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What is a Joist?

Learn the Terms to Frame and Build Your Deck Like a Pro

One of the greatest projects a person can plan and accomplish for their family's home is building an outdoor space that will be loved and gathered upon for decades to come. Another great feature of a deck build or remodel, is that it looks incredibly impressive and once planned out, executing it with a couple of friends can be a walk in the park.

So, what is a deck joist?

A deck joist is a long, horizontal support that makes up the majority of a deck's framework. Joists are attached to the installed ledger board using a joist hanger, or hanger bracket, and run the entire distance of the deck out from the house.

Deck joists are generally spaced 16 inches apart on-center and require different span lengths depending upon the size of the deck, the spacing, and the material used. To find the maximum joist span for your project, check out the convenient chart below:

Find out what your deck joist span and length should be here on the deck joist span chart

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