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Summary: Decks can be built using various construction methods. The first and the foremost factor to be considered is the weight that can be borne by the wooden posts, particularly if you are attaching the beams of the deck to these posts. If these are not built properly, it is a simple invitation for the collapsing of the deck. So it is always important to design the plans for the deck including the wood posts for support to ensure the safety of the structure.
Question - Please suggest some useful tips that will help in building a deck. Which are the most recommended methods for connecting the wooden beam with the posts? As I am not too accustomed about the procedure, I want to ensure the safety of the deck.
Answer - As such, it cannot be ascertained that there are some best method. My suggestion would be that you can put professional deck-building carpenters well experienced architects and large number of structural engineers, and discuss the potential solutions with them. My personal experiences comprise of numerous ways that are well suited for deck building and also a few which are to be avoided.
When visiting my friend’s house, I am surprised to see that how the beams are attached to the wooden posts by hardcore professionals or even by themselves in some cases. It is amazing to see how the weight supported by the desk posts has been planned out. If you have ever tried lifting up wooden plank sized 2x12, you must be aware of the cumulative weight which may vary in thousands of pounds. You can imagine the weight on the deck if you have organized a party with hundreds of people in it.
The result is seven hundred tons of weight over the deck constantly pushing the deck towards the ground because of gravity. Every year several cases have been reported where they have been damaged to lives and injuries incurred by people because of deck crashes. There can be lots of reasons for the deck collapses and it is not necessary that this is because of the deck beam and wooden post attachments.
In general most of the weight borne by the decks is supported by the beam used for the deck. The people moving on the deck, furniture, the decking and floor joints all combined exert the pressure on the deck which is eventually shifted over the entire length of the beams.
Usually, I have noticed that people often nail or bolt the beams or a couple of joists to the side posts and the entire load over the deck is supported on these few nails and bolts. It is not suggested to use such measures for designing your deck as they are not safe to bear the weight and can be dangerous in cases of wood shrinkages and drying out.
Instead it is suggested to place the beams on the notch or shelf in a wood post which is bigger in size, which can be easily created using traditional hand saw or standard circular saw. Mostly the beams include a couple of 2x12 deck joists which are designed to handle the load. Such joists are not required to be rested close to each other to be able to handle the load over the deck but can be placed at distances of several inches allowing some air to pass through them, which will also help in preventing the wood from rotting.
Such attachments can also be created using deck posts of 6x6 sizes. In general, such posts usually come in 5 and 5/8 inches square. The combine thickness of the joists totals to over 3 inches. So even if the notches are created opposite to each other 2 and a half inches of material is still left, allowing the remaining tongue of wood to be extended to the top of the beam.
A permanent and strong attachment can be made by bolting the two beam parts to the wood posts. In such cases the weight over the deck is equally distributed towards the bottom of the posts rather than being dependent on few nails or bolts.
Metal brackets approved by the housing codes are available which allow the deck beams to be connected to the wooden posts. These are usually recommended by architects and people who have used them for their decks. Such brackets are convenient to be used and are highly recommended for the deck attachments.
Always be sure to be aware of the exact sizes of the beams, and in case you aren’t sure about the sizes, approach an architect or a residential structural engineer. Thought a slight cost would be incurred for their services, it would be a wise decision to ensure the sizes. Apart from this you should also be aware of the designing of the decks, their attachment methods, options for the diagonal bracing of the beam and post attachments or underneath the deck.
A lot of deck crashes have been reported when people are partying and dancing on the decks, because of the harmonic motions which sway the decks in back and forth movements. If the decks are not properly braced, they are not secure and may crash any time without any previous warning.
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