Replacing front beam/header on small deck?

Question

I have a small (8' x 10") deck and the front header joist (actually 2 2x6s joined together) is rotten through.  I've inspected the rest of the deck (joists, posts, ledger, etc.) and all the rest seems fine.  The joists run front to back (connecting to my rotten header with joist connectors) and the decking runs side to side.  There is no beam under this section of the deck (it's off the side of a 3-season porch which does have beam support).

When I remove the rotten header, What is the best way to support the joists?  Since there is solid support on the other 3 sides, I am thinking that the decking itself will be able to hold up some of the weight.  Could I run a couple of 2x4s across the decking and screw them through to the joists (to the supported perimeter on each side)?  Or should I just support from underneath with vertical 2x4s on cinder blocks?

I'm handy but still green and this is my first deck repair.  thanks.

XTX · Answer

go back with the 2 by 6 inch boards == they are much stronger than 2x4's and will also look better == that deck is a part of the house and was inspected by the city building codes and you must maintain the integrity of the structure -- metal joist hangers {Lowe's or other biggie} will help you make a good solid quick fix that you can do with some dry wall screws and a drill motor and a phillips bit ..... if you support from underneath use 4x4inch treated wood and concrete block to keep the water out of the wood

FaScEs · Answer

Depending how high off the ground the deck is you could use car jacks or acrow props if it's fairly high.

bob · Answer

A couple 2X4 will work fine, since there will be nobody standing on the deck. A 2X6 would be stronger than 2  2X4

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Replacing front beam/header on small deck?

3 Answers