STANDARD RESIDENTIAL DECK DETAILS
decking
DECKING
guard
GUARD
FLASHING
ledger boardOVER
LEDGER
fasteners BOARD
post
GUARDguard
POST
attachment
ATTACHMENT
ledger
board
LEDGER
BOARD
ATTACHMENT
TO
attachment
to
EXISTING
HOUSE
existing
house
joists
JOIST
JOIST
rim joist
RIM JOIST
beam
BEAM
footing
FOOTING
existing
house
EXISTING
HOUSE FLOOR
floor
construction
CONSTRUCTION
joist-to-beam
JOIST
TO BEAM
connection
CONNECTION
post-to-beam
connection
POST TO BEAM
CONNECTION
post
POST
This document may be used in lieu of submitting construction drawings provided:
 The proposed deck is for residential use only and is UNENCLOSED (No roof);
 No hot tubs, pergolas, gazebos, trellis or other roof structures are installed; and
 The deck construction conforms to these details.
The information contained in this document is for references only. It is intended to assist
homeowners with their deck project while ensuring compliance with the requirements of the
Ontario Building Code. The drawings and details specified are typical construction details
and other methods may be permitted upon authorization from Building Services at the
discretion of the Building Official. Any deviation from this package will require the plans to
be sealed by a Professional Engineer or accompany a designer sheet signed for the
category of Building Structural. All construction shall be inspected including footings prior to
placing concrete, framing and a final inspection prior to use.
This document was prepared with by written permission from Land Development Services, Fairfax Virginia and
referenced from and the Ontario Building Code (O.Reg. 332/12), as amended.
All construction shall conform to the 2012 Ontario Building Code, as amended.
SITE PLAN
TYPICAL SITE PLAN
(TO BE FILLED OUT AS PART OF THIS
APPLICATION)
PROPERTY LINE (not
necessarily location of
fence - confirm on survey)
HOUSE SETBACKS TO PROPERTY LINE
SIDE YARD SETBACKS FOR HOUSE
A:
m
B:
m
SIDE YARD SETBACKS TO DECK
C:
m
D:
m
REAR YARD SETBACK TO DECK
E:
m
HEIGHT OF DECK ABOVE GRADE
F:
m
STREET
http://www.thebluemountains.ca/zoning.cfm
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Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Description
Required Received Comments
Plans
Forms
Applicable Law
Zoning By-Law Compliance

Thornbury By-Law 10-77
Township of Collingwood By-Law 8340
Niagara Escarpment
Commission (NEC)
Conservation Authority
(GSCA)
Contact GSCA: 519-376-3076
Municipal Land Works Permit
(MLUP)
Contact Infrastructure and Public
Works Department: 519-599-3131 ext
276
Ministry of Transportation
(MTO)
Contact MTO: 519-372-4045
Owners Authorization letter
If the Owner is not the Applicant
Permit Fee
 
Building Permit Application
 
Schedule 1:
Designer
Information
 
Note: House category required for
qualified designer
Site Plan
 
Include septic bed and tank location
Deck Framing Plan
 
Exterior Elevations
 
House
Cross Section – including
guards and connection to
structures
$175.00
***If not using TBM Deck Details***
 
Applications may be emailed to Building Services at
build@thebluemountains.ca OR 2 copies of the plans/documents
are required to be submitted
DECK AND SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Decks may not be constructed on septic systems
If a deck is constructed over a septic tank, there shall be sufficient room for ventilation and
access to service the tank
A 4’-11” (1.5m) setback is required from the deck pier to the septic tank in accordance with
8.2.1.6.A, Div. B, OBC
A 16’-5” (5m) setback is required from the deck pier to the edge of the leaching bed in
accordance with 8.2.1.6.B, Div. B, OBC. unless otherwise approved by the CBO.
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Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
JOISTS, BEAMS AND PIER SIZING
The Town of The Blue Mountains has differing areas of snow load calculations based on elevation.
The Part 9 snow load for all decks within the Blue Mountains shall have a Specified Snow Load of
2.0kPa unless provided by a qualified designer based on the specific snow loading areas. If the live
load will exceed 2.0kPa including hot tubs or drift loading it must be designed by a professional
person.
JOIST SPAN
Size
Spacing
Span
12” o/c
12’-0”
2x8
16” o/c
11’-0”
24” o/c
10’-0”
12” o/c
14’-0”
2 x 10
16” o/c
13’-0”
24” o/c
12’-0”
12” o/c
14’-0”
2 x 12
16” o/c
14’-0”
Note: All lumber SPF or better - Solid blocking required if span exceeds 6’-11”
BEAM SPANS
Joist span
Pier spacing
6’-0”
8’-0”
10’-0”
12’-0”
6’-0”
2 ply 2x8
2 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x10
8’-0”
2 ply 2x8
2 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x10
10’-0”
2 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x10
12’-0”
3 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x8
14’-0”
3 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x10
3 ply 2x10
4 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x10
4 ply 2x8
3 ply 2x10
3 ply 2x12
4ply 2x10
PIER SIZES (Diameter in inches)
Joist Span
Pier Spacing
4’-0”
6’-0”
8’-0”
10’-0”
12’-0”
6’-0”
8”
8”
10”
10”
8’-0”
8”
10”
10”
12”
10’-0”
10”
10”
12”
12”
12’-0”
10”
12”
12”
15”
14’-0”
12”
12”
15”
21”
Note:
The maximum spacing of a pier shall be 10’-0” (3m)
Minimum 28” x 28” footing is required for pier spacing that exceed 10’-0” (3m)
This table is based on min. 1500 psf (75 kPa) soil bearing capacity, 2012 OBC.
14’-0”
3 ply 2x12
4 ply 2x10
3 ply 2x12
4 ply 2x10
3 ply 2x12
4ply 2x10
3 ply 2x12
4ply 2x10
3 ply 2x12
4ply 2x10
14’-0”
*
*
*
*
*
4
Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
BUILDING SECTION OF DECK CONSTRUCTION
DECK JOISTS TO BE
ATTACHED TO WOOD
BEAM WITH A MIN. TWO
3-1/4" NAILS
EXISTING
FLOOR
STRUCTURE
TO REMAIN
MAX. 2'-0"
JOIST SPAN
6"
2"
CANTILEVER
GRADE
4" x 4" MIN.
WOOD POST
ANCHORED TO
CONC. PIER WITH
METAL SHOE &
1/2" DIA. BOLT
4'-0" MIN.
POURED CONCRETE
PIER MIN. 4'-0" BELOW
GRADE ON
UNDISTURBED SOIL
MIN. MIN.
HEADER LAG-BOLTED TO
FOUNDATION OR
STRUCTURAL FRAMING
WITH 1/2" DIA. BOLTS @
24" O.C. ON CENTRE.
DECK JOISTS ATTACHED
WITH JOIST HANGERS.
WOOD BEAM WITH 2"x4"
GUSSETS ON BOTH SIDES
OF POST WITH THREE 3"
SCREWS OR 3"x6-1/2"
METAL CONNECTOR
8" MIN.
CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
Decks must be attached to the house foundation or structural framing (not brick veneer) with
minimum ½” diameter bolts at maximum 24” (600mm) on centre.
Maximum cantilever for joists and beams beyond supports is 24” (600mm).
Widen (bell) bottom of pier where pier spacing exceeds 8 feet (2.44m). In course grained
soils (sands and gravels) it may be necessary to use a 10” or 12” auger, pour a concrete
base then place the 8” sono tube on top.
Footings/piers shall bear on undisturbed soil minimum 48” (1.2m) below grade
Deck posts shall be centrally located on footings/piers
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Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
CONNECTIONS
CONNECTION OF FLOOR JOISTS TO BEAM SUPPORT
STEEL POST CAP CONNECTORS
TREAT OR FLASH
CUT ENDS
1/2" PRESSURE
TREATED SPACER
PRESSURE
TREATED
PLYWOOD
CLEATS
THROUGH
BOLTS
POST TO BEAM CONNECTORS
6x6
PRESSURE
TREATED
POST
POST TO BEAM OPTIONS
POST CAP;
ATTACHEMENT,
post
cap; attachment,
FASTENERS
PER
fasteners
per
manuMANUFACTURERS
facturer's
instructions
INSTRUCTIONS
(2) 2x beam;
(3) 2x beam is
prohibited from
Option 1
3-MEMBER BEAMS
3-member
beams
MUST use
USE post
POSTcap
CAP
must
OPTION
option
1
(2) 1/2"
DIA.
(2)
2" diameter
THROUGH-BOLTS
through-bolts
WITHwashers
WASHERS
with
beam
BEAM
MUSTmust
BEARbear
ON
on 6x6 notch
6x6 NOTCH
6x6
post; maximum
MAXIMUM
height
= 14'-0";
UNSUPPORTED
measure
to 6”X6”
HEIGHT OF
underside
of beam
POST = 12’-0”
to top of footing
6x6
post
6x6 POST
notch post
NOTCH
POSTto
TO
PROVIDE
BEAM WITH
provide beam
FLUSH
AND and
TIGHT
with flush
BEARING
tight bearing
OPTION 1
OPTION 2
DETAIL FOR FRAMING AROUND A CHIMNEY OR BAY WINDOW
6'-0" MAXIMUM
6'-0"
maximum
CHIMNEY
chimneyOR
or BAY
WINDOW
bay window
DOUBLE
double JOIST,
joist,
EACH
eachSIDE
side
DOUBLEjoist
JOIST
double
HANGER,typical
TYPICAL
hanger,
PLAN VIEW
DECKING
decking MAY
mayEXTEND
extend
6"
6"MAXIMUM
maximum
LEDGER
ledger
BOARD
board
DOUBLE
HEADER
double header
DOUBLEjoist
JOIST
double
CHIMNEY
chimney
OR
BAY
or bay
WINDOW
window
LEDGER
ledger
BOARD
board
(2) LEDGER
BOARDfasteners
FASTENERS
(2)
ledger board
SECTION
6
Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
LEDGER BOARD ATTACHMENT
Decks are usually supported on one side by a ledger attached to the house. This ledger attachment
is critical to ensure the deck is safely and securely supported to the house. There are very specific
requirements that must be met. Follow the diagrams closely for the proper attachment of the ledger.
The deck ledger shall NOT be nailed to the house - it must be lagged screwed or bolted to the
structure of the house.
The size and spacing of the lag screws is based on their capacity. Lag screw values are assumed
to be 325 pounds for 1/2-inch lag screws and 190 pounds for 3/8-inch lag screws. The span of
the floor joists determines how much load is being transferred to the ledger and thus to the lag
screws.
DECK LEDGER TO HOUSE ATTACHMENT – LAG BOLT SPACING (SEE DIAGRAMS)
JOIST SPAN
LAG BOLT SIZE
Up to 6’-0” (1.8m)
8’-0” (2.4m)
10’-0” (3.0m)
12’-0” (3.6m)
1/2” (12.7mm)
32”o.c. (812mm)
16”o.c. (400mm)
16”o.c. (400mm)
12”o.c. (300mm)
Equivalent 16”
O.C.
Joist Spacing
Every Other Joist
Space
Every Joist Space
Every Joist Space
Each Joist Space
with Two Every
Other Space
3/8” (9.5mm)
24”o.c. (812mm)
12”o.c. (300mm)
12”o.c. (300mm)
8”o.c. (200mm)
Equivalent 16”
O.C.
Joist Spacing
Two Every Third
Joist Space
Each Joist Space
with Two Every
Other Space
Each Joist Space
with Two Every
Other Space
Two Each Joist
Space Three
Every Other Space
Deck ledgers shall be minimum 2x8 pressure-preservative-treated No. 2 grade lumber or other
approved materials as determined by good engineering practices.
When solid-sawn pressure-preservative-treated deck ledgers are attached to engineered wood
products (structural composite lumber rim board or laminated veneer lumber), the ledger board
attachment shall be designed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations or good
engineering practices.
Pilot holes shall be pre-drilled with a size between 17/32” to 9/16”.
Lag screws are only permitted where existing site conditions can be confirmed.
min.
typical spacing
2"
LEDGER BOARD FASTENER SPACING
NO LEAD ANCHORS
5.5" min. for 2x8
6.5" min. for 2x10
7.5" min. for 2x12
2" min.
approved fasteners;
stagger in 2 rows
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Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
LEDGER BOARD CONNECTIONS
LEDGER BOARD CONNECTION TO RIM BOARD
exterior sheathing
existing house
stud wall
remove siding at ledger
prior to installation
continuous flashing
with drip edge
deck joist
existing 2x or 1"
minimum EWP
band board
2x floor joist
or wood I-joist
1
2" diameter lag
screws or through-bolts
with washers, or
approved wood screws
joist hanger
existing
foundation wall
2x ledger board; must be greater
than or equal to the size of the joist
LEDGER BOARD CONNECTION TO POURED FOUNDATION WALL
embed anchors
221" minimum
to resist corrosion and
decay, this area should
be caulked
existing concrete
or solid masonry
wall
deck joist
1
2" diameter expansion
anchors with washers
joist hanger
2x ledger board; must be greater
than or equal to the size of the joist
LEDGER BOARD CONNECTION TO BLOCK WALL
embed anchors
321" minimum
to resist corrosion and
decay, this area should
be caulked
deck joist
existing hollow
masonry wall
1
2"
diameter
approved
epoxy anchors
with washers
joist hanger
8" block wall
minimum
2x ledger board; must be greater
than or equal to the size of the joist
8
Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
POST SIZING
DECK SUPPORTS and POST SIZING
TRIBUTARY LOAD: SUPPORTED DECK AREA ft2 (m2)
(See Diagram Below)
POST SIZE
4”x4”
(89mm x 89mm)
6”x6”
(140mm x 140mm)
MAXIMUM
HEIGHT
3’-3” (1.0m)
5’-0” (1.5m)
6’-7” (2.0m)
AREA ft2 (m2)
12’-0” (2.0m)
8’-2” (2.5m)
10’-0” (3.0m)
11’-6” (3.5m)
110 (10.2)
74.8 (6.95)
51 (4.74)
35.4 (3.29)
87 (8.09)
48 (4.42)
25.3 (2.35)
PROHIBITED CONNECTION
DECK ELEVATION PLAN AND DECK LATERAL SUPPORT (Where deck height exceeds 6’-0”)
2"
2x4, TYPICAL
2"
JOIST AT
POST
LOCATIONS
(1) 3/8" DIA.
THRU-BOLT WITH
WASHERS, TYP.
14'-0" MAXIMUM
BEAM
2"
BEAM
2"
PROVIDE BLOCKING
WHEN JOISTS DO NOT
ALIGN WITH POSTS
BRACING PERPENDICULAR TO BEAM
BRACING PARALLEL TO BEAM
AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
MINIMUM SIZE OF LOAD BEARING ELEMENTS (OBC SB-7 2.1.1):
Guard Element
Post
Top Rail
Bottom Rail
Picket / Baluster
Minimum size
inches (mm)
4” x 4” nominal
(89mm x 89mm)
2” x 4” nominal
(38mm x 89mm)
2” x 4” nominal
(38mm x 89mm)
1 9/32” x 1 9/32”
(32mm x 32mm)
MINIMUM SIZE OF FLOOR ELEMENTS (OBC SB-7 2.1.3):
Floor Element
Dimensional lumber
Decking
Joists
Minimum Size, in. (mm)
5/4” x 6” nominal (25mm x 140mm) when
each plank is fastened with 2 - 2 1/2” (63mm) nails
2” x 4” nominal (38mm x 89mm) when
each plank is fastened with 2 – 3” (76mm) nails
2” x 8” nominal (38mm x 184mm)
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Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
GUARDS
REQUIRED GUARDS
OPTION “A”: POST AND RAIL SYSTEM
CONSTRUCTION NOTES
FLOOR JOIST
4"x4" POST
RIM JOIST
Decking is omitted from the Post Detail
plan view & axonometric view for clarity.
TWO 5/16"
MACHINE BOLTS
WITH 1-1/4"
FENDER
WASHERS EACH
SIDE
Joists spaced max. 16” (400mm) O.C.
Max. post spacing 3’-11” (1.2m)
All fasteners shall be corrosion resistant
THREE 3-1/4" NAILS
PLAN
AXONOMETRIC
DECKING
1"
Min. height of guard where deck height is
between 24” (600mm) & 5’-11” above grade:
35” (890mm).
1"
Min. height of guard where deck height
exceeds 5’-11” (1.8m) above grade: 42”
(1070mm).
1"
CENTRE OF POST
FRONT ELEVATION
All lumber shall be decay resistant and all
cut ends of preservative treated lumber shall
be treated to prevent decay.
SIDE ELEVATION
Maximum 4” opening between pickets and
no member or attachment between 5-1/2”
and 35” shall facilitate climbing.
POST AND RAIL CONNECTION / PICKET DETAILS
MIN. 20 GAUGE
FRAMING ANCHOR
NAILS AS
RECOMMENDED BY
MANUFACTURER
BOTTOM RAIL 2"x4"
END CAP
POST
FRAMING ANCHOR
PICKET 2"x2" MAX.
4" BETWEEN
RAILING 2"x4"
PLAN
AXONOMETRIC
PLAN BOTTOM
RAIL
AXONOMETRIC
#7x2" SCREWS @ 12" O.C.
2-2" NAILS
FRONT ELEVATION
SIDE ELEVATION
FRONT ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION
10
GUARDS
OPTION “B”: CANTILEVERED PICKET SYSTEM
11
Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2012 Ontario Building Code. Last update November 9th, 2015 JB
GUARDS
(Cantilevered Picket Continued)
THREE #8x3" SCREWS
PLAN TOP RAIL
NOTE:
1. TWO #8x3" SCREWS INTO 2"x4" RAIL AND ONE
#8x3" SCREW INTO TOP RAIL
2. PROVIDED A MINIMUM OF 10 PICKETS BEYOND
THE RETURN IF END RESTRAINT OF THE GUARD IS
PROVIDED BY THIS RETURN DETAIL ONLY
AXONOMETRIC
TOP RAIL
2"x4" RAIL
CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
All fasteners shall be resistant to corrosion.
All lumber shall be decay resistant. All cut ends of preservative treated lumber shall be
treated to prevent decay.
Composite decking is required to have BMEC or CCMC approvals
Pre-engineered guard systems are required to have Ontario Engineering
Any guard assembly that is site manufactured, such as wood/glass guars is required to
be engineered
A privacy wall/ fence boards is permitted if constructed as a guard and should be
discussed with Building Inspector prior to constructing
12
Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2006 Ontario Building Code. Last update June 17, 2010 GM
STAIR DETAILS
HANDRAIL and STAIR CONNECTIONS
CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
Handrails are required to be installed on every stair with more than 3 risers.
Provide a guard on both sides of stair where the stair exceeds 6 risers.
Height of handrails on stairs shall be between 34” (865mm), and 38” (965mm).
Height of guard for a deck between 24” (600mm) and 5’-11” (1.8m) above grade is 35”
Height of guard for a deck more than 5’-11” (1.8m) above grade is 42” (1070mm)
Maximum 4” openings between pickets and no member or attachment between 5.5”
(140mm) and 35” (890mm) shall facilitate climbing
All steps to be equal rise and run between landings.
13
Design based on SB-7 of the Supplementary Guidelines to the 2006 Ontario Building Code. Last update June 17, 2010 GM