How to Strengthen Deck Joists

Are you getting the shakes each time you step out on your deck? Firming up the joists under the decking may solve your problem. But first make sure you don't have any rotted or loose beams.

Things You'll Need

• Boards Of The Same Size And Wood As Current Joists
• Clamps
• Electric Drill With Screwdriver Bit
• Electric Saw Or Handsaw
• Galvanized Screws Or Nails
• Hammer
• Tape Measure

Instructions

Adding a sister joist

1. Measure and cut another joist the same size as any joists that are split, broken or otherwise damaged. Clamp the new sister joist alongside the older joist. Drive 3-inch (7.5-cm) galvanized screws through the sister joist to attach it; remove the clamps. Drive two screws through the end joist into each end of the new joist. Drive one deck screw through each piece of decking and into the new joist.

Adding bridges to your joists

1. Measure the width of the spaces between the joists. Add 1/8 inch (3 mm) to that measurement and mark the total length onto a board of the same thickness and width as your joists. Cut the board at your mark to make bridges for every 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) of joists.

2. 

   Tap a bridge into place between the joists, and drive two nails or screws through the joists into each end of the bridge (see illustration). Install the other bridges, each offset from the previous one by several inches (about 7 cm) so you have room to drive in the nails or screws.

Tips & Warnings

• For low decks with no space to work below them, you'll have to remove the decking to add sister joists or bridges.