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Using Steel To Support Long Span Decks

Deck with Steel
Parking was so tight in this yard that the only solution was to use steel supports The posts are 6x6 rectangular tubing and the main beams are 10 inch I-beam that weight about 800 lbs each. This was installed without a crane.

I used all my friends to carry the beam to the spot next to the posts. Using a simple chain hoist, I slowly raised beam to and clamped it to the post. The final move was done with a lever to move the beams in place. The assembly was then welded together to get extra lateral stiffness. Although the deck was super strong, it had some bounce that is common with a single simply supported metal beam. The forty five degree members were then added to reduce the bounce in deck. After the deck was complete, the metal was covered in wood to match the rest of the deck. This was a cosmetic decision and added a lot to the cost. I used 2 x 6s and 2 x 10s to cover the posts. 2 x 4s and 2 x 12s were used to cover the beams. Not only did this help cover the ugly rusty metal but it also helped make the support structure look massive. This was important when you were standing or parking under such a giant slab of wood.

It seems extreme but I was poor and really wanted to park in my back yard. There was really limited street parking.

The other thing that made the deck cool was that it was 2-level. This it difficult with the 4 post design but I did it to make it more interesting.

FYI the deck had a great view of the Atlanta Skyline at night. It was also in the tree tops with up-lights in the trees. At night, it felt just like living in a tree house.


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