deck building information

[m beezo]

I have in the past always relied on the architect or design guy to provide me with details for my deck building projects. But I have in the past questioned some of their choices, you know, the I can draw it you can build it type of issues. I have mentioned the choice of using cedar posts and also had a thread about lattice attachments. Guess I am looking for a few more answers or at least something to look at. So...

A good book that not only has design ideas but also information such as span tables and layout ideas that are current and make sense.

In the span issue I would like to see a section about headers especially since I am not smart enough to know what I am looking at when I look at a roof on a deck. As in they want a deck 16 ft wide and 16 ft long and would like it roofed but object to a center post in the middle of the deck. Can it be done and if so what size of header. My other books with this information have all kinds of things that I really do not understand such as 40 lb live load, 15 lb dead load, drywall installed, attic above. That is not the kind of information I need.

I guess if not a book a website might also do it for me.....

[Andrew R.]

Your lumberyard has LVL support staff for that don't they. Its free engineering here if you buy the LVLs or hope to.http://fp-supply.com/ I was born near there, lived on Lindy Ave until I was 6.

[joseph]

been years since i was a deck contractor but boy do i agree .I used my UBC for the spans ,turned the info in for plan check and it generally passed .http://www.buildingcenter.org/ this sight has a span table -would that help ? The computer age has been so helpful for learning

[dgbldr]

Beez, decks are fairly structure-intensive things and I don't recommend you design your own if you don't fully understand the structural issues.

Now a deck with a regular roof is a totally different animal, at least around here. Depending on the particulars, our AHJs would look at it as a building or addition, knowing the owners are likely to fully enclose it at some point and use it as living space. All without permits, of course.

AHJ aside, I will tell you an open deck with a roof needs some uplift calculations, whether for code compliance or just plain liability. It sees a lot more wind uplift than a closed building.

[m beezo]

wind up lift is one of my concerns. I also understand the idea that in the future they might want to enclose the structure. However, I usually take the stand that I cannot control what folks do with the place after I build it. I know that folks have insisted that the basement we finish will not be a bedroom but when the kid becomes a teenager I suspect and know that it happens.

Part of the info I am looking for is to help me understand what is going on and why. Plus if someone would ask me a few questions when we are looking I might have an idea if something that they want can be done or not.

I will be checking out the web tomorrow and see what else is out there.

[Bill Robinson]

Beezo, while it is a good thing to know and understand the details on this project, it is better IMO to have the deck designed by a professional with the capability of "wet stamping" it.
By that I mean someone who can draw plans that will be approved by the local building department.

Let me sugest you establish working relationships with a couple of structural engineers and architects who you can call on for small projects they design to your specifications.

IMO, your question is so broad it is not easily answered here.

Deck Builder Mag has a lot of good info as does Frank Woeste at VT.

This is another good resource.