I am building a deck of the second floor of my house. Me question is, how far of an over hang can a 2x8 joist handle? Meaning can I extend a 2x8 joist 3 feet over the support brace? 4 feet?

Thank you

The standard live load rating for a 2X8 Douglas Fir No. 2 or better @ 12" on center will allow a maximum safe "eave" of 24". That's what most building department's allow.

He's Right And Its Also Code Not To Be Over 2ft, We Use 2 X 10s And Still Don't Go Over 2ft
The Beam We Use Is A 2x12 On Each Side Of A 6x6 And Bolted With 5/8 Bolts , 2 In Each Post

Also 6x6 Is Code For Anthing Over 8ft

Hey, thank you very much.

Is there a way I could get 36 or even 42 inch eve?

Maybe I could cut angle braces to go from the end of the deck back the support posts 36 or 42 inches underneth the deck.

I am trying to extend my deck without tearing it completely down and starting over. Right now it is 10 ft wide and it is just to tight for a table and chairs. An extra 3 feet or so would make all the diffrence in the world...

May be if you use 4X8 Rafters (joists) or have it "engineered". They'll want to calculate wind, snow and seismic loading.

So You Want To Extend Your Deck, Should have Said That To Start Lol.
Ok This Is Fairly Simple To Do. You Outside Band Can Be Bolted To, Basically You Goine To Build A 3 By 10 Deck. You'll Have To Use 5/8a Bolts 2 On Each End A Coulple " From The Top And Bottom Adn Then Every 16" Id Put A Bolt There To Alternating From Top To Bottom Of The Band

As Far As The Beam Goes You Still Need That But You Can Put In 24" Back. The Joint You'll Make Will Still Be Supported Though Not Directily Under The Joint. Just Make Sure You Bolt It Good, 5/8s Don't Skimp Here, And Lag Bolt
Don't Count.

The Only Other Option Here Other Than What I Listed Above Is To Remove The Outer Band And Scab On To The Other Joist And Extend Them Out As Far As You Want To Go.
What Ever You Want To Go Out Id Least Have That Much Being Nailed Into The Existing Joist.
Still Need A Beam Here Also