How much weight can a second story deck hold?

The weight capacity of a second-story deck depends on its construction, including the materials used, the spacing of joists, the size and placement of beams, and the type of posts. Generally, decks should be designed to support at least 50 pounds per square foot, including the deck structure’s weight, plus an additional 40 pounds per square foot of live load for people and furnishings. For decks intended for heavier use, such as those supporting a hot tub, additional structural support may be necessary to accommodate the increased load safely.