Understanding Deck loads is the most important part of Deck Design.

There are two types of Load

Dead Load: is the weight of the deck itself, including all of the permanent parts. Such as the framing,deck,posts,railings, pergolas, and built-in benches.

Live Load: the live load will vary because it is based on the weight of people, snow and ice, and furniture.

The Standard code states that the deck should be able to support a dead load of 10 pounds per sf(PSF)  and a live load of 40 PSF