Post Beam Deck Construction

For some deck shapes post and beam construction can eliminate some footings.

Post beam deck construction. Beams are an essential part of a deck s support system so if you re building your own deck you want to make sure these elements are as sturdy and long lasting as possible many older decks were built using massive timbers such as 4x6s or 4x8s for beams which support the underside of the deck horizontally. Post beam deck construction lumber joinery. Remember to follow local code for deck posts. Figure 1 post beam deck support construction.

Which technique would you prefer. For pressure preservative treated southern pine no. Click to enlarge any image there are several ways to make and mount a beam. 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.

The longer the joist the more area of deck the joist supports and thus the beam supports. Thru post or girder frames require 5 footings here but post and beam solves this configuration with only 3 footings. Deck beam construction installation guide. A beam should be bolted to the side of a post only for low level decks that have short spanning joists and beams and many support posts.

A new series brought to you by cottage life jason lake shows you common mistakes and easy fixes for building a deck. For details on creating a post layout see how to build a deck. One way is to pour concrete in the post hole set the post on the concrete and backfill with gravel. Jason is a contractor host of decks.

I know my tired back votes for post and beam. 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. 2 grade there is a method that can be used for estimating beam spans for a preliminary design. Most decks designs are based on a number of posts that rest on concrete footings or are imbedded in concrete and in turn these posts take the weight of the deck as shown in figure 1.

Consider a 12ft x 16ft deck with angled corners. Building codes for residential decks only require 40 psf. There are several methods for setting posts. Many professional deck builders prefer to secure posts to concrete piers with galvanized metal connectors that hold the end of the post above the concrete base and the ground to prevent rot.

Of course that means lots and lots of foundation piers which is not the best choice in a region with a significant frost depth. The beam or girder is the structural member that spans from post to post.