Product Brochure

Redwood Decks
Redwood decks create a natural focal
point for outdoor living environments. As
walking surfaces and entertaining areas,
decks organize large spaces and reclaim
irregular or sloped land. Redwood stairs
and walkways provide attractive footpaths.
Redwood decks range from simple
platforms to multi-level projects using a
variety of shapes and amenities. Openings
in the deck surface can allow for plantings
and incorporate elements of outdoor
furniture. Decking may be parallel or
diagonal. Redwood’s superior stability
also permits the use of parquet patterns.
Concrete footings provide the best sup-
port for deck framing. Tops of footings
should extend 6 inches above ground and
should be pitched outward to prevent water
collection and inhibit decay and insects.
Deck framing tables shown on this page
are for single spans of non-stress graded
Construction Heart and Construction
Common redwood. Design will support a
uniform live load of 40 pounds/square
foot with deflection limited to L/240.
Concentrated loads of planters, spas and
other heavy objects may require additional
joists and larger beams. Local building
codes should be consulted regarding
structural regulations.
Design loading, with deflection limited to
L/180, sets a maximum 24-inch span for
2-inch-thick decking and 16-inch span for
5/4-inch-thick decking. Provide 1/8 inch
minimum space between boards, and
center all large knots and butt-jointed
board ends over joists.
Beam span is the distance a beam
extends from one post to the next. Beam
spacing is the distance between beams.
Deflection is limited to L/240.
Suggested Beam Spans
Beam Beam
Spacing Sizes
4x6 4x8 4x10
Span Span Span
6 feet 4'0'' 5'0'' 7'3''
8 feet 3'3'' 4'3'' 6’3''
10 feet 3'0'' 3'9'' 5'6''
12 feet 2'9'' 3'6'' 5'0''
Suggested Joist Spans
Joist Joist Joist
Size Spacing Span
2x6 16'' on center 7'3''
24'' on center 6'0''
2x8 16'' on center 10'9''
24'' on center 8'9''
2x10 16'' on center 13'6''
24'' on center 11'0''