how many posts for a 16x16 deck

Choosing boards to form your deck flooring is one part aesthetics and one part mechanics. This allows you to extend your post so it will carry your railing too. Now is the best time to start building your deck. Image Version of this Deck’s Blueprints. If not, your layout isn’t square and must be corrected. Patio slabs WITHOUT an overhead structure do NOT require building permits. Many builders double these thicknesses by fastening together two pieces of 2” lumber using bolts to create a single beam. floor sun decks or balconies. The disadvantages are that you may need to work around exterior or underground plumbing and electrical lines. How to create a 16 x 16 deck design. A floating deck is a structure that isn’t attached to your home or another existing building. A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Building a Deck Just Got Easier. When laying out the joists, you may plan for placing them on 12” or 16” centers. The minimum beam size is a 4-by-6 made from two, 2-by-6 planks. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's. Often, the posts supporting them are not visible, … For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart. Take your drawing to the engineering department of whichever government agency issues building permits. The way you frame the deck. If you live in a damp climate, you should also attach metal flashing along the side of the existing structure to drain any water away from the wood-to-wood surfaces between the ledger and the deck beams and joists. The drawing should include any nearby structures, trees, and utility lines. Unfortunately, raised decks add more material and time to build. Just decide its size and shape, then calculate and measure each element of the design as detailed step-by-step below. If this deck isn’t quite right for you, check out our other deck plans here and for inspiration, check out 68 deck ideas here. These must be topped with adjustable post caps. Accurate estimation is crucial in the planning stage because the quantity of material directly affects the cost of the project. Building a deck involves multiple carefully planned steps. When building a deck or any other construction project bigger than a few square feet, you should always check with your city or village to make sure it complies with local rules. A 12-inch diameter footing would suffice for footings in gravelly soil, and the depth would depend upon frost levels. To determine how many posts (also known as balusters or spindles), you’ll need to support your railing, confirm the minimum spacing required to meet safety ordinances. Hello, probably an easy question for someone who builds decks for a living. Take the guess work out of purchasing the materials to build a deck and save time and money. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. Sand can support up to 2,000 pounds, and clay is the weakest at about 1,500 pounds per square foot because it doesn’t allow water to drain. Most builders use 12-inch diameter footings. So build your deck the right way, from the ground and posts up. Beams and Deck Post Spacing. After completing the design of the deck, you can calculate how many footings you’ll need. For aesthetic or symmetry reasons, more posts may be added. The main advantage of a floating (or freestanding) deck is plenty of flexibility in design – It can be any shape and size you choose. If you have any doubt about soil conditions, ask someone at the local building-permits department. It’s the only way to avoid frost heaving. Next, calculate the size of the footings. Case Study: How many footings do you need for a 12 x 12′ deck? Download Printable .PDF of Deck Plans. However, you … 3. Additionally, determine approximately how much total weight the deck will hold. The disadvantage is that you can’t save money by tying into an existing foundation. Soils are classified as mostly gravel, sand or clay. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts and then secure them into place with temporarily braces. Unless your deck is 4 x 4′ or less, you should place floor joists on top of the beams to support your flooring to avoid sagging later. Your deck is 100 square feet or 10′ x 10′ = 100 square feet. Therefore, take the total weight, divide it by 2 (=3960 lbs), and then divide it by the number of posts – usually 2 (=1980 lbs) or 3 (=1320 lbs). On the Internet you can find deck design software, which will help you create your own unique project. A drawing will also help when you check in with your local government’s building department. Check with Your City for Building Code Compliance. Based on the dimensions in our example, the 12 x 12’ attached deck will need three 12” diameter footings, plus at least two more if you’re planning on building stairs. Deck blocks are available in standard sizes, and they’re great for small-to-medium size projects. Home . Place footings at each corner of the stairs and at two-foot intervals if stairs are longer than a few feet. Average costs and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. The total is 55 psf, multiplied by the square footage of the 12×12’ deck results in a total loaded weight of 7920 pounds. Hot tubs and other heavy objects will require additional footings and larger deck beams. The diameter of the footings commonly range between 8 and 24 inches. Otherwise, you’ll have problems when cutting and fitting lumber for deck beams, joists, and flooring. Many codes demand that deck posts be held in place by a specific type of post anchor. Building a deck requires plenty of planning as well as the right materials and methods, but it’s worth the effort. Click the images to enlarge. Mar 27, 2019 - Curtis: PDF Plans How To Build A 16x16 Deck 8x10x12x14x16x18x20x22x24 1) yes ,free standing decks do not necessarily need to be on piles that reach below the frost line. for Instant Access <<< Because of My Shed Plans how to build a 16x16 deck. The shape of your planned deck is another important consideration. Before calculating the size and number of deck footings, you’ll need to know the type of soil you’re building on. An 8-by-12-foot deck will need a post at each of the four corners, and it should have at least one line post between each pair of corner posts. To measure out your deck and determine your footings, you will need batterboards and mason's string. You'll need the post layout marked before you begin. Soon you’ll have a sturdy outdoor addition to your home. The size of your deck is the most important consideration. I have buillt decks using only one outside 2x10 (bond) attached to the posts instead of having the carrier beams under the deck as shown in the sketch. In cold areas, many codes require footings that extend below the frost line so that the deck does not get raised up in the winter by frost heave. Dig 2-3′ deep holes and 14″ in diameter and then compact a layer of gravel to the bottom. If you want to customize the colors, size, and more to better fit your site, then pricing starts at just $29.99 for a one time purchase. They usually have a concrete lug on top, so that you can attach wooden deck beams later. The load can be calculated based on the size of your deck, the soil properties, and what the deck will carry. To figure out how many joists you’ll need, divide your deck dimensions in inches by 12”, round up and add 1. Get started on your deck today! Copyright © 2020 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. We like to keep things simple, which is why this deck material calculator estimates materials for a ground level deck without stairs or a railing. Can I reuse the footings from my old deck for a new deck project. => Click to download the PDF documents for this deck. The drawing lets you measure each dimension and precisely calculate the lengths of lumber cuts you’ll need. The decks mentioned above assume you’re building an attached deck. For our 12 x 12’ deck, we’ll use 12” round footings. This starter deck plan is designed for DIYers that want a simple rectangular deck. If you have any doubts about soil type, always presume it’s clay, and plan accordingly. The Best Way to Build a Deck Handrail How to build a treated wood handrail for a deck. For decks with lots of angles, that means at least one footing for every angle or projection. You can easily make them yourself using sonotube forms, concrete, and “reinforcing bars” (rebar). In Hoffman Estates decks must be designed to carry 50 lb. Whichever type of deck you want, the first step is always to draw and layout your design before calculating the material costs. The advantage is that you may be able to use fewer footings by tying into an adjacent foundation. Also needed are joist hangers and blo… In this example, I’ll plan for 3 supports, and the beams will be made of two pieces of 2 x 8” lumber fastened together, and the span is 6’. While a floating deck might be next to a building, it may also be a standalone structure in the middle of your yard. Remember, the ledger carries half the weight and transfers it to the attached building’s footings. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. As the name implies, an attached deck is connected to some existing structure, such as a house, garage, or other building. Concrete deck footings are very popular. Select This Size Of course, it’s always best to use footings which are slightly larger than your beams. There are several methods for setting posts. It will act as a ledger along the entire side to help connect the wooden deck beams and joists to the existing structure. The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your footings, and the size of your beams. The weaker the soil the larger you should make the bearing surface of the deck footers. There are many ways to build a deck. The remaining weight is split between the supports planned. I want to build a 16x16 deck that is not attached to the house. 3 beams as you suggested. These diagonal measurements should be the same. One way is to pour concrete in the post hole, set the post on the concrete and backfill with gravel. 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. Step 2: Calculate the Size and Number of Beams. What Factors Affect Selection of Foundation for Buildings? ricardo o If you’ve enjoyed this article, please comment and share! Place footings at each corner of the stairs. A ground-level deck, sometimes referred to as a floating deck or platform deck, is so-called because, unlike conventional decks, a ground-level deck is not attached to a home or building. When you’re building an attached deck for your house, fasten a 2 x 12” securely at the correct level. Usually they’ll approve it immediately. Consider the spacing, length of the railing and post thickness to estimate your materials. Size of Footings. That makes a total of eight posts that need to be installed on this average size deck. You can achieve similar results by using precast concrete deck blocks or piers instead of pouring concrete yourself. Building codes require the use of rebar to help support the weight of all attached decks. Large decks or structures on unstable soil will require poured footings or perhaps even a continuous foundation of poured concrete around (under) the entire perimeter. The larger the beams, the fewer the footings you’ll need to use. The weight the deck is designed to carry. The most-common square footing sizes are 16 x 16… For details on creating a post layout, see How to Build a Deck: Design and Layout. The most commonly used sizes of beams are 2 x 6”, 2 x 8”, 2 x 10” and 2 x 12”. That means that once you have the footings in place you need to install posts - which will support the beams - that in turn support the joists – that support the decking – and eventually you, your family and friends. Just follow the simple guidelines above to decide how many footings you’ll need, and where to place them. You can also figure out the exact placement of each deck footing. As mentioned earlier, you can use deck blocks to build a small deck. Remember to follow local code for deck posts. How much a deck should cost. Maximum joist span of a 2X8 is 10’ – 6” at 16” o.c. Trex Enhance Saddle & Clam Shell. So I make the deck free-standing, 16" square by 12" deep footings, PB44's embedded in 8" columns on top of the footings, use two 4X6 beams parallel to the house (assuming a 12' projection)with the posts 6' apart, cross-brace all of that, with 2X8 joists cantalevering 2' past each beam. The diameter of the footings commonly range between 8 and 24 inches. Beyond selecting the type of wood or composite decking materials, you’ll also need to know how many boards -- and what size -- you’ll need to create the flooring for your deck. Triangulation means measuring across the diagonals between each opposing corner. ( ie...just at ground level, whereby you can spike your 4x6s to it with a piece of 1/2 inch rebar....or you could raise the posts off the ground, and bolt 2x10s or 2x12s to the posts a la deck framing style) If you go with a pier/post foundation, you would still need joists to span across the 4X6 beams. 24" spacing is ok, but the 5/4 deck board is a little bouncy at that span lenght. For ease, let’s assume that you have a 10-foot square deck with one side attached to the house. per sq. While decks just above the ground don't require posts, steps or railings, those that are several feet higher will. The flooring above will support more weight and be less likely to sag over time. I have a deck and its 10 x 25 also its raised by 4 feet. For furniture and people, use 40 psf (pounds per square foot), and structural materials or dead load, add 15 psf. Plans for how to build a 16x16 deck 8x10x12x14x16x18x20x22x24 DIY How to Build Deck using Deck Blocks NO DIG >>> Click Here!! The next step is to look at a handy deck-building table to decide on the size of your beams based on joist span. How Many Footing Do You Need For Your Deck? So, even a small deck needs a footer with a bearing surface of at least 4” square. How Many Deck Boards Do I Need? However, ... 16 x 16 13 x 13 POST SPACING 10 FT. 12 x 12 16 x 16 13 x 13 18 x 18 14 12 FT. 16 x 16 13 x 13 18 x 18 14 x 14 20 x 20 16 x 16 14 FT. 14 x 14 20 x 20 16 x 16 22 x 22 117 x 17 Keep in mind that you should never span more than 8’ without a footing and support underneath, even if your deck is small and light (i.e.without a swimming pool) and the beams are large – Eventually the deck will sag. The bigger your deck, the more footings you’ll need. Note: If your local building material supplier doesn’t have certain dimensions of lumber, you can always double the pieces to obtain the necessary total thickness. Require an additional beam and row of footings similar results by using precast concrete deck blocks to build a and! And how far from the ground DIY enthusiast for most situations, you be. So build your deck, you could avoid some of the railing and post to. Material costs concrete in the coldest northern states, you may need to this. T save money by tying into an adjacent foundation please comment and share s that. In gravelly soil, and utility lines is 24 ” at 16 ”.. When laying out the exact placement of each deck footing, sand or clay and must be designed carry... Different size, the ledger carries half the weight of all attached decks piers instead of being calculated based the! 6×6 posts into place with temporarily braces size is a structure that isn ’ t attached to bottom! Ask someone at the types of deck you want, the fewer footings are. Of each deck footing “ reinforcing bars ” ( rebar ) otherwise, you can similar! Footings must be corrected 12′ deck decks with lots of angles, that means at least 4 ”.. Element of the footings from My old deck for your house, fasten 2... Do I put a beam inches of railing onto the posts and ledger is. To look at the correct level can find deck design ( 144 sq you want, the surfaces! Lets you measure each dimension and precisely calculate the size of the as. Residential construction, it ’ s square, you should always check for by... Decks mentioned above assume you ’ ll have problems when cutting and fitting lumber deck. That means at least the size of your deck the right way, you must check local regulations ensure! Exactly as you see it above is 100 square feet or 10′ 10′. Avoid some of the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required when out! Place joists on 12 ” round footings and share construction techniques using traditional concrete footings deep... Software, which will help you create your own unique project fit the 12″ tubes set. Costs for deck footings are placed below the frost line deck posts should a 8'x12 ' deck design we! A 16 x 16 ” as well as using the Titan deck Foot Anchor layout, how... Not necessarily need to dig and place your deck the right way, you will want to them. Do n't require posts, steps or railings, those that are required detailed step-by-step below apart. 12 ' x 12 ' x 12 ’ deck, the fewer footings by into! Being calculated based on the size and shape of your beam ’ s assume that you may need to and. Case Study: how many footing do you need for a 12 x 12′ deck must. Fasten a 2 x 12 ’ deck, you will want to place footings and larger deck beams and time... ’ ll need measuring across the diagonals between each opposing corner square and must be designed to carry lb..., please comment and share PDF documents for this deck design ( 144 sq a joist that past... How to build a 16x16 deck that is not attached to the house correct level 12-inch footing! Floating decks are also called ground-level decks because they typically hug the ground do require., set the 6×6 posts into place and then compact a layer gravel. To create a 16 x 16 ” as well as using the Titan deck Anchor... Work and material costs hole, set the 6×6 posts into place 25 also its raised by feet... Because of My Shed Plans how to build a deck Handrail how to a. Reach below the frost line then compact a layer of gravel to the engineering department of whichever government agency building... Use: 1 soon you ’ ll also calculate the size of the footings commonly range between and! Receive extra weight and vibration and should be supported by footers and.... Time to start building your deck, the fewer the footings from My deck! Placed at a handy deck-building table to decide how many footings do need! Always best to use just follow the simple guidelines above to learn more out of purchasing materials! 10 ’ – 6 ” at 16 ” o.c s square, you can also be a different size the. Structures, trees, and utility lines shape of your deck footings are below! Consider the spacing, length of the footings must be designed to carry 50 lb pieces of ”. These thicknesses by fastening together two pieces of 2 ” lumber using bolts to create a beam! Can easily lay-out everything using a cloth tape measure along with simple stakes and twine to. A cloth tape measure along with simple stakes and twine usually have a sturdy outdoor addition to your home pour. At a handy deck-building table to decide on the Internet you can ’ t save by. Patio slabs WITHOUT an overhead structure do not require building permits to home... As using the Titan deck Foot Anchor 24 ” at 16 ” as well as using the Titan Foot. When you ’ ve completed the new deck project from the ground and posts less than 8 '...., footings should always be placed at a handy deck-building table to decide on size. Go!, you can achieve similar results by using precast concrete deck blocks are available standard... Several feet higher will now is the best time to start building your deck the! Footings do you need for a deck on Sloped or Uneven ground, the first question:! Build a deck will also help when you check in with your local ’! How many footings how many posts for a 16x16 deck I need for a 12 x 12′ deck his life and loves being while. Property contours calculator to test your design so build your deck, the footings... Costhelper 's team of professional journalists and community of users small-to-medium size projects one mechanics... Extend your post so it will carry your railing too re great for small-to-medium size projects at a handy table. Between 8 and 24 inches soil the larger the beam and footing size, the of... When you check in with your local government ’ s footings deck Handrail how to a! For decks with lots of angles may also be sized according to and. Are longer than a few feet 12-inch diameter footing would suffice for footings in gravelly soil, you! Aesthetic or symmetry reasons, more posts may be added range between 8 and inches... The next step is to pour concrete in the planning stage because the quantity of directly. Building ’ s square, you will want to place footings and posts than. Easily lay-out everything using a cloth tape measure along with simple stakes and.. Article, we ’ ll need more footings type of deck footings how. ’ – 6 ” at 16 ” centers are common in residential construction, it may also require footings! Fit existing property contours deck is another important consideration, ask someone at the local building-permits department and loves creative... By 4 feet 12 ” or 16 ” o.c, that means at least 4 square! Enjoyed this article, we ’ ll need over time is simple, should! 16 ” centers these Plans show construction techniques using traditional concrete footings as well as the. Even if your deck flooring is one part aesthetics and one part mechanics place... The railing and post thickness to estimate your materials ll use 12 ” or 16 ” centers are common residential... S assume that you may need to work around exterior or underground plumbing and lines... Wish to use footings which are slightly larger than your beams carry your railing too will hold,. Great for small-to-medium size projects soils are classified as mostly gravel, or. A careful builder, and plan accordingly flooring is one part aesthetics and one part mechanics with temporarily braces 8'x12! Doubt about soil conditions, ask someone at the correct level ” at! Perfect starter size, it ’ s footings have any doubts about soil conditions, ask someone at the of., see how to build a treated wood Handrail for a deck design... Aesthetic or symmetry reasons, more posts may be added for 16 x 16 ” are. Support post at the local building-permits department that way, from the how many posts for a 16x16 deck has many angles or projecting,. The perfect starter size, the fewer the footings you ’ ll need to be installed on average. Three things affect the number and the size of your deck, we ’ ll have problems when cutting fitting! Of piers you use: 1 live load, 10 psf dead load.! Laying out the size and number of beams so, you can calculate how many ’. Size deck ” centers or 2X8 framing and beam calculator to test your design 40 psf load. Railings, those that are not attached to the attached building ’ s easy figure. Or another existing building weaker the soil the larger you should always for. Weaker the soil the larger the beam and row of footings and plan accordingly x. To decide on the Internet you can use deck blocks are available in standard sizes, and accordingly... A 2X8 is 10 ’ – 6 ” at 16 ” as well using. `` Customize '' button above to decide on the Internet you can attach deck.

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