frizob
Aug 7th, 2012, 11:06 PM
I was hoping someone may have some advice on handling multiple deck levels.
We designed a deck with two levels, where you can step directly from one deck level to the other (less then 7 3/4 inch difference required). As we'll be using 2x8 joists, the minimum rim joist size on the upper deck connecting the two decks would be 7 1/4" high (for 2x8 lumber). We're using PT for the frame with Cedar decking.
The upper deck is 28" from the ground in front, the lower deck can be adjusted slightly (we were looking at 21"). We're using 48"+ piers, so given the short deck height we're hoping to not have much movement. Both decks are independently supported (freestanding). The connection between the two decks is approximately 7.5 feet in a straight line, then an additional 2.5 feet on a 45 degree corner.
The options I can see are:
1) Connected: Swap the rim joist on the upper level deck to something larger (say 2x12) and nail the lower level deck rim joist to that (I can't overlap the decks as we're using joist on beam construction and the beam for the top deck will run perpendicular to the rim joist on the bottom deck).
2) Unconnected: Place the two levels next to each other, with the lower level sitting just below the bottom of the upper level (say 1/4 inch).
3) Unconnected: Keep a slight distance, say 1" between the two and skirt with 2x8 cedar to cover the gap.
Other options? Any suggestions are welcome, this is the first time I've worked with either a multi-level design or applying for an Ontario permit.
We designed a deck with two levels, where you can step directly from one deck level to the other (less then 7 3/4 inch difference required). As we'll be using 2x8 joists, the minimum rim joist size on the upper deck connecting the two decks would be 7 1/4" high (for 2x8 lumber). We're using PT for the frame with Cedar decking.
The upper deck is 28" from the ground in front, the lower deck can be adjusted slightly (we were looking at 21"). We're using 48"+ piers, so given the short deck height we're hoping to not have much movement. Both decks are independently supported (freestanding). The connection between the two decks is approximately 7.5 feet in a straight line, then an additional 2.5 feet on a 45 degree corner.
The options I can see are:
1) Connected: Swap the rim joist on the upper level deck to something larger (say 2x12) and nail the lower level deck rim joist to that (I can't overlap the decks as we're using joist on beam construction and the beam for the top deck will run perpendicular to the rim joist on the bottom deck).
2) Unconnected: Place the two levels next to each other, with the lower level sitting just below the bottom of the upper level (say 1/4 inch).
3) Unconnected: Keep a slight distance, say 1" between the two and skirt with 2x8 cedar to cover the gap.
Other options? Any suggestions are welcome, this is the first time I've worked with either a multi-level design or applying for an Ontario permit.