Attaching Post To Deck Frame

Remember to follow local code for deck posts.

Attaching post to deck frame.

A secure method of attaching railing posts to a deck is to notch the post at the bottom so it fit snugly in the space between the two outer floor joists. Here we show posts for a 36 inch tall railing which is common. When homeowners and diyers build a deck they often fail to attach the railing posts to the deck framing securely. Don t lag bolt a deck railing post to the outer band board that s nailed to the ends of the floor joists.

For details on creating a post layout see how to build a deck. The most under appreciated connection on a deck frame is probably the one between a post and the beam it supports. Hello again everyone in this instructable i will be showing how to properly attach railing posts to a deck frame. It s easy to connect deck railing posts to the floor joists of the deck.

One way is to pour concrete in the post hole set the post on the concrete and backfill with gravel. Cut the post to the desired height of the railing the width of the framing you will attach it to and the thickness of the decking minus the thickness of the top cap if there will be one. 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. Deck railing posts are the foundation of a deck railing system.

You ll need the post layout marked before you begin. When this system of connections is made properly loads are transferred throughout the deck s frame and into the ground and or the adjacent structure to which the deck is connected. A system of key connections throughout the deck framing also known as a continuous load path is essential to building a safe code compliant deck. They must be strong.

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.