I have 70X70 treated pine lengths that i'm considering using for bearers for a ground level deck. Can i get away with using them for the bearers and 90X45's for the joists. Or would 70X70 be way too light?
Any help appreciated.
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I have 70X70 treated pine lengths that i'm considering using for bearers for a ground level deck. Can i get away with using them for the bearers and 90X45's for the joists. Or would 70X70 be way too light?
Any help appreciated.
There's nothing in the span tables (AS 1684) with a bearer that shallow.
With a close enough spacing (somewhat less than 450), you could probably make it suitable for light usage, but a depth of 90 or greater is advisable. It's then a matter of balancing cost and ease of construction.
Regards, Adam.
Thanks Adam!
If the 'bearers' were spaced close enough why would there be an issue? It's not traditional / common practice but it would work if that's what you've got to work with.
Or swap it around and use the 70/70 for joists and 90/45 for bearers.
Its far more practical to use the correct timber for bearers.
Smaller stuff can't span as far so you have to put more stumps in the ground.
That would be my thinking also. Gotta do it proper. Half assed jobs always end up biting you on the backside.