What a bearer span table checks
A bearer span table checks the beam or bearer that supports the joists. It usually uses floor load width rather than joist spacing because a bearer may carry a wider strip of deck area.
SpanFinder.com.au
Deck Bearer Span Table
A practical guide to bearer span tables, floor load width, post spacing and the terms used when checking deck bearers or beams in Australian residential framing.
BearersTargets deck bearer span table, bearer spacing, post spacing and FLW searches.
Common bearer inputs
- Required bearer span between posts or piers.
- Floor load width or FLW.
- Edge bearer or internal bearer layout.
- Single span, continuous span or cantilever condition.
- Deck height, live load and dead load.
Bearer span vs bearer spacing vs post spacing
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bearer span | Distance between supports along the bearer. | This is checked against the bearer span table. |
| Bearer spacing | Distance between bearer lines across the deck. | This often influences joist span and FLW. |
| Post spacing | Distance between posts or piers supporting a bearer. | This normally becomes the bearer span. |
| FLW | Loaded width of deck carried by the bearer. | Larger FLW usually means shorter allowable bearer span. |
Related calculators and guides
Deck bearer span FAQs
What is a deck bearer span table?
A deck bearer span table shows how far a bearer or beam can span between posts, piers or supports for the stated FLW, load case and span type.
What is bearer span?
Bearer span is the distance between supports under the bearer, such as posts, piers, columns or walls.
How far apart should deck bearers be?
Bearer spacing depends on the joist span layout and deck structure. Bearer spacing is not the same as bearer span between posts.
How far apart should deck posts be?
Post spacing depends on the bearer product, bearer span table, floor load width, deck loads and support conditions.
Why do bearer tables use FLW?
Bearers carry load from a width of deck. FLW is the table input that represents that loaded width.