SPACING FOR CONCRETE DECK BLOCKS INSTALL
SPACING FOR CONCRETE DECK BLOCKS CODE

SPACING FOR CONCRETE DECK BLOCKS INSTALL

More often than not, all deck joists are most commonly installed at the bottom to mid sections of the decking frame in order to ensure that both the beams and deck boards on top are supported.įor this reason, many people who install their own decks in this way do not feel the need to block, as the positioning of the deck joists is deemed to be the equivalent to blocking and, in turn, able to prevent any rotation. Though not all DIY’ers may block their deck joists, all professionally installed decking is required under the IRC to, at the very least, make sure that blocking between the joists is present at the open points of the joists in order to prevent any rotation.Īlternatively, if the joists are positioned at a greater distance than 2×12 feet, then deck joist blocking will also need to be installed at every 8 feet point. Plus, in order to complete the blocking, a rim joist (or another type of band) is deemed as being acceptable to end blocking, although a header is also seen as being an appropriate alternative.

SPACING FOR CONCRETE DECK BLOCKS CODE

Nevertheless, it is generally recommended to block between every 4 to 6 feet in order to unify the overall frame and improve the structural integrity of the decking.Īccording to the official International Building Code (Section 502.7), deck joists are required to be blocked with at least a 2-by material that is the same depth as the joists in order to ensure proper prevention of any rotation. In addition to this, if the joists have been positioned to be anything greater than 2×12 inches in dimension, then the blocks have to be present and placed at a length of no more than 8 feet. To follow, deck joist blocking needs to meet the building code requirements, which consist of blocking the open end between the hoists in order to prevent any rotation. In addition to this, the blocks are usually made to be consistent in length, which helps to ensure that the overall structure of the decking is stable.Īs a general rule of thumb, the deck joist blocks are usually made to be 14 and ½ inches for joists that are spaced at 16-inch centers, 10 and ½ inches for joists that are spaced at 12-inch centers, and then 22 and ½ inches for joists that have been spaced at 24-inch centers. To break it down, desk joist blocking is an installation method that consists of utilizing pieces of wood cut from joist material and then installed in a perpendicular (or staggered) direction directly from the joist in order to connect the gap between each joist.

So, whenever you’re ready, just read on.ģ What are the spacing requirements for deck joist blocking? What is deck joist blocking?

Blocking will aid the stability and longevity of the decking.īesides making sure that the deck boards are being installed properly according to the direction of the joists, you should also consider deck joist blocking between each deck that you lay down – and believe it or not, it’s a lot easier to do than it sounds! We’re going to talk about everything that you need to know about blocking between deck joists, including what it is, why it’s needed, as well as how much spacing will be required between them. Professionals recommend blocking between deck joists to avoid any rotation of the materials, but the joints must all be consistent sizes. So if you want to add a deck to your garden landscape you’ll have to consider this question: do I need to add blocking between deck joists?ĭeck joist blocking is using pieces of joist material in a staggered formation directly from the joist to connect the gap between each joist. Whether you’ve already got a deck space or you want to create one, a deck is essentially an extension of your indoor living space, so it only makes sense that it should be safe and stable for all of your outdoor activities – regardless of whether you’re hosting a dinner or catching some afternoon sun. But of course, you need to make sure the decking is installed correctly avoiding danger and hefty repair costs.

Spacing for concrete deck blocks