Deck Posts to Beams

mf01 · 09-28-2011, 10:56 AM

This is my first post, but I'm trying to connect my beams to my posts for a deck. I have been following the deck designer from Lowes. It shows attaching the 2x8's to the side of my 4x4 posts (like the picture below). It doesn't mention how many bolts to use, but from the materials list it looks like 4 per post. To me that seems like a lot. I initially bought 2 per post. Any suggestion on how many? Also should they be hex bolts or carriage bolts? Thanks.

http://www.creativehomeowner.com/ima...dek152fig3.gif

**kwikfishron** · 09-28-2011, 12:27 PM

Welcome to the forum mf01

That method of attachment is not allowed by code. Take a look at this publication (page 8).
http://www.awc.org/publications/DCA/DCA6/DCA6-09.pdf

It doesn’t surprise me that Lowes is showing you the wrong way to do it.

mf01 · 09-28-2011, 12:38 PM

Is this allowed by code: http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/DJTZ.asp

The deck is very low, so it would be hard to put the beams on top of the post.

**kwikfishron** · 09-28-2011, 03:50 PM

I’ve never seen that bracket before today. You need to check with your local building department to see what code they follow.

If you have enough room for that bracket then there’s room to cut the post. You will have a much more structurally sound deck with the beam on top of the post and you won’t have buy the ½” bolts.

In other words what you want to do is doing more to end up with less.

concretemasonry · 09-28-2011, 04:35 PM

Definitely check with the local code people.

The bracket may have approval from a model code, that is just the minimum that can be accepted without going to "jail". Any local code can impose stricter requirements (but never accept looser requirements), there may have been local problems/conditions that could cause a stricter requirement.

The local inspector is who gives the final approval and not the model code or strongtie/simpson or just another company.

Dick

mf01 · 09-28-2011, 06:06 PM

I'll use these and put the beams on top of the posts: http://www.lowes.com/pd_31269-72913-...3D2&facetInfo=

The posts will be cut to about 3-4 inches off the ground.

**kwikfishron** · 09-28-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mf01

I'll use these and put the beams on top of the posts: http://www.lowes.com/pd_31269-72913-...3D2&facetInfo=

The posts will be cut to about 3-4 inches off the ground.

There you go.

woodworkbykirk · 09-28-2011, 08:59 PM

as the others have said, check with your local building authority. they will tell you what is accepted by code and what isnt... beams are intended to BEAR on a post not get anchored to the side of it

it scares the crap out of me knowing the big box stores have college students with no building knowledge operating a computer program that designs decks for them, the program gets updated to suit the latest version but no where does it update to current codes per each region...

COLDIRON · 09-29-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mf01

I'll use these and put the beams on top of the posts: http://www.lowes.com/pd_31269-72913-...3D2&facetInfo=

The posts will be cut to about 3-4 inches off the ground.

Definitely the way to go, why rely on bolts holding the weight when you can put all the weight directly on top of the posts.

Joe Carola · 09-29-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mf01

I'll use these and put the beams on top of the posts: http://www.lowes.com/pd_31269-72913-...3D2&facetInfo=

The posts will be cut to about 3-4 inches off the ground.

Are you getting permits and inspections?

mf01 · 09-29-2011, 10:23 AM

I have the building permit from the city and HOA approval already. The city has looked at the footings. The city said to follow 2006 IRC codes and they don't have any additional codes.

mf01 · 09-29-2011, 10:26 AM

While we're on the topic, how should I attach the side frame (joist) to the ledger? I plan to use joist hangers for the middle joists, but the deck designer shows nails for the side joists/frame.

woodworkbykirk · 09-30-2011, 08:05 PM

if your talking about the end joists you simply keep the ledger back 1 1/2" inch and through nail into the ledger, thats sufficient enough. if you want some added hold use L-70 angle brackets

mf01 · 09-30-2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wooworkbykirk

if your talking about the end joists you simply keep the ledger back 1 1/2" inch and through nail into the ledger, thats sufficient enough. if you want some added hold use L-70 angle brackets

Any particular nails that I should buy to keep it up to code?

woodworkbykirk · 10-02-2011, 08:38 AM

3 1/2" spikes for through nailing and joist hanger nails for the joist hanger