Attaching Posts To Deck Frame

Incorrectly attaching guardrail posts.

Attaching posts to deck frame.

One way is to pour concrete in the post hole set the post on the concrete and backfill with gravel. Deck railing posts are the foundation of a deck railing system. Bracing keeps the joists from warping as they dry and increases stability. 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.

It s easy to connect deck railing posts to the floor joists of the deck. For details on creating a post layout see how to build a deck. It s also useful for attaching railing posts. They must be strong.

Don t lag bolt a deck railing post to the outer band board that s nailed to the ends of the floor joists. Use structural screws and hangers. Most states now require a specific bolted connection where deck rail posts attach to the floor frame with reinforcement for joists and blocking. When this system of connections is made properly loads are transferred.

When homeowners and diyers build a deck they often fail to attach the railing posts to the deck framing securely. Use blocking and bolts to create a strong railing connection at the rim joist. Get an overview of post to beam hardware choices for single double and triple beams. Here we show posts for a 36 inch tall railing which is common.

Use structural screws and fasteners to attach these to the rim joists perpendicular to the deck board layout. Install bracing or bridging. A secure method of attaching railing posts to a deck is to notch the post at the bottom so it fit snugly in the space between the two outer floor joists. There are several methods for setting posts.

Remember to follow local code for deck posts. Finish the frame by attaching the other rim joist with hangers and. Codes are getting tougher on outdoor decks. Connecting a guardrail post to a deck incorrectly is among the most dangerous deck building errors.

A new series brought to you by cottage life jason lake shows you common mistakes and easy fixes for building a deck. Deck framing page 16 beam to post page 12 post to concrete page 11 joist to beam page 14 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. Use bolts not nails or screws to fasten railing posts to deck framing. Watch the entire 10 part video series here.