Deck & Gazebo Beams

Support Beam

Password Area Coverage

If you haven't already read our free information on sizing support beams for your deck or gazebo, please check out our Support Beam section under the "How-To" menu. Otherwise, below is a detailed list of the topics covered in the Support Beam section of the BestDeckSite Password Area. For a complete outline of all the sections and topics covered see the Password Coverage Page. If you want the best gazebo and deck building information, Get A Password Today.

Beam Calculator
Take the guesswork out of sizing beams for any application with BestDeckSite's Beam Calculator.
Ground Clearance & Beam Height
The importance of determining the amount of vertical clearance and selecting the appropriate type of framing.
Built-Up Vs. Solid Timber Beams
How to size and frame with solid and built-up beams.
Beam Stability- Twist & Overturn
When a beam is too tall and how to prevent overturning.
Decorative Beam Ends & Arches
Beams don't have to look ugly. Here's how to spruce them up.
Attaching Beams
There various ways beams may be properly secured to wood posts and concrete piers.
Understanding Cantilevers
How to gauge the impact of cantilevering joists and beams and what additional framing is required.
Notching & Boring
How much and where you're allowed to notch or drill holes into beams and joists.
Aligning Posts & Setting Beams
How to get everything to line up without a lot of extra work.
Multi-Level Decks
Framing details for decks on more than one level (from one-step difference in height up to levels separated by 10-feet or more).
Framing For Hot Tubs
How to select lumber sizes, footing thickness and diameter, and extra framing details for spas.
Post Size & Bracing
Selecting the correct post size and when bracing is needed.