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Rip Blocking Boards for Clearance

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A handy thing we like to keep in our back pocket before it causes a bigger issue!

What happens here

When framing a deck with cantilevered joists that extend over a main beam, structural blocking is required between the joists directly above the beam. To ensure this blocking does not protrude above the top plane of the joists (which could interfere with decking installation or require planing later), rip a small portion off the top edge of each blocking board. This modification allows the blocking to sit slightly lower than the top surface of the joists, creating a necessary clearance. This simple step makes future deck surfacing much easier and maintains a clean, flush finish.

Goal: Prepare blocking boards to sit below joist height

Tools and materials

  • Blocking Boards — Creating structural support between deck joists over the main beam
  • Saw — To precisely rip the top edge of the blocking boards to the required height

What they say

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all right we're framing out this deck here and we have a can of lever twoot over our beam so we need blocking over top of that beam but here is a little tip for you we'll rip these pieces of blocking just a little bit so that they're underneath the top of our joist that way they're not going to get in the way when we go to plane and super easy takes 2 seconds just rip it a tiny bit good to go there's my little tip for you

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