Building a 40' handicapped ramp for my BIL to use. It will have both an 8' x 8' landing at the door, and a 8' x 6' landing at about the halfway mark where i need to make a U-turn due to space limitations.
My question for you deck builders: What size hot-dipped galvanized through bolts do you use in the framing?. 1 bolt or two? On the web, I see 1/2" recommended, but thinking 3/8' would be more than sufficient especially if using 2 at each 4 x 4 . I am using 2 x 8s for the joists, but all will have support every 4' of run. Material is pressure treated pine. Another option would be 1/2" bolts for the headers and 3/8 for the side stringers.
As for load, the 8x8 deck may have up to four motorized wheel chairs (about 300lbs each plus 200+ lb occupant) at one time occasionally. On the ramps, (one chair/occupant in any location at a time) the 2 x 8 stringers will be on about 10" centers (4 stringers). Do you think 5/4 deck boards will be sufficient, or should I go with 2x lumber for the decking.
My question for you deck builders: What size hot-dipped galvanized through bolts do you use in the framing?. 1 bolt or two? On the web, I see 1/2" recommended, but thinking 3/8' would be more than sufficient especially if using 2 at each 4 x 4 . I am using 2 x 8s for the joists, but all will have support every 4' of run. Material is pressure treated pine. Another option would be 1/2" bolts for the headers and 3/8 for the side stringers.
As for load, the 8x8 deck may have up to four motorized wheel chairs (about 300lbs each plus 200+ lb occupant) at one time occasionally. On the ramps, (one chair/occupant in any location at a time) the 2 x 8 stringers will be on about 10" centers (4 stringers). Do you think 5/4 deck boards will be sufficient, or should I go with 2x lumber for the decking.