Should I use joist hangers on a deck?

Joist hangers are better because they allow for more accurate placement of joists. They also allow for toe-nailing, plus support the underside of the joist. This makes the hanger stronger than a toe-nail. While joist hangers are an expense, the ease and increased strength make them a better choice.

Can you use deck screws for joist hangers?

Using Deck Screws on Joist Hangers Regular deck screws often consist of hardened steel, which might snap under such stress. Although specialty screws are available for joist hangers, hanger manufacturers typically advise against using common deck screws for installing their products.

Can you use joist hangers with treated lumber?

The joist hangers used in construction with both sawn lumber and manufactured joists are usually galvanized (zinc-coated). Stainless steel joist hangers are available for contact with more corrosive treated lumber.

Do joist hangers add strength?

A. If the joist hangers your carpenter used are approved for use with the newer ACQ treated lumber, you should have nothing to worry about. These metal framing connectors have been around for years and they are code approved. They don’t have the inherent strength to support the weight of a deck or any framing member.

What can I use instead of joist hangers?

Alternatives to using metal joist hangers are ledger strips, sliding dovetails or mortising and dowels. The methods vary depending on whether it is an exterior deck or an interior platform. When it comes to outdoor decks, the only plausible do-it-yourself technique would be to use a ledger strip to support the joists.

Can 2×4 be used as deck joist?

The short answer is yes. 2x4s can work for deck joists. However, they aren’t ideal for spanning long distances without bending or breaking, so you have some limitations. Choosing 2x4s for a low-sitting deck is perfect for keeping your feet out of the mud.

What screws to use on deck joist hangers?

Screws are Better for Angle Joist Hanger Fasteners Makes an unbeatable combination. Making the best deck joist hanger connection for strength is #10 1-1/2 x 0.148″ Hot Dip Galvanized nails for the hanger face connection to the ledger or beam and SD CONNECTOR Screw #10 x 2-1/2″ for the angle connections.

Is it better to use nails or screws for joist hangers?

The nails penetrate into the wall ledger and therefore offer both better joist load capacity than standard-duty hangers and more protection against uplift forces caused by wind. So, what size screws for decking? The manufacturers agree: Never use galvanized deck screws or drywall screws to install joist hangers.

What screws to use for deck joist hangers?

Can I use screws instead of nails for joist hangers?

Outdoors use 16d double-dipped galvanized nails (or stainless steel when called for) for installing hangers. The manufacturers agree: Never use galvanized deck screws or drywall screws to install joist hangers. Those screws don’t have the shank size and toughness to support joist loads.

Can I use screws instead of joist hangers?

While structural nails are typically used to fasten joist hangers, you may be wondering if screws can be used instead. You can use screws explicitly made for joist hangers . However, avoid using any other types of screws as they cannot support joist loads and are not designed to withstand shear force.

What is the proper joist size for deck framing?

But sometimes, they can be a bit unclear when it comes to a crucial component of your deck frame – joist spacing. Decking manufacturers may recommend anywhere between 12 and 16 inches for commercial decks and 12 to 24 inches for residential decks.

How should deck joists be installed?

run string lines across the tops of the joists frequently.

  • Support your joists with blocking.
  • Check for protruding nails and screws.
  • Are joist hangers needed?

    No, joist hangers are not necessary. You can get away with toe-nailing and the building inspector won’t bat an eye. However, toe-nailing requires more skill. You can easily erode the structural integrity of a joist with a few wrongly placed toe-nails.