Deck joists that cantilever half their length are considered to be what?

When considering cantilevered deck joists, it is essential to evaluate the structural integrity and safety implications of such an arrangement. Joists that are cantilevered—extended beyond their support—can experience increased stress and potential failure if not designed and constructed correctly. A general rule of thumb in construction is that the length of a cantilever should not exceed one-half of the total length of the joist. Going beyond this can lead to a variety of issues, including excessive deflection and the risk of structural collapse.

In the context of safety, if deck joists are cantilevered to an extent beyond this guideline, they may indeed be considered dangerous. This is particularly true if they do not have proper support or if the material used is not sufficiently robust to handle the load. Safety is the top priority in any structural application, particularly in decking that carries the weight of people and furniture.

Thus, when evaluating deck joists that cantilever half their length, it is crucial to consider the structural implications and potential hazards that may arise, making the assessment of such structures lean towards the categorization of being dangerous if they exceed design parameters.