Most decks use 16 on center spacing for joists.
Post spacing for deck roof.
Then snap a chalk line at this level along all the posts.
Measure down from the door leading to the deck the width of the beams joists boards plus at least 3 inches or to whatever your local code requires.
If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads.
While there may be a handful of circumstances that only require the minimum 4 4 deck post you will more than likely want to choose a 6 6 post for the deck.
Dimensional lumber deck beam span chart the numbers in gray indicate the distance between the support posts.
If you have the ledger board installed you can use it as a guide.
A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet.
This generally yields a maximum tributary area of about 70 square feet.
The maximum distance between footings is determined by the size of your joist material.
A 2 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on.
Starting with your perimeter mark the location of each deck post to locate the fitting position.
While a typical deck under 6 feet in height may only require posts set every 5 to 8 feet the type of deck the type of wood the height of the deck and a variety of other factors can influence the spacing of the support posts.
For taller decks with 2x10 framing i might question 4x4 posts.
When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches.
Deck post spacing depends on numerous elements.
For a deck framed from 2x10s i d assume maximum spans of about 14 feet for joists and 10 feet for beams.
It provides more stability for larger decks the ability to hold a heavier load and more room for notching.
Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12 on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.
In general posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart.
If you move up to 4 by 8 you re usually allowed to span up to 10 feet between posts.
Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16.
A 4 by 10 can usually span up to 12 feet between posts.
I wouldn t blink at the use of 4x4 posts up to 8 feet in length.
For most situations you will want to place footings and posts less than 8 apart.
Cut the posts at this line.
Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame.
Decks with a lot of angles may also require additional footings.
In general the maximum span for a 4 by 6 beam is 6 feet between 4 by 4 posts.