25' deck

[paddy1]

Quick question.
I am about to lay a deck using 6" X 2" joists for the frame sitting on equally spaced paving stones to give it a solid level base.

The size of the deck is roughly 25' X 23' and the joists are 16' in length.

Can anyone give me pointers as to the best way to construct the frame in order to get it to the size i need?

thanks for the help.

 

[megawatt]

If you read down the forum list Thermo has possibly answered this already.

If you can't see what you require post back.

 

[paddy1]

Had a look through the list and couldn't really find anything by Thermo relating to this.
Am I just blind?

Thanks.

 

[WabbitPoo]

Quick question.
I am about to lay a deck using 6" X 2" joists for the frame sitting on equally spaced paving stones to give it a solid level base.

The size of the deck is roughly 25' X 23' and the joists are 16' in length.

Can anyone give me pointers as to the best way to construct the frame in order to get it to the size i need?

thanks for the help.

Not sure what it is you are unsure of - but any frame larger than either that which you can manage or than the pieces of timber you have, will have to made from two or more frames built separately and then firmly bolted together (not screwed). You'll need a good firm support at several places along the joined edges.

 

[paddy1]

I guess the best way to go is then construct 4 frames each 12' by 12' and then bolt them all together to give me a 24' by 24' deck.

With regards my joists - i am using 6" X 2". I was originally intending to have them placed at 18" centres. Is this overkill with regards structural strength or would 24" centres be enough.

Also is it better to use joist hangers or just nail joists to the frame or is it down to preference?


Thanks again.

 

[megawatt]

As your frame is sitting on the ground it's not so much about strength really as "bounce" i.e. how springy do you want your deck to feel underfoot.
16" is generally normal, 18" probably okay but 24" will feel horrible unless you are fitting really thick and narrow (4") deck boards and, even then, I wouldn't do it ... You'll probably need around 5 more joists to put them at 16" centres rather than 24" but the deck will feel so much better for it.
You could go for 24" centres and let the kids use it as a trampoline though

 

[paddy1]

Should i use them or just nail the joists to the frame?

 

[megawatt]

If you're laying your joists flush with the top of the frame use joist hangers, if they are sitting on top toenail them to the beams.

 

[paddy1]

What exactly does toe nail mnea.
I would have been putting nails in at an angle from each side of the joist down into the frame. I sthis wrong?

 

[megawatt]

It's not wrong ... It's called toenailing

 

[paddy1]

You seem fairly clued in and very quick to respond.

Here is my last question for the day.

I intend to lay paving stones equally spaced on a dry sand/cement mix around the edge of the frame and to support joists to keep them the timber off the grass and give my deck a solid base.
Does this sound right?

Also do you have any tips or advice on easy ways to make sure these are all level so that my frame and joists end up sitting cleanly and level on them.
I was intending to put stakes in the ground and run string between them and make sure it was level and then lay my flags level with the string.

Is there an easier more accurate way?

Thanks again.

 

[WabbitPoo]

well, another method of supporting would be to put a 4x4" post at regular intervals, bolted to the frame and sitting on a concrete block set into the earth. That way the blocks dont have to be level particularly, any differences handled by the length of those posts.

 

[megawatt]

It's far easier to level a deck frame with posts/bolts than to attempt to lay level paving slabs for a 25' square area ... It also ends up a more secure and rigid structure ... Also, slabs laid on a dry mix won't be up to the job for this size of deck.

 

[Thermo]

i agree, i always use that method, construct the outer frame first, rasie it up on posts to get it level, then toe nail in the cross members. It also allows you to put further supports in where necessary, very easily

 

[paddy1]

I had initially thought about using posts to support the frame but it seemed pointless as i want the deck level with my patio doors which is roughly about 8 inches off the ground so it seemed the best way would be to lay the frame onto slabs.