Think of this as building a 'square box' using nothing more than 2x6x8 ft. PT lumber. Does anyone see a problem with my deck plan here? Would it pass a building inspection? --68.63.xxx.xx

Shorter decks, I do whatever, but still use 2x10 joists. I just built a 3x5 deck for a landing into a laundry room with 2x10's --50.32.xxx.xxx

If you plan to pass inspection, then you probably want to ask the inspector.. Otherwise, it is perfectly fine.. The header can be sistered with 2x10' to beef up.. Otherwise, 2x6 or 2x8 16" center will support the load. --72.209.xx.xx

With a 5 ft elevated deck, can pre-fab deck blocks be used as a 'footing'? --68.63.xxx.xx

If you are determined to use 2x6 joists spanning 8’ you should install a center beam. --72.172.xxx.xx

Is your carpenter not capable of cutting stringers out of 2x8 or 2x10 lumber? if he cant do that I would question his ability to build the deck.Your code office should have a form that will show what size lumber they expect to be used for different lengths --72.231.xxx.xxx

It does not matter what part of any town this will be built, it is the strength of materials based on the span between supports, one piece rests on top of another, take a picture of what you have and see what upright part is strong enough to hold up the next layer. --76.188.xxx.xx

--68.63.xxx.xx

TO save a few bucks, look into using Cattle or Hog panels instead of spindles on lower end houses. They are made of heavy welded wire and meet codes (double check for your area) to keep children from falling off the deck. Cattle panels are $21 for a 4'x16' panel, hog panels are $32 for a 4'x16' Attach with 1-1/2" staples and a few screw brackets. Spindles are $.96 each and you need 3/ft = $48/16 ft plus all the labor to install. Not a huge savings on a small deck but adds up on bigger ones. Much faster to install too. --137.119.xxx.xxx

--99.56.xx.xx

When I give instructions to my carpenter, I tell him to assume my future tenants could weigh 500 lbs or more. (I actually only rent to tenants who are less than 300 lbs.) Right now, my carpenter is rebuilding the bathroom floor with those specs in mind. Now that I am thinking about it, maybe I do need to upgrade the 8x8 deck to all 2x8's. --68.63.xxx.xx

5. Joists on 16" centers is fine for 2x6 decking if you find a deal on one of the plastic decking then frame the joists 12" on center --72.93.xxx.xxx

Building a deck should structurally sound along with conforming all the buildings codes as one does not want the deck to fail where there is a injury. You Tube has videos on how to build decks. This month started to fix the deck on the house where found they connected the deck ledger board to the house with nails. Drilled in some holes then attached bolts to connect to the house. Fixed the stairs where removed the rotted out sections of the pressure treated wood then reinforced the stairs along with installing one piece for the steps. Nails are not strong as deck screws. Now going to go through the entire deck then checking all the structural before installed composite deck material on top. A lot of people do substandard work where eventually over time everything fails in order to save a few dollars. Doing something improper only creates problems along with filling up landfills. --76.64.xx.xx

Roy,use 2 x 8 for joists everything else is overkill.instead of 2 x 6 for floor use 5/4 x 6 pt decking,looks more professional .6 ,x 6 posts on any size deck is way out of Line....charlie...............carry on............................................what are you going to do with all that stuff you pull out of there,that's a lot of work for nothing............................. --174.199.xx.xx

Show me where code says it should be lagged to the existing rim joist.would be better with a 4 x 4 support................................................................ --174.199.xx.xx

Why would putting a 4 x 4 post 2' in the ground make it stronger.where's the logic.Spock where are you? Come in please........................of course,I'm only a country boy!....................... --174.199.xx.xx

Roy,you only rent to people under 300 pounds? that was funny,i just spit soda all over my keyboard,at what point do you pull out the scale?during the initial application or during the in home inspection? --72.231.xxx.xxx

Ken,here in Connecticut most of our tenants ate under the weight limit,can't afford the extra calories what with the extra taxes and all,of course you knew that already..................charlie.............................................. --174.199.xx.xx

If this is a $5k house, why not just install steps down to the ground and be done? An 8x8 deck isn't big enough for much of anything and will just encourage them to put their grill too close to the house. --204.210.xxx.xxx

Me, I'd put in a set of steps and a concrete paver patio down on ground level. That doesn't have to be painted and it doesn't get wood rot or termites. It's a safer place for the barbecue and if people fall off the ground level patio, that doesn't give them much ammunition for a lawsuit. --174.216.xx.xxx

Veering not too much off topic, I fasten a 1x1 board along the center line of all my deck railings. It makes it uncomfortable to sit on that railing for very long. --174.216.xx.xxx

BRAD --68.50.xxx.xxx

cjoh' We put posts in the ground primarily because "thats the way its done" but also to prevent movement laterally. As I mentioned, a drunk guy on a riding mower can jack up a deck pretty good when he overshoots a turn and crashes into the corner of the deck. --137.119.xxx.xxx

Decks.com Free design & plans --68.74.xxx.xxx

--68.63.xxx.xx

Watch steering with that Roy. --50.32.xxx.xxx

BRAD --68.50.xxx.xxx

I'm with OregonWoodsmoke and others. Build it to accommodate bout 4 tons, or just stairs to a patio on ground level. --47.216.xx.xxx

--68.63.xxx.xx

Hammer,not in Connecticut.Besides drunk driving,they'll lose the license for maybe a year,which reminds me, renew that thing,my birthday was in January,Oh! Oh!........................charlie.................it's only June!........................ --174.199.xx.xxx