All Decked Out?: Department of Inspections
All Decked Out?: Department of Inspections
All Decked Out?: Department of Inspections
Figure 5
Figure 8
Top of post
mounted Girder
Grade
Top mount/flush
Girder span tables from the
Building Code for #2SYP
and a 40 lb. Live Load:
*Partial reproduction of Table R502.5(I) at 30
ground snow load and roof ceiling and 1 clear
span floor. Deck width is 20 or less measured in
the direction of joists span. Splices in plys must
break over bearing supports.
Department of Inspections
2-5/8 Galv.
through bolts with
nuts and washer
Decks 48 or
greater from grade
requiring lateral
bracing shall be
anchored at top of
wood posts with
approve strap or
post brackets
2x8
2 x 10
2 x 12
20 (2 ply)
311
61
71
20 (3 ply)
----
63
77
810
20 (4 ply)
----
----
89
102
Figure 6
Figure 7
If you have any questions about these specifications, the use of other
materials, standards or the code requirements for your deck, please
do not hesitate to call City of Raleigh Inspections Plan Review at
(919) 996-4200 or City of Raleigh Development Services - Customer
Service Center at (919) 996-2495.
Joist Size
Spaced @
Will span
Joist Size
Spaced @
Will Span
2x6
12 OC
109
2 x 10
12 OC
18
16 OC
99
16 OC
161
2x8
24 OC
86
12 OC
142
24 OC
131
12 OC
219
16 OC
1210
16 OC
1810
24 OC
11
24 OC
154
2 x 12
raleighnc.gov
This brochure is a publication of The City of Raleigh
Department of Inspections
09/05/13
A.
1.
Be sure to obtain a building permit for the deck before you build it. For more
information on how and where to obtain your building permit, call or visit
the Residential Office 8320-130 Litchford Road, Raleigh NC or simply call us at
(919) 996-4200. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm.
Figure 2
If attached, this means the deck band will be connected to the house band and that your deck will be
supported partially by the existing foundation of the house. Attached decks must be connected to the
band or rim joist of the house by 5/8 inch galvanized through bolts. Also, the existing siding (except brick)
which covers the house band must be removed so that the deck band makes full contact with the house
band. Non-aluminum, non-corrosive flashing must be installed between the house and deck bands (see
flashing detail in Figure 1) to prevent water from rotting the house band. See diagram below for detail.
Figure 1
Fasteners
8 Max Joist Spana 16 Max Joist Spana
5/8 Hot Dipped Galv.
Bolts with Nut and
1@ 2-4 o.c.
1@ 1-4o.c.
Washer b
a: attachment interpolation between 8 & 16 joists span are allowed,
b: Minimum edge distance for bolts is 2.5 inches,
c: Nails must penetrate supporting structure band a minimum of 1.5 inches
Your joists must be sized to carry a 40 lb. per sq. ft. live load. In some instances, a girder is used to help
meet this design criteria and to allow use of smaller individual floor joists (See floor joist span in Figure 6).
3.
B.
Each deck support post must be supported by concrete footings. The size of each footing is determined by
the tributary load imposed on it. See the diagram below for an explanation of tributary load. Each footing
must be dug down into undisturbed soil and to a minimum depth of 12 inches.
C.
Figure 3
Lumber
First, all lumber should be treated or decay resistant. We will assume that you will use pressure treated Southern
Yellow Pine #2 (SYP) with joist spacing set at 16 inches on center (OC). Other species of lumber are acceptable for
use. For specific allowable spans on other species, consult the building code or call the Residential Office.
You only need to build to Minimum Code. However; if you want a sturdier deck, we have also
given you our recommendations for a Code Plus deck.
Footing Chart a, b, c*
SIZE (inches)
THICKNESS (inches)
TRIBUTARY AREA
(square)
Precast
Cast-in-Place
Precast Footings
Poured-in-Place
Footings
8 X 16
8 X 16
36
12 X 12
12 X 12
40
16 X 16
16 X 16
70
16 X 24
100
24 X 24
150
Ex.: 4x 8x 16
doublestacked solid block
8
8
8
*a. Footing values are based on single floor and roof loads; b. Support post must rest in center 1/3 of footer; c. Top of footer
shall be level for full bearing support of post
4. How high off the ground will the floor of your deck be?
If the walking surface of the deck is 30 inches off of the ground, your deck must be surrounded by guard rails which
are a minimum of 36 inches in height. The steps for the deck must also have guard rails on both sides if there are 4 or
more individual risers (spaces between steps). If the steps have a total rise of 30 or more above ground level, guard
rails/hand rails must also be provided on open sides of the steps. See figure 4 & 8
If your planned deck is attached and over 4 above the ground (measured from top of footing to deck floor), bracing
for lateral support is required. Self supported decks greater than 30 in height (measured from the top of footing to
deck floor) also require bracing. Several methods of bracing are acceptable depending on whether the deck is free
standing or attached (see figure 6 & 7). Consult with the Residential Office at 919-996-4200 to select a method that
meets code and will work best for your project.
Footing Depth:
Footing Size:
Post Size:
Girder Size:
Post Spacing:
Deck Band & Ledger:
Joist Size:
Deck Flooring:
Guard Rail & Height:
12 to bottom of footing
8 x 16 x 6
16 x 16 x 8
4 x 4 x varies up to 8
6 x 6
2-2 x 8
(see girder table in Figure 4 & 5)
Use 2 x 10 spaced 16 OC
5/4 x 6
Important Note:
The Building Code also regulates items such as the stringers and treads for steps, fastening
(nailing and/or bolting) and bracing for lateral stability. Be sure to discuss these with one
of our specialists if you have questions about what the code requires.