Timber frame bearers for small deck

[wolive]

I need to build a small deck in my yard. 2.4m long by 1m wide. I'm planning on running the bearers the 2.4m span and then have joists every 450 between them. I think the joists can just be 90x35 H3 pine as they are so short. I'm just not sure what to use as the bearers. I can't really put anything down in the ground to break the span as it is on a slope, so ideally, I would like to span the full 2.4m. I had a look at the Hyne span table that a Bunnings staff member recommended here on another post I was reading, but according to the table, even the biggest size at 240x45 can only span up to 2.2m. So, I thought perhaps I can use two bolted together every 450. Any ideas on what would be the smallest size I could get away with if I used two of them? I'm trying to maximize clearance from the ground for ventilation and such. Unfortunately, the span table doesn't have this information.

[EricL]

Hello @wolive 

Thanks for sharing your question about your decking frame. In order to give our members an idea of what that slope looks like, would it be possible for you to post few photos of the area? Once we see how steep the slope is we can then make recommendations on how you could possibly support the decking frame. The only frame I'm aware of that you might be able to use that is 2.4m long is steel. If you are curious how much it will cost, I suggest speaking to your stores special orders team and asking them about Steel Deck Products. These steel frames can be custom ordered to the size that you need.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[wolive]

Hi Eric, I just found the Hyne Design app, which goes into more detail than the basic span table PDF. It says that a 190x45 is fine or 2/140x35. Not sure why their app differs from the PDF I found here, which was also from Hyne.

[EricL]

Hi @wolive 

It's good to hear you found the Hyne Design app, can you please tell us which link you clicked on so we can double check which span table you saw. 

In regards to your installation area, I would still like to request that you share a picture with community so that we can all see where you are trying to build your deck. My only worry with not having enough support at the bottom of the decking frame is that it could cause it to become bouncy. We look forward to seeing your deck framing plan.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric    

[wolive]

From this post here.

What are span tables for the treated tim... | Bunnings Workshop community

I just noticed it was you that provided the link to the span table in that post.

66f215c0c3e3ff2dc0b91c3a_2023.10_Hyne_FloorBearer-Span-Table_UPDATED.pdf

I've worked out the difference though. That one in the PDF is based on a loaded bearer with walls and a roof and a floor width up to 2.4m. Says it in the fine print below the table in the PDF. My floor width is only 1m with no walls or roof.

This tiny deck is just a landing for some stairs that will see very infrequent use. Happy to upload a photo, just night time right now, so have to get one during the day.

[EricL]

Hi @wolive 

Thanks for pointing that out, I'm glad you found the source of difference. 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your deck framing plans.

Eric