The beams and joists form the fundamental structure of the deck platform. They must be correctly sized, arranged, and connected to perform properly.
Table 3A sets the requirements for how a dimensional lumber beam must be constructed based on the desired length of the beam vs. the span of the joists being supported.
Table 3B provides the same information as Table 3A for Glue-Laminated beams.
The maximum allowable span or overhang for a joist is determined per Table 2, and is based on the joist spacing, lumber size, and wood species.
Beams built up from dimensional lumber must follow certain protocols. Figure 4 provides the guidelines.
Joists and beams must be securely connected to prevent uplift and lateral displacement. Joists must be properly supported.
DCA6 requires specific rim joist details.