What is this product-use guide for?

It summarises where the product families represented in SpanFinder are commonly used, such as joists, bearers, beams, low-level decks and raised decks.

Is this a product ranking?

No. It is not intended to say one product is better than another. It explains where each framing type is commonly used and what needs to be checked before selecting a member.

Can steel, LVL, timber and aluminium all appear in one span finder?

Yes, if comparable published span-table rows exist and the limitations are clearly labelled.

Why link to source documents?

Source documents are linked because the original manufacturer span table or project-specific design document is the authority for final checking. SpanFinder is only a preliminary comparison and education tool.

Will more product areas be added later?

The site is structured broadly around span tools, so future areas can be added without making the logo or brand deck-specific.

SpanFinder / Framing Product Comparison

SpanFinder.com.au

Framing Product Comparison

Use this guide to compare the main framing options for decks and residential floors in plain language. It explains where Boxspan, DuraGal RHS, LVL, treated timber and aluminium framing systems are usually used, what each option is best suited to, and what you still need to check before choosing a joist or bearer.

Product guide

Choose the framing type that matches the deck you are building

Start with the type of frame you want to use, then check the span table for that exact product or material. A member that works in one system may not work in another, even when the span looks similar.

Boxspan

Lightweight steel joists and bearers

Boxspan is a proprietary lightweight steel framing system used for deck joists and bearers. It is generally a good starting point when you want a straight, low-maintenance steel frame and you are checking spans from a dedicated residential guide rather than a generic timber table.

Check before choosing a member: required span, joist spacing, bearer floor load width, single or continuous span, deck dead load, live load, corrosion exposure and the fixing details required for the system.

Boxspan deck spansteel joistssteel bearersfloor load widthsingle / continuous span

Open Boxspan source table

DuraGal RHS / SHS

Hollow steel sections

DuraGal RHS and SHS are rectangular or square hollow steel sections. They are often considered where the design needs RHS bearers, RHS joists, steel posts, edge beams or a more conventional hollow-section steel frame.

Check before choosing a section: RHS or SHS size, wall thickness, span, load width, post spacing, connection method, corrosion protection and whether the table being used matches the way the member is supported and loaded.

DuraGal deck spanRHS bearerRHS joistSHS poststeel deck framing

Open DuraGal source table

LVL

Engineered timber beams and bearers

LVL is engineered timber made from laminated veneers. It is commonly used for bearers, beams and joists where a timber frame is preferred but the project needs more predictable strength and straighter members than ordinary solid timber.

Check before choosing a size: LVL brand and grade, member depth and width, floor load width, roof load width if roof load is present, bearing length, moisture exposure, treatment requirements and span condition.

LVL deck spanLVL bearerLVL beamengineered timberload width checks

Open LVL source table

Treated timber

Traditional solid timber framing

Treated timber is the traditional choice for deck joists, bearers and beams. It can be simple and economical, but the correct span depends heavily on the species, grade, treatment level, member size and exposure conditions.

Check before choosing a size: timber species and grade, treatment or hazard class, joist spacing, bearer spacing, floor load width, moisture exposure, fasteners, support condition and the load assumptions used in the table.

timber deck joisttimber bearertreated pineMGP / F-gradedeck span table

Open timber source table

Aluminium framing

Manufacturer-specific deck systems

Aluminium deck framing is usually supplied as a complete system rather than as loose generic members. It can suit low-height decks, coastal or moisture-prone areas and compatible composite decking systems, provided the exact manufacturer tables and fixing details are followed.

Check before choosing a profile: the exact system table, joist and bearer profile, brackets, screw type, decking compatibility, spacing, load case, galvanic corrosion risk and contact with other metals.

aluminium deck framelow-level deckssystem framingcomposite deckingmanufacturer span table

Open aluminium source table

Next step

Check preliminary span options

Once you know the framing type you are working with, use the calculator to compare preliminary joist and bearer options. Then confirm the final member against the relevant source table and project requirements.