deck rafters 24'' apart

I recently bought a house with a deck and although its in good shape, to my surprise I discovered that the rafters are 24" apart instead of the usual 16". Is this an alternate way of building decks or did the person who built this deck take a shortcut?

Reply to
mikepier
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I once read a deck construction instruction book that recommended 24 inch centers.

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Reply to
SteveC1280

Seems to me that the spacing would depend upon the decking material and the loading expected. For example if the decking was Trex or one of the other synthetics then 24" would be unthinkable. On the other hand if the decking were 2-by material then I wouldn't have any problem accepting it. If the decking were 5/4 material and the expected loading was light it would probably be fine too although it leaves less margin for the time when the material begins to deteriorate years down the road.

Reply to
John McGaw

If it doesnt flex why worry

Reply to
m Ransley

Must be a newer house or deck, they cut corners like crazy now.

Reply to
scott_z500

I think that you may be referring to joists as rafters here, but either way, 24" OC is one of the standards for both. The spacing will affect what you can use to span the joists (or rafters).

Reply to
Robert Allison

wrote

Technically they are referred to as _ joists_ not rafters. Local codes vary, but around here the code is: 16" O.C. (on center) for 5/4" x material decking. When using 2" x material decking you can go 24" O.C. with the joists. This is for wood products, I'm not familiar with the man made products.

Reply to
Cooper

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