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Warning: My neighbor said you should always use a 2x6 for deck joists, no matter the span

He was helping me plan a small 8x10 foot deck and insisted on the bigger lumber, even though the code book for our area clearly says 2x8s at 16 inches on center are fine for that distance. I went with the 2x8s to save some cash and the inspector passed it without a word. When do we stop overbuilding just because it's what we've always heard?
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2 Comments
vera_sanchez
It's like the old advice to change your oil every 3,000 miles, even when your car manual says 7,500, right?
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jamiekim
jamiekim10d ago
Ever try just following the manual, @vera_sanchez?
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