I am planning on redoing the surface and the railing of my deck. In the process, I plan to remove the cantilevered portion past the existing beam. This will place the existing 2×10 joists resting to the end of the outer edge of the beam. I will need to cover these ends up. To do so I plan to use a couple of 2×10 rim joists. This is kind of visible in the following image (despite my efforts, this is still kind of hard to see in the image):
The rim joist is highlighted in red and the existing beam is highlighted in blue. Note that the rim joist does not rest on the beam. (Should I do that?) How should I connect this rim joist? I live in northern Virginia and have referenced the "Typical Deck Details" document offered by my county (Fairfax). I am having difficulty in seeing what the acceptable methods of installing this Rim Joist are. The section on joists (pages 6-9) does not specify and the section on rail posts (pages 20-21) suggests that I use hold-down anchors (Figure 36) at the rim joist / joist intersection. It could be I just do not know how to read this document.
I would like to avoid having too much visible hardware on the outside of the deck. I understand the need for the hold-down anchors near the guard posts. I just do not want to have to do that at each joist intersection.
Could I use just an angle iron type tie at each intersection on the inside of the deck? This would hide the hardware and avoid screwing into the end grain of the board which I am sure is not as strong.
Best Answer
You don't need to, the beam is supporting the weight bearing joists.
In the "Joists" section of the document you linked it tells you: "Attach a rim joist to the end of each joist with (3)10d nails or (3)#10 by 3-inch wood screws."
You have to fasten the rim joist to each joist as directed (with 10d nails or screws). You also have to strengthen the rim joist wherever it will be supporting a guardrail post, as directed, with anchors.