For our design, we want to use 4 x 4 posts cemented every 8 feet and run them up through the deck to be used as the rail posts. If using stirrups allow for at least a 75mm clearance between the ground and the bottom of the post. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you use 6x6s instead, even if your building department does not demand them. Posts Required. Use the widest dimensions for linear quantities. The larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required. Step 15. Use a hand sledge to tap the 6x6 into place, check for plumb, and drive nails into all the hardware holes to secure the post. 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. If you're building a simple deck, footings and posts should be placed less than 8 feet apart. The standard rule for footings is that for a basic deck, the larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings you'll need. The support post’s side should be flush with the outside of the beam or doubled header. If you're unsure ask for assistance in store, and make sure you bring your deck plan with you. Position the post base as shown with its inside area aligned with the pencil lines. Terms of use. You can try to drill holes in concrete with a standard 3/8-inch drill, but it will be very slow going. To decrease … Step 3. Install bracing cut from the same 2 x material you used for the joists — 2 x 8 for this deck — between joists in the middle of the frame to support parting boards. Use a level to mark the post’s corners, then use a square or straightedge to mark its outline. That means that once you have the footings in place you need to install posts - which will support the beams - that in turn support the joists – that support the decking – and eventually you, your family and friends. Deck Materials Add gravel and smooth as you go. Reposition the post base, aligned with the layout lines, and tap a sleeve anchor down into the hole. I am going to be building a deck around a pool this spring. Work out how many posts and rails you need. According to building codes, there is no clear answer on when you should install a 4×4 vs. 6×6 deck post. This means that using 225 x 50mm timbers a frame 4m x 4m can be built (12ft x 12ft) using 8 posts. PROStar, Brendan Casey of Casey Fence and Deck demonstrates how he saves time creating a jig to cut his deck posts. Lengths of posts , postmix and fixings are added Decking: The decking is supplied in the lengths that suit your job , these are calculated as covering 150mm (145mm for the board and 5mm gap for expansion and contraction) , any decks over the 5.4m long that are required are given in 4.8m lengths so there is as little joins as possible. Many screws for decking will have ridges on the bottom of the head, which helps the screw to counter sink without too much effort. Or keep things simple with a complete railings kit. If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck, you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional … If necessary, adjust number of deck boards to match in both calculations, and see if different board gaps at each end of deck are acceptable, compared to equal gaps and cutting the last board at an angle. Repeat this process for all of the posts on your decking. Fence Calculator ; Decking Calculator; Gate Calculator; Free Quote; Quick Order; Opening Hours; Our other sites: COMMERCIAL & HIGH SECURITY; FRANCE; 0800 408 2234 Hello Sign in. Building a deck might sound like a fairly straightforward task that anyone can accomplish, but there are a variety of elements that go into the planning stages to ensure the safety of the deck upon completion. Install a post cap, also called a post-to-beam connector, onto the beam or doubled joist above; use a level to be sure it is plumb with the post base. If necessary, adjust number of deck boards to match in both calculations, and see if different board gaps at each end of deck are acceptable, compared to equal gaps and cutting the last board at an angle. While natural wood can be used for decking frames it can defeat the object of of using long lasting maintenance free composite decking boards when your decking frame starts to rot after a few years. In the past, many decks were built with 4x4 support posts (also called structural posts). This article shows installing non-notched posts on top of concrete footings that rise above the ground, to support framing that has already been built on temporary supports. A shorter beam span means more deck support posts. And if a deck is over 10 feet tall, you should install bracing. This video shows how to install decking posts for an elevated deck. Most professionals will encourage you to consider going with a 6×6 deck post form the outset of the project. Rules like this may seem arbitrary, but they’re in place for safety purposes, and to ensure reasonable access to key parts of your home. After all, hot tubs, full of water, and people can easily weigh over 5,000 lbs. Scribe a circle where the base’s lag screw will go. Our nifty decking calculator is just the job if you’re having trouble working out how many decking boards you need for your next project. The 17' is on each side of the pool and will circle out, at the middle of the deck the length of the deck will be 13'. Use the widest dimensions for linear quantities. Read our Buyer's guide to decking. Pull out most of the dust by lifting the drill bit quickly as you drill, two or more times. Or, if your deck has many angles, additional footings are necessary. Additionally, many municipalities allow 4×4 deck posts for decks up to 5’ in height. They are also less … There are two approaches to designing a deck and selecting the right-size components, such as correctly sized deck posts. If you are using a centre spacing of 1m for your posts, you can then use this simple calculation to determine how many posts you’ll need to buy – 1 + Decking Width (Metres) + Decking Length (Metres) + Total Sqm = Total No. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete. If your deck is slightly out of square (different widths), calculate results for both widths, and set out each end to suit. Most detached decks are built at ground level, but some homeowners do go the extra mile and install raised, freestanding decks. To prepare your support joists, measure the distance between the central support joist and the outer frame and cut sections to length. While a typical deck under 6 feet in height may only require posts set every 5 to 8 feet, the type of deck, the type of wood, the height of the deck and a variety of other factors can influence the spacing of the … The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your footings, and the size of your beams. 1. My Account. "there should be no more than 2m between posts holding up the frame but 4m can be allowed between ends of the frame providing the joists are no more than 450mm apart. The decking posts need to be spaced at every metre in each direction. Many deck screws will not have the thread size listed, as the term “deck” usually indicates a coarser thread. Cutting and Detailing Deck Support Posts Brendan Casey, Casey Fence and Deck – Frederick, MD. For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart. Use a hand sledge to tap the 6x6 into place, check for plumb, and drive nails into all the hardware holes to secure the post. 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