Do deck joists need cross bracing?
According to National Design Specifications (NDS) blocking is required on any deck joist over 8ft long on 2″x 10″ and 2″ x 12″ material. We would recommend blocking on any deck joists greater than 2″ x 6″.
Do I need blocking between joists?
According to the IRC, joist blocking is only necessary if your joists have a depth greater than 12”. Therefore, for most houses, you are not required to have blocking or bridging if you have traditional lumber joists that are 2” in thickness and up to 12” in width as long as both ends are fastened properly.
What is the purpose of blocking between joists?
Wood blocking between joists serve to minimize joist twisting and joist movement, consequently helping prevent deck board-gapping.
How far should joists be apart on a deck?
16 inches
Deck joists are typically spaced either every 12 inches or 16 inches on center. The maximum joist spacing you can use will depend on the size and allowable span of your joists.
How far should joist blocking be?
4 to 6 feet
Blocking required every 4′ – 6′. Blocking must be equally spaced in rows, maximum of 4 to 6 feet apart. WHY IS BLOCKING NEEDED? Solid wood blocking will help reduce up or down movement and/or twisting of joists.
Can you use screws for joist blocking?
Square down from the chalkline on one side of every joist to provide a reference line for installing the blocking. 10. Through-screw the blocking where possible. Use at least two screws per end to secure the blocking.
Should floor joists be braced?
Whether your home is new or old, it is sometimes necessary to install floor joist bracing in order to eliminate squeaking and deflection in the flooring itself. Bracing will stiffen a floor system, prevent floor joists from twisting, and increase overall stability.
How much do floor joists need to overlap?
As long as they don’t overlap the far edge of the bearing point by 12.5″, you should be fine. If you’re running across the top of a girder or 2×6 wall, the end of the joists will only hang off that edge by 1/2″.
Is bridging or blocking better?
We think that metal bridging is much easier to install and accomplishes the same thing as solid blocking. Also, solid blocking seems more likely to cause squeaks because of all the extra joints and nails required for installation.
When to use joist blocking and bridging on a deck?
Deck Blocking And Bridging Blocking or bridging can be used for a variety of purposes in deck building. Probably, the most commonly used technique is to install small pieces of material in a zig-zag pattern between the perimeter joists to create a rigid rim joist that prevents bounce and increases the strength of the rail attachment.
When do you need to brace a deck post?
Decide on a bracing scheme before setting the post. This will save you time and materials because you can avoid redundant bracing—or worse, incomplete bracing that may allow the framing to fall down during construction. Bracing is required to keep everything aligned until the posts are permanently secured.
Which is better, cross bracing or strapping joists?
Cross bracing joists better distributes the top load from one joist to the bottom of adjacent joists under deflection than strapping or blocking, although blocking is almost as good. Cutting and installing cross joist braces is time-consuming, requires additional material, and the ends frequently split during fastening, so need to be replaced.
What kind of material is used for cross bracing?
Cross bracing deck joists is done using 2×2 material mitered at each end and fastened to form an X between joists. Cross bracing joists better distributes the top load from one joist to the bottom of adjacent joists under deflection than strapping or blocking, although blocking is almost as good.