[danf26]

Hi,

A simple (I presume) question here:

What is the best way to attach wooden members to poured concrete piers? I know I could use a steel fasteners, called a Post Base (I think). I also know I could put a J-Bolt in the pier, put down a layer or two of roofing felt, and then bolt down a scrap of pressure treated wood, of which on top of sits my girders.

Are there more options? What works best? Also, in the option you describe as working best, what are all the materials needed?

Will be doing this next week, so am trying to figure out soon.

Thank you all,
Dan

 

[12penny]

gotta tell ya Dan....never heard of the scrap wood thing. Sounds kinda hacky. Use galvanized, stand off post bases.

Hammer drill, appropriate sized masonry bit, 1/2" wedge anchors and a wrench to tighten nuts.

 

[Millertyme]

Simpson Strong Tie makes all kinds of fasteners for this. Home Depot sells all there stuff. At least for what you need. It is easier to apply the j anchor bolt into the concrete while it is still wet rather than drill a hole into it later. You may not have a choice though

 

[danf26]

SO, with the Simpson Strong Ties, where two girders are meeting over the same pier, should I have two strong ties, each connected to the pier with separate bolts, to catch each one individually? Or do I have the butt ends meet in the middle of one of the ties?

 

[jklingel]

My GUESS is there are long "spanner ties" just for that. Check the Simpson web site and I bet you'll find just what you need.

 

[Bud Cline]

What about a pocket cast into the piers? The girts would then rest on the concrete and could still be mechanically fastened to the piers also. This way no shifting in a mechanical fastener. Not sure what you are trying to build. A minimal drawing would be nice.