Just finished a deck job with two different framing methods

We built a big deck in Bellingham last month. Half we framed with standard 2x8 joists, 16 on center. The other half we used a new engineered I-joist system. The difference in bounce and flatness after a year is huge. The I-joist side is still rock solid. Anyone else made that switch and seen the same thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

dixon.daniel2mo ago

Yeah, it's like that with a lot of old ways vs new tech. My old truck rides way rougher than my newer one, same basic idea. Makes you wonder what else we're still building the hard way, right?

noahhernandez1mo ago

Totally get what you mean about building things the hard way. My dad still uses this ancient lawn mower that shakes your hands numb, but he swears it's better. I guess like @uma_nelson85 said, we just get used to the flaws after a while. Makes me look around my own house and wonder what junk I'm putting up with just because it's what I know. You ever catch yourself doing something the long, dumb way just out of habit?

uma_nelson852mo ago

I mean I used to think old ways were always better, but my new phone battery lasts way longer than my old one did. Maybe we just get used to things being a certain way and stop seeing the flaws.