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Exterior Deck

Exterior Deck

Exterior Deck

(OP)
Got a few questions on how you guys handle deck lateral loads.

Client wants a deck fastened to the house with ledger board, then clear span out to end. About 16' span, and deck will be about 30' along the house. he wants to use a post support at the base, not embed into concrete. I am trying to decide what way to take lateral load, just all thru the ledger, which is what I think the loads will be.

Whats your thoughts on this scenario?

Thanks


RE: Exterior Deck

On a deck like this, I usually use flat diagonal 5/4x6 bracing on the bottom of the joists. At the house I thru bolt a 14 1/2" section of 6x6 to the deck and house band and end nail it to the joists. I do the same thing at the outer band of the deck. This gives me a nice nailing surface to attach the 5/4x6.

RE: Exterior Deck

Diagonals on the bottom of the deck and lateral ties at the end of the ledger.

Alternatively, you can do knee braces at the posts. I'm not a fan of this, but it works per the code.

When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.

-R. Buckminster Fuller

RE: Exterior Deck

Quote (manstrom)

Alternatively, you can do knee braces at the posts. I'm not a fan of this, but it works per the code.

Have you ever tried to get the numbers to work out on a knee brace? The connections are tough.
Also, every kneebrace I see is lagged into the bottom of a double 2x10 beam with the 1/2"Ø fastener going between the plys of the beam. I wonder how you figure out that capacity?

RE: Exterior Deck

I use the Simpson knee brace connectors and they work really well, as long as the deck is small and not too tall. I also will follow the City of Chicago deck and stair details whenever possible.

RE: Exterior Deck

Another way to take the lateral load is to use tie rods through the ledger, tied back to anchors on the floor joists. Simpson makes these tie anchors, and you supply the galvanized 1/2" threaded rods.

Thaidavid

RE: Exterior Deck

(OP)
Thanks, I had thought about the X bracing below the deck. would you do that in all bays, or just one?

Talking with the home owner, he is at 4 bays @ 8'-0" now.

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