When you’re building a deck, you want it to last for years without worrying about rot or decay. That’s where deck joist tape comes in—but what if you want to try something different? 

Maybe you’re looking for an alternative that fits your budget better or just want to explore other options.

I have some good news – it’s not the only option out there.

In this post, I’ll show you 6 great deck joist tape alternatives you can use.

#1 Butyl Rubber Tape

Butyl rubber tape is the best deck joist tape alternative out there.

It’s highly durable, flexible, and designed to create a watertight seal, making it perfect for protecting your deck joists from moisture. 

One of the best things about butyl rubber tape is that it handles extreme temperatures without losing its stickiness or effectiveness – it doesn’t get all gooey when it’s hot outside.

It’s easy to apply and great at sealing up those screw holes and keeping moisture out.

Now, it’s a bit pricier – you’re looking at about $10 to $20 for a roll. But many deck builders find the added protection and longevity it offers are well worth the investment.

Also Read: Double rim joist on deck

#2 Acrylic Tape

If you’re watching your wallet, acrylic tape might be a good deck joist tape alternative.

You can usually find it for about $5 to $15 a roll. 

It’s not quite as tough as the butyl rubber stuff, but it still does a decent job keeping moisture away from your joists. It’s easier to work with too, which is great if you’re doing this yourself or working on a smaller project. 

Just keep in mind that if you live somewhere with crazy weather, it might not hold up as well as some other options.

#3 Bitumen Paint

Next on our list is Bitumen paint which offers a different approach to joist protection. 

This is a liquid that you can brush or spray right onto your joists. It creates a barrier that water can’t get through.

One of the cool things about bitumen paint is that it’s pretty cheap, especially if you’ve got a big deck to cover. You can usually get it done faster than with tape, too. 

But here’s the thing – it’s not as flexible as tape – if your wood moves around a lot, it might crack. 

A gallon usually costs between $20 and $40. 

Also Read: Does a deck need beams

#4 Roofing Felt (Tar Paper)

Roofing felt (some people call it tar paper) is also a good substitute.  It’s been around forever, and now people are using it to protect deck joists too. 

You just cut it into strips and stick it on the joists. 

It’s pretty cheap, especially for big decks – usually about $10 to $30 for a roll. You can find it just about anywhere, and it’s not too hard to use.

The downside? If it’s always wet, it might not last as long as some other options. 

So if you live somewhere really rainy, you might need to keep an eye on it and replace it more often.

#5 Liquid Rubber Sealants

Ever seen those commercials for Flex Seal? That’s a type of liquid rubber sealant. You can brush or spray these onto your joists, and they create a waterproof barrier. 

They’re pretty cool because they seal around screws and stuff too. Plus, they can stretch and move with the wood without cracking. 

The downside? They can be kind of messy to use, especially if you’ve never done it before. 

You’re looking at about $20 to $50 for a gallon. 

It’s really great for weird-shaped areas or if you’re working on an old deck where it’s hard to get tape in there.

Also Read: Composite vs Wood decks

#6 EPDM Shower Pan Liner

Okay, this one might sound a bit weird, but stick with me. 

EPDM shower pan liner – the stuff they use to waterproof showers – can actually work great for protecting deck joists. You cut it into strips and stick it on the joists. 

It’s super waterproof and can handle it when the wood moves around.

Now, it’s not cheap – you’re looking at $100 to $300 for a sheet. But it’s really tough and works great in challenging environments.

The catch? It’s not the easiest stuff to work with. You might need some practice to get it right.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it – six ways to protect your deck joists without using regular joist tape. When you’re deciding what to use, think about:

• What’s the weather like where you live?
• How big is your deck?
• How much money do you want to spend?
• How handy are you with this kind of thing?

Each option has its good points and not-so-good points.

Butyl rubber tape and acrylic tape are easy to use and stick really well. Bitumen paint and liquid rubber sealants are great for covering big areas. Tar paper is cheap and gets the job done. 

And if you’re dealing with some tough conditions, EPDM shower pan liner might be just the thing.

In the end, it’s all about what works best for you, your deck, and your wallet.

Wondering if you should use a double rim joist for your deck?

It’s a decision that can have a big impact on your deck’s strength, look, and longevity. But like many choices in construction, it’s not always a clear-cut yes or no.

In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of double rim joists for decks and help you decide if they’re the right choice for your project.

We’ll cover when they’re most useful, their benefits, and some potential drawbacks to consider.

When To Use Double Rim Joist On Deck

There are several situations where double rim joists on decks can make a big difference in your deck’s performance and longevity. Let me explain:

#1 Support Large Or Overhanging Deck

Got a big deck or one that sticks out past the main supports (cantilevered)? 

A double rim joist might be just what you need. The extra thickness helps spread the weight around better, so you don’t have to worry about your deck sagging or feeling wobbly.

Also Read: Composite vs. Wood decks

 It’s especially great for those parts of the deck that hang out over the edge.

Plus, it makes the whole thing feel more solid when you’re walking on it.

#2 Handle Heavy Loads

Thinking about putting something really heavy on your deck? Maybe a hot tub, large planters or an outdoor kitchen? That’s where double rim joists really shine.

They’re tough enough to handle all that extra weight without breaking a sweat.

The two layers of wood work together to deal with the pressure and twisting forces that come with big, heavy stuff.

#3 Make Railings More Stable

Double rim joists are great for making sure your railings are super secure. 

They give you more wood to attach those railing posts to, which is really important around the edges where people might lean. 

The extra thickness means you can use longer screws or bolts, making everything more stable. 

#4 Add Support For Long Spaces Between Posts

Want to have fewer posts under your deck? Double rim joists can help with that. They’re strong enough to act like a beam, supporting longer distances between posts. 

Also Read: Does a deck need beams?

This is great if you want more open space under your deck or just like the look of fewer posts. 

Plus, it helps keep your deck from sagging or warping over time, even with those longer spans.

#5 Improve The Look Of Your Deck

Double rim joists aren’t just about strength – they can make your deck look better too. 

They let you line up the top edge with your decking boards, hiding any cut ends and giving everything a neat, finished look. If your deck is a big part of your outdoor space, this can really make it look more polished and professional. 

It’s like giving your deck a well-tailored suit!

#6 Prevent Moisture And Rot

Using two pieces of wood for your rim joist can actually help keep moisture problems at bay.

This is especially good if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or humidity.

The extra layer of wood acts like a shield against moisture, potentially keeping your deck’s important parts in good shape for longer.

Cons Of Using Double Rim Joist On Decks

While double rim joists have their advantages, they’re not without their drawbacks. 

Let’s take a look at some reasons why you might think twice before using them.

Might Trap Water

Double rim joists can sometimes trap water between the two boards. 

If that water can’t get out, it can lead to rot and damage over time. It’s like creating a little home for fungi and decay right in your deck structure. 

To avoid this, you need to be really careful when you’re installing them. Make sure there are small gaps for water to escape and use materials that can stand up to moisture. 

Also, keep an eye on things and check your deck regularly to catch any problems early.

Raise Material Costs

Using a double rim joist means you need more wood, and more wood means higher costs. 

It’s not just the extra board you have to think about – you’ll need more screws and nails too, and it might take longer to build. 

For smaller decks or ones that don’t need to be super strong, this extra cost might not be worth it.

Make Installation More Complex

Building with double rim joists is a bit trickier than using a single board. You have to be really careful to line everything up right and attach it all properly. 

This might mean it takes longer to build your deck and could cost more in labor. 

You’re dealing with two boards instead of one, so everything has to be cut and fitted just right. 

If you’re thinking of building the deck yourself, this added complexity might make things more challenging.

Limited Use In Some Designs

Not every deck needs a double rim joist. If your deck is well-supported by beams underneath, a single rim joist might be just fine. 

Using a double rim joist in these cases might be overkill. 

For smaller decks or ones with good support, the extra weight of a double rim joist might not help much and could even put unnecessary stress on other parts of the deck.

Also Read: Benefits of Composite Decking

Bottom Line

So, should you use a double rim joist on your deck? 

Well, it really depends on what you’re building. If you’ve got a big deck, are planning to put heavy stuff on it, or need extra support, double rim joists can be a great choice. 

They can make your deck stronger, more stable, and even look better. 

But they do come with some challenges. For smaller or simpler decks, you might be just fine with a single rim joist. 

The best thing to do is talk to a professional builder or engineer. That way, you can be sure your deck is safe and built right, no matter what type of rim joist you choose.

If you’re planning to build a deck or curious about its structure, you might be asking yourself, “Do I really need beams?” 

It’s a very common question among homeowners and DIYers.

A deck needs beams. They’re pretty important. Beams are basically like the backbone of your deck, supporting the joists that hold up your decking boards.

In this post, I’ll go over 5 reasons why a deck needs beams. I’ll also talk a bit about if it’s possible to build a deck without them.

Does A Deck Need Beams?

Yes, decks usually need beams for proper support.

Beams are horizontal pieces that run perpendicular to the joists. They give the joists a solid foundation, which then hold up the decking boards.

Beams help spread the deck’s weight evenly to the posts or footings and keep everything stable.

Also Read: Double rim joist on deck

But there are a few exceptions.

If you’re building a really tiny deck, like maybe 88 x 44 inches, you might be able to get away without beams. But your joists must be well-supported by ledgers and posts.

I’ll talk more about this in a minute.

Why Decks Need Beams

Here are 5 big reasons why a deck needs beams:

#1 Weight Distribution

Beams are super important because they spread out the weight of your deck.

They make sure all that weight isn’t just pushing down on one spot, which could be a recipe for disaster. Instead, beams distribute the load evenly across the support structure.

This is crucial because it stops your deck from sagging or, worst case, collapsing. 

By spreading the load around, beams help your deck stay strong and safe for a long time.

#2 Support Larger Spans

Want a big, open deck that feels like an extension of your living room? 

Beams make that possible. 

Without them, you’d need to put support posts really close together, which would limit how big your deck could be and might make it feel more like a cage than an open space. 

Beams let you spread those posts out more. 

You can have a wider, more open space that fits your needs better. This means more room for that outdoor sectional, the grill, and maybe even a space for yoga or stargazing. 

Also Read: Benefits of Composite Decking

#3 Structural Support

Think of beams as the backbone of your deck. 

They provide a solid base for the joists, which then support your decking boards. This whole setup makes sure your deck is strong and doesn’t move around when you walk on it.

Beams take the weight from the joists and send it down to the posts and into the ground.

This is super important for making sure your deck can handle people walking on it, furniture, and whatever the weather throws at it.

#4 Code Compliance

Building codes often require beams for decks over a certain size. These rules are there to keep everyone safe and make sure decks are built to handle the weight and weather they’ll face. 

So, you’re not just making your deck safer, you’re also making sure it meets local rules. 

This is important for passing inspections and avoiding any legal headaches down the road. 

Plus, code-compliant decks are typically safer and more durable, which means less maintenance and fewer worries for you in the long run.

#5 More Designs

Beams give you more options when you’re designing your deck. You can set them up in different ways to make all sorts of deck shapes and styles.

This flexibility lets you create custom deck layouts that look great with your house and give you the outdoor space you want.

Also check out our Deck Design services if you are in Richmond, VA.

Maybe you want a multi-level deck, or one with a unique shape to fit around a tree or garden feature. Beams make these designs possible. 

They let you make cantilevers, dramatic overhangs, and other awesome architectural features.

Can I Build A Deck Without Beams?

It is possible to build a deck without beams, but it takes careful planning and the right conditions. 

One way is to use engineered systems with materials designed for longer spans, like LVL or PSL. These can stretch up to 18 feet without needing support posts in the middle. 

But if you go this route, you’ll need to do some precise engineering calculations to make sure everything’s safe and up to code.

Another option is a floating deck. These sit on concrete blocks or piers instead of traditional footings and beams. This type of deck works well for smaller areas, up to about 200 square feet, and when it’s not too high off the ground.

If your deck is right at ground level, you might be able to build it without beams by resting the joists directly on precast concrete pier blocks or supporting them entirely by the ground.

Wrapping Up

So, to sum it all up,a deck does need beams.

They are usually a key part of deck construction. They provide crucial support, let you build bigger decks, make sure the weight is spread out evenly, and give you more design options.

FAQs

Does A Deck Need Beams Or Joists?

A deck needs both beams and joists for structural support.

Ground Level Deck Without Beams?

It is possible to construct a ground-level deck without beams if the deck is small,

lightweight, and the joists are adequately supported by posts or footings. But it’s generally not recommended.