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Step 1
Review the construction layout for your deck. Your beams work in conjunction with your joists to operate at the base of your deck. Consider the full measurements of your entire deck project.
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Step 2
Determine what type of beam wood you are using, how hard that wood is and what size of lumber you are using. Choose as hard of wood as your budget allows. The harder your lumber and the shorter your beams, the fewer beams you must buy.
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Step 3
Determine the spacing between your beams. The spacing shouldn't go much past the allowable span for the joists that they are supporting or your joist lumber might break. Look at the size of your joists and their spacing and you can help determine how far apart your beams should be.
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Step 4
Take the spacing of your joist spans, and look at the size and density of your beam lumber. The longer your joists are and the stronger and shorter your beam lumber, the longer your spacing can be for your beams. If your beams are longer and short, keep your beam spacing close.
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Step 5
Show your plans to the building inspector for your city before you begin work so you can both be sure you're up to code.
