AboutEugene Clayton Expertise I would be happy to answer any question reguarding the construction of decks, composites verses natural materials, structure support systems,railing applications,stair design, how to figure stairs etc.. Pretty much anything that has to do with decks and or porches.
Experience I have been in the construction industry for over 26 years including new home construction, custom deck and screen porches. Most of my expertise is from framing custom homes for over 20 years. I now own and opperate a very successful custom deck and screen porch company in Atlanta Ga. Along with my Brother.
I am about to install the railings on a deck using notched posts. My concern is that after carving away 2” of a 3 1/2” 4 x 4 post, there won’t be much “meat” left to provide strength and stability, yet this seems to be standard practice. Are my concerns unwarranted? Thanks.
Answer Hello Kevin,
We do it all the time only we do 1 3/4 " exactly 1/2 of the post.
You can install the posts with a 5 nail pattern but be sure to space the nails so that you can come back and pre drill for lag bolts. Install the entire rails first (nails only) then come back last and install the lag bolts. You can predrill using two bits so that the head of the bolt is recessed. you want to install them last so you can watch the rails as the bolts draw up, don't over tighten because a out of square notch on the 4x4 will cause it to suck up tight and be out of level. Having everything installed first will reduce this. and if need be you might have to shim a little here and there. But if your cuts are good probably not.Nothin to it .
