AboutMichael J. Owen Expertise Most questions about how to build, repair and maintain wood decks and fences.
Experience Have built many wood and man made decks in California, Bahamas, Florida and Georgia.Now living in Panama, Central America after 25 years in the U.S.
Organizations None
Publications Just had my late mothers book published. A murder mystery set in England.
Education/Credentials High School, College graduate.
Awards and Honors None
Past/Present Clients Too many to list in three countries and three states.
Expert: Michael J. Owen Date: 6/30/2008 Subject: Hardware-post
Question I have an elevated wooden deck. I need to set the posts for the railing. I need some kind of heavy duty hardware/anchor/attachment to tie up the base of the posts under the floor and next to the joists. Do you know where to get this hardware?. I do not find anything on the Internet. Thank you.
Hi Alberto. I do not know of any hardware designed for this application. The best way to attach your 4" x 4" posts is to measure the distance from the top of the deck boards to the bottom of the joists. This could be anything from 6-1/2" to 11-1/2" depending on what the joists were, i.e. 2" x 6" - 2" x 6" - 2" x 10" or 2" x 12". Next, mark the posts and cut out 1 -1/2" from the bottom. Drill two pilot holes about 2" from each end of the cut out section. Use 1/2" lag bolts with washers and bore out the holes enough to sink the washer and bolt head flush with the surface. Then drill out the holes to 1/2". Attach the posts to the joists so that the shoulder of the cut out rests on the deck board. You can run a string line from end to end to makes sure the posts are level at the tops. The rails should be cut at 45 degrees to join up at the center of a post. I'll enclose a diagram for you.
Hope this helps.
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