Free Standing Deck Sway Bracing

Although bracing nailed under the deck is less visible than vertical bracing nailed to the posts it s not as effective.

Free standing deck sway bracing.

How to brace a swaying deck all decks using horizontal decking should have a diagonal sway brace to prevent racking. Elevated decks and decks that extend over a hillside often become unstable over time. Freestanding decks greater than 2 feet above grade must be able to resist lateral and horizontal movement by providing diagonal bracing. While diagonal bracing from your deck s columns to beams is a sure way to promote structural integrity and prevent movement you can also install bracing underneath a deck to stop the sway.

You may install a metal t brace which is a long metal strip diagonally across the top of the joists or install a diagonal deck board across the bottom of the deck frame. How to stabilize a deck. Materials for one diagonal brace cost about 72 since two are needed total cost is 144. Installation labor is roughly one hour per brace depending on the age and density of the concrete foundation.

Nails especially your 16d common nail have shear strength meaning they re far less likely. Eliminating freestanding deck sway ok so this might be my first time posting pictures of my work but i ve got to do it to figure something out. Decks using diagonal decking do not require sway bracing. 2x10 floor joists running out to the yard.

Bracing underneath your deck involves a method called angle bracing and it can be done using a few 2x4s and some 16d galvanized nails. As a northern utah home inspector i find that the biggest difference between decks built 15 years ago and decks built today is the need for additional bracing. When bracing underneath a deck you ll need to use nails not screws. Because there isn t a house to anchor one end of the deck uplift and racking forces are greater issues that must be addressed in the structural design.

Vertical x bracing made from steel rods and a turnbuckle or steel cable would be less visible than lumber bracing in this case. This added feature creates such a stronger and safer deck that it is important to follow the codes and best practices. 2x12 beams running parallel to the back of the house. I m building a 14 x14 freestanding deck.

X bracing applied vertically will solve both pivoting at the base and bending of the columns. Not only that it allows the deck to be installed 6 or 7 inches below the elevation of the house floor a common detail in wet or snowy climates.