Cedar deck question.....

TheRogue · 06-14-2007, 12:57 PM

Spacing for the 2x10 stringers apart.......24"?? 36"??

I'm using 2x6 kerfed cedar decking boards.

TR

Digifish · 06-14-2007, 12:58 PM

What's the span? Or are you talking about stair "stingers"?

zipper · 06-14-2007, 01:25 PM

With 2x10's you can go 24" - that's what I did. If i had to do it over I would probably go 18-20" - the cedar will feel a bit spongy inbetween the 24"'s especially in the winter when it's wet. And use screws to hold it all together (- pilot holes on the ends will keep boards from splitting.) They don't back out and makes changing out boards a snap.

zip

byebyeducky · 06-14-2007, 01:58 PM

If your talking spacing, I would listen to zipper. (I don't think the joist size makes any difference on spacing, its the decking type and size)

Now, up on my soapbox!
I would strongly reccomend a product like Timber Tech or Trex, and reduce your spacing to manufacturers reccomendation (depends on product and thickness).

You may spend a little more up front on these products, but there is very little maintenance. I would rather spend that one weekend a year fishing than finishing a deck.

Finally, if at all possible (when grade allows) pour a concrete patio for almost no maintenance.

wsuweston · 06-14-2007, 02:16 PM

With the cedar and composite 24" max more in the 16-18 range. Good luck

Chrome Bumper · 06-14-2007, 02:17 PM

Ask the manufacturer and local building inspector. 24" will probably be the maximun joist spacing for 2x6 red cedar decking on 2x10 doug fir #2 joists.
http://www.bostoncedar.com/structuralframing.html
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/h2buildadeck

I like Zipper's reccommendation to put the joist a little closer especially in wet locations. 16" centers would be nice. It depends on the quality and finished size of the decking material too.

The square drive screws are good, but they leave dimples in the wood that lets water in to cause rot. There are some hidden fastner clips that avoid that and look nicer. If you are using that nice canadian old growth cedar decking its worth it to do a really nice job. It will be hard to replace when the old growth forests are gone. Water seal does only so much.

PapaHog · 06-14-2007, 04:20 PM

I built and sold hundreds of decks. Never go more than 24 inches. 16 is better but 24 is adequate.

kaygee · 06-14-2007, 04:43 PM

TREX IS THE BEST IN MY BOOK. I have cedar in a covered deck. it is fine with cover on north side. Just pressure wash each year lighty. Cedar will bend alot when spaced to far. Max 24'' I have trex on other decks on the south. Nice stuff, don't have to do anything to it, takes the weather. costs more but to me well worth it.

BCF · 06-14-2007, 07:48 PM

I went 18" on center and you could drive a car up on mine.

TheRogue · 06-14-2007, 08:51 PM

Think I'll probably do 18". Went 24" on my last one, it seemed fine; but I am a former logger/redneck and like my stuff to be OVERBUILT!!!

TR

Grantspastor · 06-14-2007, 09:15 PM

My wife calls me "deckboy". This is one of several at my place. 2x6 cedar with joists on 24" centers. Has held up and performed well despite heavy use, occasionally involving pretty good sized groups of people. Just out of sight in the picture is a 20' x 20' area where the structural integrity is most often tested.

Chrome Bumper · 06-14-2007, 10:18 PM

Close spacing is real nice when time and dry rot set in.

salmonfever · 06-15-2007, 03:36 AM

Many of the composites require 16" spacing

Cohodependent · 06-15-2007, 11:32 PM

I built our deck 4 years ago using 16 inch on center. I also went with the 2x6 cedar as well. Having now refinished the deck 3 times in 4 years, I would strongly suggest going with Trex or some thing like it. So far, I have not found any thing that will last more than a year. My deck is 16'x25' for the main deck and then a smaller 8'x10' deck next to it. The deck is on the north side.

I guess I am just venting as I am not looking forward to having to sand and refinish the thing again this summer. Like I said, this will be the 3rd time in four years....

TheRogue · 06-16-2007, 06:24 AM

My last deck was eight years old, 2x6 cedar, very good grade of wood. I refinished once every two years by chemically stripping then pressure washing (carefully, not to gouge the wood). Used Behr oil-based stain/sealer each time.

Looked pretty darn good when we sold the place last year.

TR

Iwish · 06-18-2007, 06:23 PM

I would have to agree on the real Value in TREX. We built a rather large deck about 5 years ago. 2000+ sq. ft. and we have stained it every other year. Not fun. Over 200' of railing and it takes a ton of time to redo everything. I use Superdeck products and have been very happy with them but will opt for TREX when we build within the next year.

D-tangle · 06-18-2007, 10:02 PM

I will stir the pot here. I am a wood person who built several decks. I usually overbuild my products, having German roots on my Dad's side.

11 years ago, I built a deck at my house. It worked out mathematically to do 28" centers on the 2x10 support joists with 2x6 cedar, #2 grade. I shuddered at the prospect of a shoddy deck, so I mocked up a small support jig to test the movement. 36" centers barely moved 1/16th down when I stood on it, so I went with the 28" I planned. It is still rock solid and has zero movement when I walk and jump on it. I weigh 200 lbs.

The biggest factor in my deck is the support blocks, not the joist spacing. I have supports every 4 feet in length and every 28" in width. That is the telling factor in a deck, IMO. The German in me still over-builds even when cheating. If you go every 8 feet for a support block, then 24" would be maximum and you will have a bit of 'give' at that. Good luck.