deck joists oc

[Maarkr]

remodeling my deck...actually taking it down and rebuilding it. One side is lag bolted to the house...6 ft wide, one side is part of a supported sunroom 9 feet long. Joists run the 6 foot span, so can I get away with 2x8 joists 24" oc, or should I stay with 16" oc?

thanks

[Mike772]

To better give you advice, I would need to know what is goin on top of the joists for flooring. Different products have different span ratiings.

IMO: I never build a deck with 24" spacing. I always use 2x10's 16" o.c. reguardless what is used for the floor boards. Overkill?? Maybe, but nobody likes saggy or bouncy decks.

[Maarkr]

It's just used for a place for 2-3 people to stand and grill before going down a flight of stairs to the main deck. This is Maine so we have good snow loads, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to drain the deck also. Any ideas? Do you a deck build off-level for drainage? What pitch?

[Maarkr]

I forgot to mention--standard 1" pressure treated deck.

[Mike772]

I always put the decks in level. With spacing between decking, water run-off isn't really a problem.

With the 5/4 treated decking, I like the joists 16" o.c. There is some "spongy" feeling on 24", at least to me.

With spans of only 6', 2x8's are fine.

[Tom R]

I completely agree with Mike772, - - level deck, 16" OC,2 X 8's, - - install the decking tight, - - the shrinkage will give you plenty of gap. If you're using ACQ, - - make sure you use the recommended fasteners.

[Rich]

I also agree.

[montytx]

diffently 16oc. Anything more and you will have a lot of flex with 5/4 boards. I would also recommend you use 2x6 instead. I steer clear of 5/4 when possible.