Attaching Post To Deck Frame

They must be strong.

Attaching post to deck frame.

Hello again everyone in this instructable i will be showing how to properly attach railing posts to a deck frame. Cut the post to the desired height of the railing the width of the framing you will attach it to and the thickness of the decking minus the thickness of the top cap if there will be one. A system of key connections throughout the deck framing also known as a continuous load path is essential to building a safe code compliant deck. Here we show posts for a 36 inch tall railing which is common.

I decided to make this instructable because when i repair or rebuild a deck the railing posts are by far the most common place where previous builders have done things improperly oftentimes so poorly that the railing would present a serious safety hazard if people were to lean. One way is to pour concrete in the post hole set the post on the concrete and backfill with gravel. It s easy to connect deck railing posts to the floor joists of the deck. Remember to follow local code for deck posts.

You ll need the post layout marked before you begin. Although this joint may not get the respect it deserves it is a critical load path connection that needs to keep the post and beam aligned while properly transferring deck loads to the footing. When homeowners and diyers build a deck they often fail to attach the railing posts to the deck framing securely. Plan to install support beams directly onto the tops of posts not bolted to the sides of the posts using metal post to beam connectors.

When this system of connections is made properly loads are transferred throughout the deck s frame and into the ground and or the adjacent structure to which the deck is connected. The most under appreciated connection on a deck frame is probably the one between a post and the beam it supports. There are several methods for setting posts. For details on creating a post layout see how to build a deck.

Don t lag bolt a deck railing post to the outer band board that s nailed to the ends of the floor joists.