Decks

Posted in: Decks
Deck Support Columns
By Martin Smith
May 12, 2008 - 2:07:56 PM

Question- I have plans of building a taller deck for my house, but I do not want any issues later, as I have noticed that the wooden columns crack and twist under pressure. Also I need something easy, simple and sleek to be installed. Are there any suitable options for me?

Answer- Depending on the climate of your location, the wood used for the decks may expand or contract, resulting in shrinkage of wood over a period of time. As the wood shrinks, a lot of stress takes place within the lumber which leads to cracking and twisting of the wood. There a few species of wood which are quite resistant to these elements, but as such there is no guarantee of the wood provided by the wood trader. So it is advised to choose a material which is far more efficient, steel.

A lot of reasons are attached for deciding to use steel as a material for the columns of tall decks. In general, it has been observed that taller decks require columns with larger diameter in comparison to the decks which are close to the ground. In case you plan to build wooden columns, a professional would always advice you to use 6x6 wooden columns rather than the conventionally used 4x4 columns. But in case you are planning to use steel columns instead the 4x4 steel column would be more efficient than the 6x6 wooden columns. Your engineer can surely verify this information for you.

Apart from the performance abilities, the uniform and smooth looks of the painted steel columns will also be a good option for you, if you are looking for some sleek solutions. If steel is well maintained and painted properly while they are being installed, it retains a good shape for a long time.

Steel columns have been used by me for installation of a number of decks. The metal is quite convenient to work with and attaching them beneath the deck requires a simple process. Connecting them to the concrete piers is also not a difficult work. But you have to be very careful in determining the correct measurements of the steel columns. You can seek assistance of a professional welder in determining the accurate sizes and also for building the columns for your deck.

As a rule, these columns are always attached to a beam beneath the deck, so you will have to measure the height and thickness of the beam. Based on these dimensions, the height and width of the metal channels are decided which needs to be welded over the top of the steel post. 9/16 or 5/8 inch diameter holes will be drilled by the welder in the U-shaped channels which cradle the beam. After placing the beam in the cradle, 1 ½ inch bolts are screwed to connect the wooden beam to the steel column.

Similarly, 1 ½ inch stud anchor bolts are screwed for attaching the column to the concrete pier. The welder would be required to place a twelve inch square 1/4 inch thick steel plate to the bottom of the steel column and again a 9/16 inch diameter hole is drilled into the plate corner. After you have installed the steel column in the centre of the pier, holes are drilled into the concrete to secure the stud anchors. Always make sure that these washers and nuts are placed on the stud anchors prior to striking them with the hammer, as the nail threads may be damaged by the hammer, which would prevent you and obstruct you to install the nuts.

Another thing to be kept in mind is that the complete assembly of the steel column is coated with primer and paints before their installation, to avoid any later stage corrosion. Rust resistant primers which have been designed to bond with naked steel are easily available in the market; however it is more likely that the primer would be available with the welder. In most cases, the welding stores provide well coated and primed steel structures at the place of installation. You can even consider applying some finish to the steel column on your own.

Always ensure that the welding at the bottom and top of the columns is proper. You can even ask the welder for a drain hole to be punched in the centre of the steel plate at the bottom. This would allow any excess water to drain through from between the columns as any stagnant water may pose a threat for corrosio

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