Replacing 4x4 posts on deck

SingleGuy · 04-10-2012, 03:04 PM

The 4x4s that hold up the ceiling on my deck are warped so I'm going to replace them with some treated 4x4s. Is this post cap necessary or even worth the money?

I don't have any pics of the deck with me but will post some tonight.

cortell · 04-10-2012, 03:26 PM

Necessary? Depends on your local building codes. I believe toe-nailing is considered an acceptable post connection in some jurisdictions. I don't think the IRC forbids it and almost every jurisdiction uses that as the baseline.

Worth it? Absolutely; every penny.

Daniel Holzman · 04-10-2012, 03:49 PM

You said the ceiling on your deck. I usually associate deck with an outdoor structure with no ceiling, do you have a covered porch? Different code for decks versus covered structures designed as habitable space. Or maybe you live where there is no code?

SingleGuy · 04-10-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Holzman

You said the ceiling on your deck. I usually associate deck with an outdoor structure with no ceiling, do you have a covered porch? Different code for decks versus covered structures designed as habitable space. Or maybe you live where there is no code?

It's a covered deck. Maybe I'm using the wrong term. If it didn't have the ceiling, then it would definitely be a 'deck'

I'll get a picture up tonight once I get home.

We do have codes in my county but I couldn't tell you what they are. The posts are toe-nailed in currently. When I repair something, I like to make it better than before hoping that it will last longer so I was thinking those caps would be better than simply toe-nailing again ( as well as using treated lumber instead of the un-treated that was used.

I'll certainly get some pics so my situation is better understood

Daniel Holzman · 04-10-2012, 06:07 PM

OK, so you have a ceiling over your deck. Do you want to follow code when you repair the posts, or are you simply going to replace them the way they are regardless of whether they meet code or not? By the way, I am not asking if you are planning to pull a permit, simply wanting to know if you want to make the repairs in accordance with code, or you simply want to replace the damaged parts.

woodworkbykirk · 04-10-2012, 08:34 PM

if it were me id be using the connector.. toe nails are only good if they are driven at teh proper angle and the wood doesnt split because of it.. theres much better holding power with a metal connector than a toe nail or through nail no questions asked.. play it safe dont mess around

ratherbefishing · 04-10-2012, 09:12 PM

Using metal connectors on decks (and other framing) makes me feel better, whether someone's gonna look at it or not.

SingleGuy · 04-10-2012, 10:43 PM

Thanks guys. I'll be getting the connectors tomorrow

Just so I understand, I should use one on each end of the post right? I suppose otherwise it's useless to use just one.

What is the proper way to fix the rail that has pulled out of the wall? ( See pic below )

Here are the pictures:

This is the worst one

Same one just the lower portion

This is one of the corners

The warping has pulled the railings out of the wall

Same just a wider angle

SingleGuy · 04-10-2012, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Holzman

OK, so you have a ceiling over your deck. Do you want to follow code when you repair the posts, or are you simply going to replace them the way they are regardless of whether they meet code or not? By the way, I am not asking if you are planning to pull a permit, simply wanting to know if you want to make the repairs in accordance with code, or you simply want to replace the damaged parts.

I want to make the repairs so things are safe and long lasting. I really wasn't aware I'd need a permit but I'll make a call to my county inspector tomorrow

Ravenworks · 04-10-2012, 11:26 PM

They way that post is fastened to the siding is not right at all.
You need to make it free standing or anchor it properly.
Do you have any extra siding around?
it's a shame they screwed up your siding like that.

sublime2 · 04-10-2012, 11:51 PM

Are those posts supporting that roof?
You will need temporary bracing on that roof to support the roof when you change those post.
I wonder if the weight of the roof caused those post to deform like that.
They are pretty bad.
I'd be afraid to walk under that roof.
Something has caused that deck to pull away from the house, not just warping.
You may want to add some posts or go with 6x6 posts.

Evstarr · 04-11-2012, 01:49 AM

Umm how far off the ground is that sucker? Pics of roof and a distance shot so we can get the whole idea would help.

SingleGuy · 04-11-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublime2

Are those posts supporting that roof?
You will need temporary bracing on that roof to support the roof when you change those post.
I wonder if the weight of the roof caused those post to deform like that.
They are pretty bad.
I'd be afraid to walk under that roof.
Something has caused that deck to pull away from the house, not just warping.
You may want to add some posts or go with 6x6 posts.

Yeah. The ceiling is supported by the posts. I'm fairly sure it's mostly warping because the post in the picture isn't even touching the ceiling any more. There are five posts total holding up the ceiling. I figure the ceiling will be supported well enough by the other four while I change out one at a time.

The deck is still attached to the house. It's just the rails that are pulled out from the warped posts pulling on them

I'll put some more pics up tonight.

SingleGuy · 04-11-2012, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenworks

They way that post is fastened to the siding is not right at all.
You need to make it free standing or anchor it properly.
Do you have any extra siding around?
it's a shame they screwed up your siding like that.

Unfortunately I have no extra siding. I'm sure I could dig some up out of my yard though because I've found small landfills from when the house was built lol

What is the proper way to attach the rails to the house?

SingleGuy · 04-11-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evstarr

Umm how far off the ground is that sucker? Pics of roof and a distance shot so we can get the whole idea would help.

It's about 10-12 feet off the ground. I'll get some more pics tonight