Why notch the posts on a deck?
The posts are notched so that the 2 boards are sitting side by side in the notch and are bolted to the post (L shaped notch at the top of the post). I had someone give me an estimate for replacing my deck and he also said that they'll notch the posts so that they weight is not carried only on the bolts.
Can You notch a post to recess a deck beam?
Notching a post to recess a deck beam is usually not much of a concern, unless the post continues on to carry a roof or another deck above. Even then, provided the post is well connected to the deck against horizontal forces, and the notched portion bears tightly against the framing at the top and bottom, there's probably little concern.
How many 6x6 posts are needed to support a deck?
My neighbor's elevated deck is supported by 2 6x6 posts connected by 2 2x10 boards. The posts are notched so that the 2 boards are sitting side by side in the notch and are bolted to the post (L shaped notch at the top of the post).
Should I notch my rail posts?
Notching a rail post does have its advantages, as the post is given a significant amount of extra resistance to downward thrust due to the post sitting on top of the deck as opposed to against the side of the rim joist. With notching, there is also a significant reduction in the ability of the post to “wiggle” from side to side.
How much can you notch a deck post?
I need to meet 2015 IRC code. Code states that the 2x10 (x2) needs to fully bear on the notched 6x6 post. Also, the thru bolt must go thru a minimum of 2.5 inches of the non notched part of post.
How do you notch a 4x4 deck post?
3:315:262 Easy Ways To Notch A Post - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe need to set the saw blade depth to the depth of your notch out like that you can use the boardMoreWe need to set the saw blade depth to the depth of your notch out like that you can use the board itself as a gauge. You can see that my teeth of my saw I'll go right to this line.
How do you notch a deck post for a beam?
0:004:26NOTCHING deck posts the “easy way” (building a deck) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you're building a deck you're gonna need to cut notches or mortises into your support beamsMoreWhen you're building a deck you're gonna need to cut notches or mortises into your support beams these are six by sixes. And we need to cut about two inches deep into them and it's about seven and a
Should you notch handrail posts?
While you might expect the notch to be the weak point in the connection, in fact none of the test posts failed at the notch. Even so, notching should be avoided, because it does substantially reduce the strength of the post.
How do you join 4x4 posts end to end?
To connect 2 4x4s use a half-lap joint secured with construction adhesive, two steel plates, and four to six 1/2″ or 5/8” through bolts. Posts that support roofs or platforms should lap between 20” and 24”, other structures should connect for 6” to 10” along the centerline.
How tall should a deck post be?
36 inchesThe deck guardrail height should be a minimum of 36 inches, as measured from the surface of the deck to the top of the rail.
Does notching a beam weaken it?
Improperly sized or placed holes and notches weaken the joist, make it bouncy and saggy, and provide an easy place for it to crack and fail.
Are 4X4 posts big enough for a deck?
Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.
Where do you notch a beam?
0:391:22How to Properly Notch Structural Beams | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut with a notch you can go into the edge as long as the notch is not bigger than one-sixth. TheMoreBut with a notch you can go into the edge as long as the notch is not bigger than one-sixth. The height of that joist. Or beam and that can be on the top or the bottom.
Should I notch 4x4 deck railing post?
We have seen many decks being built with guardrails that use notched 4x4's as rail posts. Regardless of the depth of the notch this is unadvisable because it significantly weakens the strength properties of the posts. Checks or cracks may propagate along the grain lines at the notch as the lumber dries and shrinks.
How far apart should 4x4 deck posts be?
6 feetFor Building a Deck Railing, Deck Frame, or Fence The maximum spacing of 4x4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6x6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.
How do you stabilize deck posts?
0:008:01A Few Ways to Brace off Free Standing Wood Framed DeckYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne brace on each. Each section or each side of the deck really not that difficult. And again ifMoreOne brace on each. Each section or each side of the deck really not that difficult. And again if this if you nail the braces up on this.
How do you notch a 4x4 with a circular saw?
0:030:39How to Cut a Notch with a Circular Saw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAbout a quarter inch apart. And use a hammer to knock out the majority of the waste. Then positionMoreAbout a quarter inch apart. And use a hammer to knock out the majority of the waste. Then position the saw with a shoe on solid wood in the guard up and carefully run the saw side-to-side.
How do you notch a round post?
3:046:49How to cut Square Notches on a Round Leg - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI also have a mark right here on the fence that when I push this in I'm gonna make sure that thisMoreI also have a mark right here on the fence that when I push this in I'm gonna make sure that this stops right there then I'll back it out turn it and make another. Cut.
How do you notch wood with a chisel?
0:441:35How To Cut a Wide Notch Using Simple Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep grab a hammer and start breaking out the waist by striking against the side you may need to useMoreStep grab a hammer and start breaking out the waist by striking against the side you may need to use a chisel near the closed end of the notch.
How do you notch a deck joist?
A joist can be notched at bearing locations at either the top or bottom without reducing its structural capability, as long as the notch doesn't exceed one-fourth the depth of the joist. This means that a 2x10 can be notched at bearing to the height of a 2x8, yet still get span credit for being a 2x10.
Is It OK To Notch Deck Railing Posts?
Notching of a deck railing post involves cutting out a small section of the post, creating a lip that extends over the deck. This brings the railing posts closer to the deck, thus reducing the outward thrust of the railing posts.
Installing Deck Railing Posts
Deck railing posts are usually constructed using 4” x 4” timber, but 6” x 6” is also common. The spacing between deck railing posts should be no more than 6 feet, center to center. If you need to create a stronger railing, spacing between 4’ and 5’ is a great option to ensure a sturdier finished result.
How To Notch Deck Railing Posts
If they are carefully planned and built according to strict guidelines, notched posts can produce a safe and attractive railing. Notching the posts will allow them to sit closer to the edge of the deck, with the unnotched portion of the post resting directly on top of the deck itself.
Conclusion
Whether you are hoping to notch your deck railing posts for aesthetic purposes to achieve a sleeker-looking deck or you feel it might be necessary for space-saving reasons, it is possible to achieve a safe railing while adopting notched posts.
Why do you need a notched post?
Notching a post does not weaken the structural integrity of the wood support post because the load for the deck is transferred down through the post to the footings.
How to cut a notch in a post?
Use a circular saw at its lowest cut depth to cut out the post notch. The circular saw will not finish the cut with 2 passes.
What is the purpose of a reciprocating saw on a deck?
Most deck builders use a reciprocating saw to cut an L shaped seat in the top of the post large enough to hold the beam. Another building method to consider if you don’t have a reciprocating saw involves using circular saw to score the top of the post to remove ...
How tall is a 2-2x10 beam?
A 2-2x10 beam will require a notch 3” wide by 9-1/4 inches tall. To hold the beam in place you will then need to predrill and run two ½” threaded carriage bolts through the beam and the top of the notch.
How to prevent 6x6 from decaying?
Apply a coat of copper naphthenate to all cut ends of the pressure treated 6x6 to prevent decay. Attach the post to your footing using a post beam connector.
How far apart should deck posts be?
In general, deck posts should be spaced no more than 6 feet apart. Beyond that amount, it becomes very difficult to meet the safety requirements.
How high should a deck railing be?
The International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by most US cities and towns, requires 36-in.-high deck railings for decks more than 30 in. above the ground. The railing must be strong enough to resist the following loads:
How much weight can you put in a baluster?
The balusters or other infill between the posts should be able to resist a load of 50 pounds applied over one square foot. Using the engineer’s safety factor of 2.5, the test load would be 125 pounds. To comply with code, and for common sense, you don’t want to fill between your sturdy posts and top rails with flimsy infill.
How far apart should balusters be?
Code requirements for balusters. For child safety, the balusters or other decorative infill must be spaced less than 4 inches apart. In code-speak, a 4-in.-diameter ball should not pass through the spaces. For railings along stairs, the spaces can be a little larger, but less than 4-3/8 in.
What nails are needed to connect a rim joist?
Posts placed inside the rim joist need to align with a perpendicular joist. The connecting joist needs to be reinforced with blocking fastened with 24 10d nails. (Detail A, below).
Where does the rim joist run parallel to the joists?
Outside the end joist. Where the rim joist runs parallel to the joists (sometimes called an “end joist”) blocking must be added to tie into the second joist. This joist requires two connectors as shows (Detail B, below).
What kind of brace do I use for a corner railing?
At inside and outside corners where two railings meet, I often use a galvanized steel angle or flat brace to support the joint . This is cheap, but effective, insurance against the corner separating over time. I typically use similar steel hardware to reinforce where the railing connects to the main structure.
What is notching in a deck?
Notching. Notching involves the removal of material at the top and bottom of the joist, where compression and tension forces are working to resist bending (that is, deflection). Since bending forces increase toward the center of a beam and are greatest in the middle third of a span, the IRC prohibits any notches there (see "Joist Notching and Drilling Guidelines," above). If you’re considering laterally bracing the plane of a deck (a common wall-framing practice in the past, when they were sheathed with boards rather than structural panels, and still provided for in the IRC), this means you can’t let the bracing into the joists in the middle third of their span.
How deep should a notch be for a deck?
Notches can also be located anywhere along the top and bottom edges of the joist, as long as the notches are in the outer thirds of the span. These notches can’t be deeper than one-sixth the depth of the joist, nor longer than one-third the depth of the joist. In a 2x8 joist, for example, notches can be 1 1/4 inches deep, which should allow for recessed gas piping. Unlike electrical cable, gas pipe is rigid, and design restraints may preclude sliding the pipe through a series of drilled holes from outside the deck. Notches allow the pipe to be raised vertically into place.
What happens when a wood joist is supported at both ends?
When a wood joist that's supported at both ends is loaded, it bends or deflects as it resists the force, pushing the fibers in the top edge of the joist together in compression and pulling the fibers in the bottom edge of the joist apart in tension.
How deep should a 2x8 joist be?
In a 2x8 joist, for example, notches can be 1 1/4 inches deep, which should allow for recessed gas piping. Unlike electrical cable, gas pipe is rigid, and design restraints may preclude sliding the pipe through a series of drilled holes from outside the deck. Notches allow the pipe to be raised vertically into place.
How far can you drill holes in a joist?
There are two limitations to drilling holes in joists. To avoid reducing a joist’s bending resistance, no holes can be closer than 2 inches from the top or bottom edges of the joist.
When cutting notches in the bottom of a joist, try to make angled rather than vertical cuts?
When cutting notches in the bottom of a joist, try to make angled rather than vertical cuts, which will reduce the likelihood of splitting. Also, remember that with some pressure-treated material it may be a requirement of the AWPA standard M4, a required referenced standard of the IRC, for the exposed material in the cut to be field-treated. When not required, it's still good practice (see Decay Resistance and the Code, May 2014, PDB).
Can I-joists be notched?
Generally, I-joists' top and bottom chords cannot be notched to any degree, while holes in the center webs can be nearly chord to chord, certainly much larger than one-third the depth of the joist.
Why do deck posts need to be deep?
The rule about footing depth is there to prevent lazy builders from simply locking their deck posts into above-ground concrete footings. Without the firm grip of the undisturbed ground around them, those footings could shift when the earth freezes or when rain causes erosion. Just a small shift in a deck post, just a hint of instability, and the entire deck structure can be compromised.
How far above a deck should a home's electrical panel be?
Also, a home’s electrical panel must be at least 10 feet above any deck structure or at least three feet to either side of it.
What to do if you are not sure if the hardware suggested in your instructions or blueprints is adequate?
If you’re not sure if the hardware suggested in your instructions or blueprints is adequate, talk to a knowledgeable friend who takes safety seriously and get recommendations.
How high should a basement window be to a new deck?
Is there a basement window nearby? Be sure that basement windows have an escape path with at least 36 inches of height clearance, so a person could exit those windows in case of emergency.
Can you use bolts on a deck?
Bolts alone are not going to secure those beams and posts together tightly enough. And over time, the nuts and bolts you use are going to loosen. Even if you’re using the right grade of hardware, all it takes is a couple of loose bolts, and your deck could begin to tilt or even collapse outright, potentially causing harm or death.
Do you need to sink deck piers in winter?
If you live in an area where the ground freezes in the wintertime, you’ll need to go further with your deck piers or footings, sinking them deeper than the frost line. Be sure to check with local authorities to find out the code requirements for your area.
Do you need galvanized steel for deck?
Your deck will have to pass inspection, and in some areas , bolting and notching simply aren’t permitted. You’ll need galvanized steel caps and post-to-beam connectors with approved fasteners in multiple locations, positioned at the juncture of each post and beam.
What size bracing is required for a free standing deck?
The IRC requires diagonal bracing on all free-standing decks higher than 30 inches. This "sway bracing" must connect each post to the beam or joist that is supported by the post. The bracing material must be 2 x 4 lumber, and you must use a 1/2-inch through-bolt at each connection point. Advertisement.
How many decks are not code compliant?
According to one estimate, about half of the 40 million decks in the United States are not code-compliant. Improperly built decks can shift or collapse, injuring people in the process and causing damage to houses and other structures. Building codes are in place to ensure safety, and virtually every state and municipality enforces codes ...
What is the building code for decks?
Most jurisdictions follow the International Building Code, which devotes one section—R507 —to deck construction. Some building departments also publish their own codes which may differ somewhat from the IRC.
How high should a railing be?
The railing must be at least 36 inches high, and it must include balusters that are no more than 4 inches apart. Each guard post supporting the railing must be attached to the rim joist with two 1/2-inch through-bolts and hold-down anchors capable of withstanding 1,800 pounds of force.
How wide should a square footing be?
For example, if you're installing square footings, they will have to be at least 21 inches wide and 9 inches thick if your beam spacing is less than 8 feet and the joist span is between 14 and 18 feet. Circular footings, on the other hand, need to be 23 inches in diameter.
How long can a 4x4 post be?
If you set the posts on top of concrete footings, even precast ones, you must secure them with positive hardware connections. You can use 4 x 4 posts up to a maximum length of 10 feet and 6 x 6 posts up to a maximum length of 18 feet.
Where should stringers be attached to a staircase?
Stringers should be attached both at the top and bottom of the staircase.
Do Deck Posts Need to Be Notched?
- The overwhelming majority of deck projects aren’t going to require you to notch your posts in the first place. Your average deck is going to have you run the structural pieces of lumber right down to the footings (or attaching to piers with a bracket) with one long, continuous, and unbroken post for each footing. Some projects, though, are going to...
Notch only with The Right Materials
- Secondly, you need to be sure that you are only ever notching the right materials for the job. One horror story that usually makes the rounds with professional deck builders is a homeowner that didn’t have quite enough material to run full pressure-treated posts throughout the entirety of their frame. Instead of popping down to the local lumber yard or hardware store and getting new mat…
Are Notched Posts weak?
- Notched posts that are done correctly aren’t going to cause you any trouble and shouldn’t give you any heartburn. We are talking about smart notches that have almost been overbuilt, notches using the same material combined together, and notches that have been glued up and fastened (usually with through bolts to really lock things down). These notches also should be designed in such a …
Lock Down Notched Components
- We really can’t overemphasize enough the value and importance of not only gluing up your notches but also running through bolts (or at least a couple of lag bolts into each side) of the joint itself. When we say that you should glue your notches we don’t just mean squirt a little bit of wood glue into the mix, either. No, you want to use legitimate construction adhesive designed for this …
Closing Thoughts
- All in all, the overwhelming majority of people building decks probably aren’t going to have to worry about notching their posts anytime soon. If, though, you do end up finding yourself in a position where you have to put a notch in this structural component make sure that you consider all the things we highlighted above. Plan and layout the notch to avoid causing structural issues…