Beam Me Up

Melanie337

Building a deck and wanted to use two 2x10 sandwiched as a beam. Beam is 8 feet from house ledger and will have 1.5 feet of 2x8 joist catilevered over it. Longest span for beam is 9.5 feet between 6x6 posts. Inspector told us to go with a three 2x8 sandwich instead. He didn't give a reason. Wondering how common a 3-board sandwich is, and how to make the beams meet on top of the 6x6 post (deck goes around the corner). Hope I was clear. Thanks for the help!

robertcdf

A double 2x10 will not make that span (9.5') with most of the usual loadings. That is why he told you to bump it to (3) 2x8's if your posts are cut for 2x10's you could just add another 2x10 to make that a triple. When I do beams it best to set them flush all on the same side. Make that the top so your joists sit nicely on the beam.

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Melanie337

Thanks Robert...but on the corner post, how should the beams meet at 90 degrees for the best connection and support on top of the 6x6 post? Thanks!! M

robertcdf

You can shiplap them or you can get a hanger to hang one beam from the other. Just as long as the hanger is rated to carry that much weight. http://www.strongtie.com would have hanger information for you. I am sure the inspector can tell you what kind of hanger he wants used.

Another idea is to have 2 posts. I did this once when it was the only solution that would work.

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Melanie337

Thanks Robert!! M