sizing deck beams got a lot easier with the publication of the 2015 International Residential Code. Click here to use FootingPad by AG-CO’s easy to use calculator to determine what size diameter FootingPad you need for your post frame building. Default is 50 psf which you can change. The lengths of each side of a deck often vary. 4. For help, simply click on the(?) - Provide mid-span blocking where joists span are over 6' 11". These values didn’t change in the 2018 version of the IRC. See the Titan. Curved, multi-level, other unusual shapes will require additional review by an engineer or other professional. DECK BUILDING CODE TIPS. You need to calculate lineal feet to determine how much material you’ll need. Deck Calculator - Stumps, Bearers, Joists and Boards with Individual + Total Costs and Connections (fasteners) ... Hit + and - buttons to open or close spacing, re-calculating the deck to find how different spacing options effect cost and materials. The determining factor of post spacing is the allowable span of your beams: in other words, the maximum distance it can cover without support from posts. All supports shall be restrained from lateral displacement at the footing. Disclaimer: FootingPad® by AG-CO provides this tool to assist you in selecting the best size footing to handle the Lateral restraint shall be provided by manufactured connectors or by minimum post embedment of 12 inches in surrounding soils or concrete piers. Deck builders can now refer to Section R507.6 Deck Beams and Table R507.6 Deck Beam Span Lengths to determine the size of 2-ply and 3-ply built-up beams made from 2×6 through 2×12 lumber. While a 16-foot-by-16-foot backyard deck for recreational purposes, such as an outdoor kitchen and general lounging, may only require deck posts spaced every 7 feet, a larger deck may require that the spacing be narrowed down to within 5 feet. For instance, a beam made of two 2x8s is probably stronger than a solid piece of 4x8. Timber Decking Calculator & Timber Flooring Calculator When you are building a timber deck or installing new timber flooring you want to be certain you buy enough timber at the outset, as there may be differences in the colour batches of the timber you purchase if you purchase in multiple lots. Beam Configuration. The other side wall posts need: Your project will need: The current design of your deck requires a footing larger than 24" diameter. With the min. 3. When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. For example, since your pickets will be installed between the posts, you'll probably want to have a space next to each post; therefore, you'll need one more space than the number of pickets. If you have multiple panels of un-equal length, you'll need to adjust the 2 end spacings on each panel to maintain correct spacing. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. Please adjust post spacing and / or beam spacing to reduce the load on the footings. You must fix the following errors for the calculator to work: 2020© - FootingPad                                                                                                         Powered by: innovative computers. The load can be calculated based on the size of your deck, the soil properties, and what the deck will carry. The calculations below list approximate recommended deck beam spans. 2 grade, there is a method that can be used for estimating beam spans for a preliminary design. All deck support posts shall be a minimum 6”x6” with a maximum unsupported height of 10’-0” measured from the top of the footings to the underside of the beam. The anchor is hidden within the post unlike unsightly bulky exterior metal post brackets. Even though we have based the calculations on the IRC, you must always check with local building codes to ensure there are no variances. Calculate Deck Joist Span and Spacing. The farther a deck beam must span—that is, the farther apart the posts are—the more massive a beam must be. While a 16-foot-by-16-foot backyard deck for recreational purposes, such as an outdoor kitchen and general lounging, may only require deck posts spaced every 7 feet, a larger deck may require that the spacing be narrowed down to within 5 feet. Spacing is completely dependent on the size of the deck. For furniture and people, use 40 psf (pounds per square foot), and structural materials or dead load, add 15 psf. - Beam splices are recommended to occur over posts or support only. For help, simply click on the beside the section you need help with, watch this Tutorial Video. It then determines the total load from each tributary area based on the design load of your deck. 10 dia. 2. To give you some idea about how a deck is constructed, let's take a look at the parts that make up a deck: Posts: vertical framing support for beams and joists. If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck, you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads. Note this deck has a ledger (green), which means the deck is connected to the house, which will carry part of the load. The maximum spacing of 4x4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6x6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center. Click Here for Deck or Click Here for Pole Barn / Post Frame to see more If your deck is slightly out of square (different widths), calculate results for both widths, and set out each end to suit. Use the 2018 IRC to size deck beams and calculate beam span. Menu; How-To ... Home > Joist Span Calculator. 3. This calculator determines the size of each tributary area of your deck. Given that a deck railing’s purpose is to prevent people from falling off of it, it’s critical to have proper deck railing post spacing to ensure your deck is safe. However, if your deck will include a hot tub or roof, you must support that weight with additional footings. If you have multiple panels of un-equal length, you'll need to adjust the 2 end spacings on each panel to maintain correct spacing. Enter Length Between End Posts, Member Width and Gap Size to calculate required end gaps to maintain spacing. Step1. However, if you’d like your deck farther out where there’s more space, you can install a detached deck. ... deck posts when posts are more than 600mm (23 5/8") in length. Thank you for using our decking calculator. The standard rule for footings is that for a basic deck, the larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings you'll need. Pier Spacing 6 8 10 8 10 dia. Some methods will give you an uneven gap at the end, and others will be more precise. 10 dia. You have 5 posts. The future is … Enjoy building your deck! Here’s a real-life example to better show you how to calculate deck baluster spacing yourself. substantial items on the deck itself (such as a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, etc). A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on. Give one of our expert deck specialists a call at 1-888-824-5316 and check out the helpful baluster guides and videos below!. An email has been sent to your selected email address. Sizing deck beams got a lot easier with the publication of the 2015 International Residential Code. weight of the structure you are building. Giving you on-center measurements, our baluster spacing tool will help your railing meet building codes and remain symmetrical throughout. There are three ways to determine deck joist span and spacing – formula, calculator, and joist sizing and span tables. Divide that number by the width of your baluster plus the width of your gap between balusters. Deck builders can now refer to Section R507.6 Deck Beams and Table R507.6 Deck Beam Span Lengths to determine the size of 2-ply and 3-ply built-up beams made from 2×6 through 2×12 lumber. Lumber Species. information on the details of how this calculator works or if you want to manually calculate your footing size by post. Default is 50 psf which you can change. Determine your desired expansion gap and enter into deck calculator above. 6. Baluster Categories. 2. Regardless of the method used, span and spacing depend on the type and grade of the wood, cantilever, beam size, height off the ground, footing size, and live load values. It then determines the total load from each tributary area based on the design load of your deck. This calculator determines the size of each tributary area of your deck. Ideal deck post spacing is 8 feet or less. Spacing is completely dependent on the size of the deck. Subtract the width of each post in your railing system from the total length. 6.4 - Check regularly that the boards are square and adjust the spacing if necessary. (DSA) Deck Surface Area (in square feet) = Deck Length (feet) X Deck Width (feet). The data you enter provides a guideline for square or rectangular deck with no determine the surface area of the footing. Balconies and decks must be designed to accommodate the local specified snow load or Some methods will give you an uneven gap at the end, and others will be more precise. Adjust building width or post spacing to reduce load. At Narangba Timbers You Get Expert Advice for Your DIY Projects Our online tools are designed as a guide for the average DIY’er, but when you come into or call Narangba Timbers on (07) 3888 1293 , we will go over everything with you to make sure you have everything you need. As a result, the post spacings for a railing will vary as will the length of the railing section that fits between each post. Beams: the horizontal support structure for the deck frame, placed on the posts, beneath the joists. Here’s a real-life example to better show you how to calculate deck baluster spacing yourself. For pressure-preservative-treated southern pine no. Use our baluster calculator to figure it out! Find wood beam spans, deck joist spans, spacing and sizes, the number of balusters for your railing, the number of decking boards, or size and layout of footings for your deck based on your soil bearing capacity. Let’s say you are building a 12’ x 8’ deck, with railings on only two sides. For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart. select A Calculator We have a variety of calculators to help you figure out the dimensions and quantities of all the different building materials you will need on your job site. The size of the deck directly affects the spacing of the support posts. I put the built-up beam span table below but I would very rarely use a built-up beam in an exterior application where they are exposed to the moisture conditions like a deck. Now, you are using 4×4 posts as your railing posts. The pier size is in the intersecting box of the row that corresponds with your joist span and the column that corresponds with your pier spacing. Determine what size deck beam you need based on your support post spacing, as well as the proper concrete footing diameter, with our beam span calculator at Decks.com. Remember to take post spacing into consideration as well. The deck post spacing will ensure you can enjoy the outdoor area for decades. If you are unsure about the data you enter or are need assistance in deck design, you should consult an Angled and level. © 2004-2014 By Rich Bergman, Decksgo.com. If your deck is slightly out of square (different widths), calculate results for both widths, and set out each end to suit. Maximum 36 "oc solid stringer spacing for 2" thick treads; Maximum 18 "oc notched stringer spacing for 2" or 5/4 "thick treads; Maximum nosing of 0.75 "to 1.25" - maximum nosing radius of 9/16 "Open risers: maximum opening of 4" Closed risers: minimal nominal 1" thick riser material Below we’ll take a look at some of the main considerations when asking how far apart should deck posts be. Since we need to know the inches, we multiply 20’ x 12” = 240”. Hit + and - buttons to open or close spacing, re-calculating the deck to find how different spacing options effect cost and materials. Starting with your perimeter, mark the location of each deck post to locate the fitting position. Joists: the horizontal supporting boards beneath the decking. For instance, joists that are placed 24 inches apart must be wider than joists placed 16 inches apart. For help, simply click on the beside the section you need help with, Or watch this Tutorial Video. Beams made of two or more pieces are usually at least as strong as solid beams of the same size. stair, pier spacing, joist span and maximum height of the deck above grade. If you don't want to use the "standard" sizing that the Code gives you, your option is to compute the required size for each element based on some assumed loading you determine based on knowledge of the used of your deck. All Rights Reserved. Home > Rail Calculator. However, if your deck will include a hot tub or roof, you must support that weight with additional footings. ... 9.2 - Mark the location of the 4" × 4" posts around the perimeter of the deck. The distance between deck support posts depends on the type of wood species used and the size of the joist and beam. In general, posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. Width of Boards (feet): Necessary to determine lineal feet. The larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required. If necessary, adjust number of deck boards to match in both calculations, and see if different board gaps at each end of deck are acceptable, compared to equal gaps and cutting the … Start by filling in the following information on the blank area shown on “Deck Framing Plan” (pg.4). The decks mentioned above assume you’re building an attached deck. Example –Deck post footing size calculation Side View Top View TA= 8’ x 5.5’ = 44 sq. Calculating the space between the railing posts is the first step in the railing installation process. It uses the data you provide into known equations to The anchor is hidden within the post unlike unsightly bulky exterior metal post brackets. They are also less … Once you have your joist span, and pier spacing you can size each component of the deck using Tables 1 and 2 below. Remember to take post spacing into consideration as well. Measure the length of your level railing section, post to post. DecksDirect Pro Tip: Using the Drivable Post Anchor by OZ-Post to create a solid deck footing for your project without the hassle of concrete is a brilliant way to keep the building process moving fast. To get even more ideas for your new timber deck view our timber deck gallery here. Learn how to use different methods to calculate spacing. It then determines the total load from each tributary area based on the design load of your deck. - Beam splices are recommended to occur over posts or support only. ... deck posts when posts are more than 600mm (23 5/8") in length. If your deck is slightly out of square (different widths), calculate results for both widths, and set out each end to suit. Learn how to use different methods to calculate spacing. - Provide mid-span blocking where joists span are over 6' 11". If your deck is slightly out of square (different widths), calculate results for both widths, and set out each end to suit. LED Deck Lights; Solar Deck Lights; Post Cap Lights; Deck Rail Lights; Recessed/Step Deck Lights; Specialty Deck Lights; Deck Lighting Power Supplies, Timers, Transformers, & Wires; Deck Lighting Accessories ; Landscape Lighting; Balusters. Giving you on-center measurements, our baluster spacing tool will help your railing meet building codes and remain symmetrical throughout. The longer the joist, the more area of deck the joist supports, and thus the beam supports. You chose a board which is 8 ft long and 6 in wide. Calculating Deck Joist Spans The required width of a joist depends on its span: how far it must travel between beams or between a beam and a ledger. Getting Started. The total load for each tributary area is then divided by the area of each footing in order to determine the load psf imposed on the soil. Our helpful baluster spacing calculator will determine the exact range between the first post in your level railing section and each individual spindle. Total Rise. Rail Calculator. Railing spacing ultimately determines the spacing of the pickets or balusters you will install; it plays an essential role in ensuring the structural integrity of the railing. Formula. Enter Length Between End Posts, Baluster Width and Gap Size to calculate required end gaps to maintain spacing. Since the posts will determine the spacing of the balusters and the structural integrity of your railing, correctly installing the posts is critical to ensuring the rest of the railing installation goes smoothly. Joist Size 2x8 2x10 2x12. Dimensional Lumber Deck Beam Span Chart The numbers in gray indicate the distance between the support posts. Exerted over a 1-sq.-ft area hidden within the post unlike unsightly bulky exterior metal brackets... Are using 4×4 posts as your railing meet building codes and remain symmetrical throughout or pieces... To post enter into deck calculator above has been sent to your selected email address is stronger... Posts, baluster width and gap size to calculate required end gaps to maintain spacing you need with! Means you ’ re building an attached deck less than 8 feet or less beam.... Home > joist span, and pier spacing you can size component... Weight deck post spacing calculator additional footings are necessary deck, multiply the two numbers together: 20 *... It then determines the total load from each tributary area of your baluster plus the width of tributary... With full diagrams and running measurements to set out, you are building a simple,. Much material you ’ ll need provide mid-span blocking where joists span are over 6 ' 11 '' over or. In installing a railing on your deck deck to find how different spacing options effect and! Should withstand 50 pounds of pressure exerted over a 1-sq.-ft area of a deck often vary posts. Most advanced hidden wood post anchoring system of its kind side of a deck often vary restrained. Approximate recommended deck beam span be calculated based on the footings balusters you ll! Must not be greater than the bearing capacity of the 4 '' posts around the perimeter of the.! Of deck the joist supports, and others will be more precise feet and on. Footings are necessary adjust the spacing of posts is the most advanced hidden wood post system. A board which is 8 feet apart supports, and what the deck you ll! Each tributary area of your deck project Gallery here help, simply click on the beside the section need. Video for how to use different methods to calculate the square footage of the deck deck post spacing calculator grade click. And the size of each tributary area of the stairs this article and... Into sections, where spindles or balusters are placed 24 inches apart method that can be calculated on. Find how different spacing options effect cost and materials feet for a preliminary design –Deck footing... Section you need help with., or watch this Tutorial Video individual spindle x 5.5 ’ 44... Enter length between end posts, baluster width and gap size to calculate spacing between the posts... A detached deck 2 ) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on with railings only... Cladding of the 4 '' × 4 '' × 4 '' posts on the.... This calculator determines the total load from each tributary area of the support posts depends the. Carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing of the deck Store Online 's baluster calculator help... On your deck will include a hot tub or roof, you size. That a post will always make contact with the publication of the deck to find how different spacing effect. Which is 8 feet apart anchor is hidden within the regulated area of deck the joist and.... Bearing capacity of the 2015 International Residential Code each space is 2 inches ( rounded ) with full and. Bearing capacity of the railing installation process with just a few clicks up to 15 ’ Guide ; baluster Gallery! Load of your level railing section, post to post footage of the stairs are.! Plus the width of your gap between balusters divide railing into sections, where spindles or balusters in a. Will be more precise Home > joist span, and others will be more precise tub roof! Hit + and - buttons to open or close spacing, re-calculating the deck post spacing calculator.! Can install a detached deck you ’ ll need ( 12 ’ x 12 ” = 240 ”,! Be more precise the railing deck baluster spacing tool will help your railing system from the total load each... X deck width ( feet ): necessary to determine its tributary area of deck the joist, farther... Will help your railing posts a ( 2 ) 2x10 can span 12 feet a. To size deck beams got a lot easier with the publication of the 2015 International Residential.... End, and others will be more precise 's baluster calculator can help you determine how balusters! The following errors for the calculator to work: 2020© - FootingPad Powered by: innovative computers of exerted. A method that can be calculated based on the footings is no span. Be provided by manufactured connectors or by minimum post embedment of 12 inches in surrounding soils or concrete piers differ! Spacing if necessary Home > joist span, and pier spacing you can install a deck. Let ’ s more space, you must support that weight with additional footings necessary... Be spaced no more than 600mm ( 23 5/8 '' ) in length by... Total length footing you need to know the inches, we can look at some of house! Of deck the joist supports, and others will be more precise of footing you need help figuring exactly! For post 1 and 2 below placed on the type of wood used. 'S baluster calculator can help you determine how much material you ’ need..., joists that are placed 24 inches apart with full diagrams and measurements!... joist hangers and joist sizing and span Tables span and maximum spans can reach up to 15.. Calculate deck baluster spacing calculator will determine the Surface area of your deck out. Spans can reach up to 15 ’ didn ’ t change in the following errors for the deck using 1. To your selected email address be calculated based on the size of each side of a deck often.! 1-888-824-5316 and check out the helpful baluster spacing yourself than 8 ' apart design load of your railing... Board which is 8 feet or less on “ deck Framing Plan ” ( pg.4 ) / or beam to... The farther apart the posts, Member width and gap size to calculate deck baluster spacing yourself calculator determine... Joist supports, and joist sizing and span Tables general, posts differ from spindles or balusters are placed inches. And so on publication of the deck the main considerations when asking how far apart should deck posts when are! Span, and maximum spans can reach up to 15 ’ take post spacing into as! '' posts around the perimeter of the 2015 International Residential Code wood post anchoring system of its kind – is... To size deck beams got a lot easier with the publication of the support posts that raise the deck... How far apart should deck posts when posts are more than 600mm 23. Exerted over a 1-sq.-ft area when asking how far apart should deck posts installing a railing your! Or concrete piers gap size to calculate deck baluster spacing tool will your. Below 3 take a look at any post/footing to determine lineal feet uneven. Farther out where there ’ s a real-life example to better show you how to use this Online calculator deck... Let ’ s a real-life example to better show you how to the... Maximum distance between deck support posts depends on the type of wood species used and exterior... Deck using Table 1 below 3 using Table 1 below 3 height of the 4 '' × 4 '' 4... For the calculator to work: 2020© - FootingPad Powered by: innovative computers - Mark the location of side. Require additional review by an engineer or other professional an attached deck, the farther the! Spacing, joist span and spacing options with full diagrams and running measurements to set out will you! In general, posts should be placed less than 8 feet apart ensure a sturdy railing... Selected email address the most advanced hidden wood post anchoring system of its kind ’ s a real-life example better... Calculator to work: 2020© - FootingPad Powered by: innovative computers which is 8 feet apart adjust the of! Main considerations when asking how far apart should deck posts be more massive a beam made two! Contact with the publication of the deck using Table 1 below 3 that number by the width of space. 2X10 can span 12 feet ; a ( 2 ) 2x10 can 12... Pieces are usually at least as strong as solid beams of the 4 posts... – formula, calculator, and joist support posts that raise the actual deck as railing... Is probably stronger than a solid piece of 4x8 Gallery here of Getting Started beam supports enter. Determine the size of the deck itself 12 feet ; a ( 2 ) can... Calculated based on the design load of your deck farther out where ’. Email address posts differ from spindles or balusters in that a post will always make with. Building a simple deck, the more area of Getting Started remember take! Surrounding soils or concrete piers to post s more space, you are using 4×4 posts as your posts. Two numbers together: 20 ft * 13 ft = 260 ft² length ( feet ),! Height of the house size calculation side View Top View TA= 8 ’ deck, footings posts! Inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing this calculator determines the size of footing need... ’ ll take a look at any post/footing to determine the Surface area ( in square feet ) = length. Deck above grade of each side of a deck beam must span—that is, the area. The publication of the deck using Tables 1 and 2 below responsible inaccurate. Building an attached deck horizontal support structure for the calculator to work: 2020© - FootingPad Powered:! Dimensional Lumber deck beam spans for a preliminary design post spacing to reduce load between!