What Size Screws For Decking Joists

Joist hangers are sized by joist depth and run about 1 2 inch shorter than the nominal size of the joist you can size deck joists by referring to table r507 6 in the 2018 irc which lists spans for deck joists sized from 2x6 to 2x12.

What size screws for decking joists. Remember nails bend but won t break like screws. Railing posts require diameter galvanized or stainless steel through bolts while railings will need 3 5 coated deck screws for balusters and rails. A good all around choice is 10 decking screws generally in 2 1 2 to 3 1 2 inch lengths. For outdoor work use hot dipped galvanized nails.

For best results refer to our wood and composite deck joist span table. Although standard deck screws aren t designed to provide the type of strength required by joist hangers there are several nails and screw like fasteners perfectly suited for the job. For indoors use common not sinker type nails. For example a 2x8 joist hanger is about 6 5 8 inches tall.

Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. In typical deck construction with a ledger on one side of the joist and beam on the other the size of the joists is driven by the size of the deck and based on the general maximum spans mentioned above. For deck framing structural wood screws such as simpson sds 1 5 screws work with joist and stringer hangers as well as post beam brackets. Joist spacing o c 12 16 24 species.

Note that the most reliable way to determine the right fastener for a particular product is to consult the manufacturer s guidelines. Make sure the top of the joist is even with the top of the flashing on the wall ledger so that decking will go on evenly. With a cordless drill driver you can drive them about as fast as nails. Sixteen penny nails are about the right size for spacing between deck boards.

Decking railings and stairs most decking screws are 8 gauge and while 2 1 2 inches is the minimum length needed to hold decking boards to the joists 3 inch screws are commonly used to provide extra holding power. 6 gauge 1 inch screws are suitable for attaching these. As with the deck boards that make up the floor of your deck you need to use the same 3 1 2 inch deck screws to attach the stair treads to the stringers. Lateral joists are often hung from the rim joist by means of joist hangers.

Toenail decking joists into position along the wall ledger using a galvanized 16d nail. Toenail joists to the ledger. Screws come in an astonishing array of styles.