What size posts should be used for a deck?

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6×6 posts

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In the past, many decks were built with 4×4 support posts (also called structural posts). But these can bow seriously, even if a deck is only 3 feet off the ground. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you use 6x6s instead, even if your building department does not demand them.

Beside this, How many 4×4 posts do I need for a deck?

The shorter sides—in this case, the 8-foot side—will have 4-feet of distance between deck posts. The larger 12-foot side will have a post spacing of 6 feet at a minimum code requirement. That makes a total of eight posts that need to be installed on this average size deck.

Likewise, How far apart should you put deck posts?

In general, posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. The maximum distance between footings is determined by the size of your joist material.

Also, Should you use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?

4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine. I would just not go more then 10′ apart with them.

What depth should deck posts be?

Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post.


22 Related Question Answers Found

 

Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?

4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine. I would just not go more then 10′ apart with them.

Can you build a deck with 4×4 posts?

In the past, many decks were built with 4×4 support posts (also called structural posts). But these can bow seriously, even if a deck is only 3 feet off the ground. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you use 6x6s instead, even if your building department does not demand them.

How deep should 4×4 deck posts be?

Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

How far apart should decking posts be UK?

1800mm

How many posts do I need for a 12×12 deck?

Posts are usually constructed from 4-by-4-inch or 6-by-6-inch posts and you will need at least five. You will need 18 boards of 2-by-6-inch lumber or nine 2-by-10 inch boards to build the joists, also known as the beams. You should purchase an additional 25 percent wood to allow for framing pieces and waste.

What size post should I use for a deck?

As a general rule, if the support posts are spaced no more than 10 feet on center, all you will need to use are 4- by 4-inch posts. Most local building codes permit 4-by-4 posts 10 feet on center for all but multistory decks..

Should deck posts be 4×4 or 6×6?

4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine.

How many posts do I need for a 10×10 deck?

6×6 posts

How many posts do I need for a 12×16 deck?

A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck.

How deep should a deck post be?

Dig the holes six inches deeper than the required frost line depth for your area, and slightly wider than the concrete footer tubes you’ll be using.

How deep should an 8 foot post be in the ground?

3 feet

How many deck railing posts do I need?

The general rule is that your railing must have three balusters per foot (every 12 inches), although you can place them closer together if you’d like.


Last Updated: 14 days ago – Co-authors : 12 – Users : 7

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