2x10 floor joists running out to the yard.
Free standing deck sway bracing.
Decks bracing sizing.
I m building a 14 x14 freestanding deck.
You may install a metal t brace which is a long metal strip diagonally across the top of the joists or install a diagonal deck board across the bottom of the deck frame.
Not only that it allows the deck to be installed 6 or 7 inches below the elevation of the house floor a common detail in wet or snowy climates.
Elevated decks and decks that extend over a hillside often become unstable over time.
How to stabilize a deck.
How to brace a swaying deck all decks using horizontal decking should have a diagonal sway brace to prevent racking.
As a northern utah home inspector i find that the biggest difference between decks built 15 years ago and decks built today is the need for additional bracing.
Vertical x bracing made from steel rods and a turnbuckle or steel cable would be less visible than lumber bracing in this case.
Decks using diagonal decking do not require sway bracing.
This added feature creates such a stronger and safer deck that it is important to follow the codes and best practices.
Because there isn t a house to anchor one end of the deck uplift and racking forces are greater issues that must be addressed in the structural design.
2 cantilever front and back.
Freestanding decks greater than 2 feet above grade must be able to resist lateral and horizontal movement by providing diagonal bracing.
Although bracing nailed under the deck is less visible than vertical bracing nailed to the posts it s not as effective.
2x12 beams running parallel to the back of the house.
Nails especially your 16d common nail have shear strength meaning they re far less likely.
Materials for one diagonal brace cost about 72 since two are needed total cost is 144.
X bracing applied vertically will solve both pivoting at the base and bending of the columns.
Bracing underneath your deck involves a method called angle bracing and it can be done using a few 2x4s and some 16d galvanized nails.
While diagonal bracing from your deck s columns to beams is a sure way to promote structural integrity and prevent movement you can also install bracing underneath a deck to stop the sway.
Installation labor is roughly one hour per brace depending on the age and density of the concrete foundation.