For a deck that is 50ft X 30f and 4ft above level ground...?

Question

what size and how many rails and railing posts, spindles would i need? Do i need joists hangers for 152 floor joists if so how many? I know nothing about this kinda stuff. Whats galvanized flashing and drift pins? Do i need them? About how many?

Answer 1

Do you plan to run rails all the way around the deck or will one side abut your home? If so the spindles will need to be placed so that a 6" sphere can't fit between them since it over 36" from the ground. You will need joist hangers where it abuts the house. The # would depend on which length is along the house. Basically there are just way to many unknowns for someone to give you a material list. Take a sketch to the lumber yard and let them help you design and make a complete list of materials.
If there are permitting requirements you will most likely need to hire an architect or engineer to help you with the design.

Answer 2

AKA: The Deck Doc.

Relatively large deck. depending on how you run the BEAMS 50 ft is 600 inches. IF you did 16 inch centers that equates to 38 to 40 Multiplied by the number it takes to BUTT each, and span to the 30. Obviously at 24 inch centers it would equate to less. You can do the math if the BEAMS run at the 30 ft.

That said however; you only need Hangers at each end; where the BEAMS butt the Ledgers. You will need 4x4 supports along each BEAM where they butt; to span whatever distance you choose to have them go in, directionally. I suspect the supports structure might be more the issue than Hangers.

Without knowing at all where you are; you should probably check Code enforcement. If allowed; you may not need spindles/ballustrades at all; but run horizontals for safety.

Drift Pins: http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=slv8-msgr&p=drift%20pins

I can't imagine it being an issue; unless code specific. I often use galv. carriage bolts; which relate to code issues. You don't state however IF this deck will have to attach to a structure; or be free standing; which also might include some notion for flashing, although that seems a waste for decking.

You could GRADE the deck even at fractions to one side/end; beyond spacing the deck flooring.

Again without details this is a bit difficult, but if CODE allows you could use Pier Blocks with supports embedded that would attach to the 4 x 4 posts. EVEN adjustable collars allowing leveling along any span.

Steven Wolf

For a deck that size I might consider "Terracing" it. That's approx. the size of a modest two bedroom house footprint.

In any case; a daunting task for a DIY

Answer 3

Go to your home improvement store where you plan to buy your stuff and ask questions. There should be someone there to help you with everything you need. And they have tons of books about building a deck. We built one about 16 x 20, on a slope 4 feet at the outer edge, and used composite decking, which is great, but it does have to have way more underpinnings than wood. We like the composite because you never have to paint it, or stain it, or do any of the annoying things wood requires, no slivers for bare feet, and it looks great. And if you are inside any city limits, check with city codes and get a permit before you build.

Answer 4

There are a ton of books and resources available to find the exact answers. It does depend on where you live. (Building codes) and what type of wood you will use and the soil conditions, etc.
Please over build the deck structurally. It will last a lot longer and be much safer.
Spend time and money planning it and you will save a ton in the future.

Answer 5

Go to Home Depot and buy a book on decks.