After you've completed the main structural work, it is time to add the deck's platform.
Nail on the joists. Where they butt directly into a beam or ledger, fasten them with metal joist hangers. Where they rest on top of the beam, toenail them with three 16d galvanized box nails. Be sure to buy the proper size joist hangers and nail through all holes with galvanized joist-hanger nails, also known as galvanized truss nails.
Cap the ends of the joists with a band joist. Nail it securely to each joist with galvanized 16d nails; use three nails per 2×6, four per 2×8, five per 2×10, and so on.
As with beam size, proper joist size depends on the weight you'll be supporting, the distance the joists have to span and the wood they're made of. Again, always confirm with your building inspector that the joist size you plan to use will work with your deck design. As a rule of thumb, if you space your joists 16 inches on center (from the center of one joist to the center of the next), a 2×6 will span 8 feet, a 2×8 will cover 10 feet and a 2×10 will span 12 feet. Your deck will feel more solid, however, if you limit your joist spans to 8 feet. Remember, you can always add another beam to support the joists mid-span if you need to.
The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc./GID
Joists that butt directly into a ledger need to be fastened with metal joist hangers.
