decking / tools

**dzcook** · 26th November 2003, 12:51 AM

well saw messsage here the other day re decking and thought i would ask if anyone can tell me can i span 3 metres approx with wood bearers without having to put in a extra row of stumps ?

what if bearers where increased in size ?

was intending to put steel ( c channel ? ) down both sides conected ( bolted ? welded ? ) to original steel stumps and verandah posts and then just fill in the area between.

bearers across then decking over that ? is this all i need to do ? or would there be to much spring in deck without extra stumps ?

next has anyone had experience with air nail guns ? can they be used on old hard wood without spliting the wood as want to add a few wallls soon so some will be new wood some if i can recycle it will be old and was wondering if they are worth the cost of hire or purchase
thks
david

**Cliff Rogers** · 26th November 2003, 10:05 AM

G'day.

If you ask the guys at your local council building inspection department, they may photocopy the pages out of their book of building rules.
It is a bit confusing at first 'cos it starts with loads & wind ratings & stuff like but eventually you will get down to a 'table' for a deck with nothing above it, you will be able to work out the recommended (loose word) size of beams, bearers, joists, etc for the spans that you want.

For a 3M span, I think you may need to use steel or a laminated beam.

If they won't help you, maybe someone at your local timber yard will.

**chappo** · 26th November 2003, 01:00 PM

Go to this site: http://www.fordtimbers.com.au/dprfloor.pdf

It has a whole range of span tables for bearers and joists etc that comply with the BCA (Building Code of Australia) should get you the information you require. See page 18 for bearers without roof loads. F17 225x75 looks the go (assuming 3000mm span and 3600mm spacing)

I would suggest that if you are worried about bounce in the decking go one size up in height from the span tables for joists.

Go the nail gun, if money permits hire a gas gun, also let the hire guy know that you are shooting into seasoned hardwood so that he can give you the right directions for adjusting the gun. Saves having to take the nail home by hand.

Hope this helps, let us know how you get on.

**barrysumpter** · 29th November 2003, 10:04 AM

Please read thru my post regarding using a nail gun for decking.

Especially Merbau. (jeez, how many ways can I spell this)

I posted it so others could have a reference to start from.

**chappo** · 1st December 2003, 01:31 PM

Agree with Barry, Do not use nail guns on decking. Big NO NO. Can cause a whole host of problems of which I'm sure Barry has explained else where. However is acceptable for other framing members such and joists, bearers etc.

**dzcook** · 14th December 2003, 11:29 PM

thks for the feed back wasnt really thinking about nail gun for the decking itself ( thou have seen it done on those home shows lol )

am i wrong in that u can get a nail gun that works off a compressor and a electric one as well that diosent need the compressor ??
which is the better option for home use ?
if the air one what size of air compressor would i need ?
could i get away some of the cheaper ones on the market now ?
thks again for any replys
david

**barrysumpter** · 15th December 2003, 06:38 AM

Just search for 'nail gun'

We've also had some recent posts regarding compressors as well.
That soecifically outlined which compressor to use for what.

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