So when would you ever need to use 12 inches oc.
Deck floor joist spacing.
Deck joist spacing for composite decking remains largely the same as if working with treated lumber.
In this instance the maximum span between deck post centres is 2 07m c16 or 2 24m c24.
Spanning 16 6 between supports may cantilever up to an additional 4 1 for a total maximum length of 20 7.
For example a 2 x 12 joist placed 16 oc.
In general terms joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1 5 times in feet their depth in inches.
Please note that when deck joists are cantilevered they should not extend further than one fourth of the actual adjacent joist span according to irc 2015 r507 5.
The maximum joist spans below are based on a ground snow and live load of 40 pounds per square foot and a dead load of 10 pounds per square foot.
Southern pine deck joist maximum spans no cantilever with cantilever joists may cantilever up to of the actual adjacent span.
For a more rigid feel 12 or less may be preferred.
A 2x8 up to 12 feet.
Two by twelve douglas fir joists spaced 12 inches apart on center for example can span 20 feet 7 inches but the same joists spaced 24 inches part can only span 14 feet 7 inches.
For example joists spaced 16 inches from the center of the joist next to it can span 1 5 times in feet the depth of their inches.
Ready to start calculating how much lumber you ll need for your joists.
We recommend beams are constructed from two 44 x 145mm q deck deck joists and are placed at maximum centres of 1 8m.
Some brands like weardeck let you get away with more reinforced with a layer of fiberglass on both the top and bottom weardeck boards easily allow for spans of 24 inches oc.
Most composite and pvc decking brands like trex and azek recommend a minimum joist spacing of 16 inches oc.
Section r507 5 notes that deck joists can cantilever up to 1 4 of the joist span.
To learn more about deck joist sizing spacing and allowable span reference this chart.
Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16 on center with the exception of max deck boards which allow for maximum 24 on center.
The larger the deck the larger the joists.
On center for standard straight composite decking installation.
As a rule the larger the deck the larger the joists.
Maximum 2x6 deck joist span.
If adding additional framing be sure to keep all boards level and in plane across the tops.