Western Red Cedar Decking Span Tables
Save Big On Your Next Deck Project
Are you looking to build the outdoor deck of your dreams but don’t know where to start? Watch this video to get insider tips on how to save big on Western Red Cedar decking. You can literally save thousands of dollars by working with various decking patterns and sizes. Start building your next Western Red Cedar project today.
Span Table and Common Dimensions
WRCLA Western Red Cedar decking is available in a selection of thicknesses, widths and lengths as shown in the table below.
Maximum spans for decking shown in the table are based on a continuous beam with two equal spans and a concentrated load of 220-lb at the center of one span. The true span of the decking board is used, taking into account the thickness of the supporting joist beneath it. Wet end-use conditions and unseasoned (green) lumber sizes are assumed.
| Thickness (in.) | Width (in.) | Grade Category (in.) | Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1/4 | 4 | All clear grade categories | 16 |
| 1-1/4 | 4 | All knotty grade categories | 12 |
| 1-1/4 | 6 | All clear and knotty grade categories | 16 |
| 2 | 4 | All clear and knotty grade categories | 24 |
| 2 | 6 | All clear and knotty grade categories | 24 |
To help figure the amount of decking needed for a project, use the following linear footage calculator:
| To Cover 100 Square Feet of Deck | |
|---|---|
| Nominal Size (in.) | Linear Feet |
| 1-1/4 x 4 | 325 |
| 2 x 4 | 325 |
| 1-1/4 x 6 | 211 |
| 2 x 6 | 211 |
Check with your local building authority about what span is required in your area.
Common Sizes – Deck Boards
| Thickness | Width | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal (in.) | Nominal (mm) | Actual (in.) | Actual (mm) | Nominal (in.) | Nominal (mm) | Actual (in.) | Actual (mm) |
| Rough (Undressed) | |||||||
| 5/4 | 32 | 1-1/32 | 26 | 4 | 102 | 3-9/16 | 90 |
| 2 | 51 | 1-9/16 | 40 | 6 | 152 | 5-9/16 | 141 |
Note: These are nominal sizes, actual sizes may vary by manufacturer.
