Can I lay my decking diagonally with 16" O.C. joists?

[Jaspernuts]

I have framed my deck and I have thought about laying the decking diagonally instead of horizontally. Has anybody done this on 16 o.c. joists and did it turn out ok? I have heard that you needs 12 o.c joists.

[jentz]

Depends on what decking material your using.

[sdpikehntr]

Good question jentz, if you are using 5/4 green treat decking you may have "cupping" of the boards, but cedar and composite decking boards should be just fine for foot traffic. If you plan on putting a hot tub or other heavy items you may want to re-address the structure.

[TR21HP]

I have 2x6 cedar decking laid diagonally over 18" O.C. joists and there is absolutely no bounce on the deck - it is rock solid. The deck is 12'x12'.

[Jaspernuts]

Mine is 1 1/4x6 cedar decking. Think I will be ok or should I exchange it for 2x6?

[BRULEDRIFTER]

I don't know where you live and if it will be inspected or not but I have never had a city that will allow 5/4" (cedar) laid diagonal to be 16" on center. 2x4 technically can't be either.

I would personally either add joists to get to 12" on center or get the 2x6 instead. My opinion is that 5/4" cedar will "feel" fine for the first few years but will then start to bounce mid-span after it has weathered.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

but cedar and composite decking boards should be just fine for foot traffic.

Most cities will not allow 5/4" cedar on the diagonal w/16" o.c. joists. as far as composites go it really varies from manufacture to manufacture and it even varies within some manufactures different product lines.

[jentz]

Joists 16 OC The diagonal is about just shy of 23 inches OC so any material that is allowed to span 23 OC or less is ok.But then again it depends on material.2X4 spf is span rated 24 I believe any X2 is rated 24 OC.The 5/4s cedar is iffy but the 5/4sX6 treated spf is.

[GoldeneyeHunter]

I have done two decks with diagonal decking with 16 0.C. joists one in Eden Prairie and one in Belle Plaine. The inspectors never even said a word about it.

[11-87]

remember at 16oc, the span at a diagonal is even longer..

I know if a guy wants composite 12 is the norm..

[solbes]

Composites would be 12 oc for perpendicular installation over joints if you want to eliminate the spring. 16 diagonal would not be a good idea.

Cedar should be much better, but unless you have a huge deck you are not looking at a big increase for 4 or 5 extra joists to go 12 oc. I'd upgrade as you can never have a deck that's too sturdy.