Does a deck need a girder?
Also called beams, deck girders provide the backbone of support for the joists, deck boards, post and railings that make up the middle and upper structure of the deck. While straightforward to construct, they do require some planning, as they must be strong enough to support your deck configuration.
Should I use pressure-treated wood for deck joists?
Do Deck Joists Need to Be Treated? Pressure-treated lumber is ideal for deck framing. We also recommend using joist tape or a wood protectant to help shield cut ends from moisture damage.
What is a girder for a deck?
In deck construction, a girder (or a beam) is a board or a composite of more than one board that serves as a supporting structure for the deck joists, which meet it perpendicularly. You can supply this support by sinking posts into the ground, then running a beam along the tops of these posts.
How long will pressure-treated deck joists last?
If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.
How are deck girders installed?
4-Steps to Build & Install the Deck Support Beam
- Step 1: Find the Framing Lumber Crown. Locate and mark the crown for the beam.
- Step 2: Assemble the Deck Beam. It is smart to build a beam that is a bit longer than needed.
- Step 3: Set the Deck Beam in Place.
- Step 4: Attach the Deck Beam to the Posts.
Does my deck need beams?
Beams are a crucial part of any deck, so it’s imperative that they’re properly installed. A beam runs across the posts, parallel to the ledger, and supports the joists. Instead of digging more holes, you could build a beam that doubles as the header joist, then hang the deck joists between the ledger and the beam.
Why is pressure treated wood cheaper than pine?
Pressure-treated wood is notably cheaper than cedar, redwood, and other types of wood. And, because of its durability, you’re much less likely to experience a need for costly repairs in the future. It is a great choice for those operating on a smaller budget.
Does pressure treated pine need to be sealed?
However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so. Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water.
Can I frame with pressure treated wood?
You can use pressure-treated wood for framing. However, pressure-treated lumber costs much more and does include potentially toxic chemicals. Thus, pressure-treated wood is only recommended for outdoor applications and where framing touches the foundation.
Can a joist be attached to a girder?
After you have installed a few joists, you can also use the laid-out rim joist to check for square. You may have to make similar adjustments at the other end of bad joists where they rest atop the girder. With the joists attached to the ledger, it is time to attach them to the beam.
How are floor joists attached to a deck?
The joists should be attached on both sides. Back at DECK JOIST LAYOUT we discussed marking the layout positions for the deck floor joists along the ledger board face and atop the outer girder. On the outside, drill three pilot holes through the joist and into the ledger to prevent splitting, then fasten with 16d nails.
Is it smart to put girders on a deck?
Yes, it is smart. And Girder framing offers another advantage: because its Columns are independent from the rail posts. the rails do not dictate where the Columns and footings must go. So, if a hidden rock forces the carpenter to move a footing, he need not change the deck size — he just slides the footing over. I like this.
What makes a rail post different from a girder?
Here the builder separates the rail posts from the deck frame: Girder construction allows the main supports to be larger and stiffer — 4x6s or 6x6s. We’ll call them “Columns” and the double rim a “Girder” — to distinguish them from Thru-Post members. Steel joist hangers fasten the joists to the Girder.