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Joist Spacing and Size

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Learn joist span and reading a span chart 💪 #deck #joistspan #spanchart #learn #carpentry

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What happens here

This step explains that when determining joist span, it is important to consider the joist spacing. The speaker illustrates that if joists are spaced further apart (e.g., 24 inches on center) compared to closer spacing (e.g., 16 inches on center), they will need to be larger (deeper lumber) to carry the same load and span the same distance without excessive deflection. This is because wider spacing means each joist supports a larger area of the deck.

Goal: Understand how joist spacing affects the required joist size.

Tools and materials

  • Joists

What they say

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ends of bearing points. Both of these sections would be considered cantilever. In this case, the cantilever can only be 1/4 the length of the back span. When determining your span, you have to consider your joist spacing. Let's say these are 24 on center. That means these joists are going to have to be bigger than let's say if you did 16 on center. This distance from here to here is your beam span. Your beam is typically double or triple 2x material. It requires post to beam connection here and then a post

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