Should I notch deck posts?
Say “No” to notching pressure-treated deck posts. We want you to build an outdoor railing system that you, your family and guests can enjoy without worrying about safety issues. In order to do so, you need to know this building shortcut is not advisable, and we recommend avoiding it at all costs.
Does notching a post weaken it?
Notching a post does not weaken the structural integrity of the wood support post because the load for the deck is transferred down through the post to the footings. The upright notched section of the post acts stabilizes the beam.
Should you notch a 4×4 post?
While you might expect the notch to be the weak point in the connection, in fact none of the test posts failed at the notch. Even so, notching should be avoided, because it does substantially reduce the strength of the post.
How do you finish decking edges?
Composite decking ends can be finished by picture framing, raised fascia board, painting the ends, attaching decking veneer, composite nosing strips, vinyl stair nosing cove, composite corner trim or plastic end caps. In short composite decking, ends must be hidden or blended into the look of the decking boards.
Should I use 4×4 or 4×6 deck posts?
Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable. However, for most decks, 50psf is a safe load value.
Should deck posts be 4×4 or 6×6?
What do you put around edge of decking?
Fascias are boards attached to the edge of your deck, covering the edges of the decking boards. Not only does it hide the edges, but it also protects them from damage. Because of this, you’ll need to use high-quality fascia boards. Composite decking boards are some of the best choices for this purpose.
Do you need to seal the ends of composite decking?
Kim Katwijk The cut ends of composite decking will absorb moisture and can swell, as shown here. Sealing the end cuts with lumber wax will help prevent swelling. Because the uncapped ends of the boards are free to pick up water, the core can absorb moisture, which can lead to all sorts of problems.
Are 4×4 posts strong enough for a deck?
For most decks, post size is overlooked unless an inspector notices the unusual height of a particular deck. A short 4×4 can carry an awfully big load, and many deck builders use 6×6 posts as a standard, regardless of the height or load of the deck.
Are 4×4 posts big enough for a deck?
Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.
Why do you need to notch the posts on a deck?
The deck builder is correct. Notching the upright provides a shelf for transferring the weight of the horizontal members onto the uprights. I’d rather spend my time on a deck supported by thick posts instead of a certain number of galvanized carriage bolts.
How big of a notch do you need for a post?
They set the board in place to scribe the post locations. Ben sets his combination square to the depth of the notch he is looking for, and marks the edges of the post. The notch will have to be about a quarter inch bigger than these marks outline.
How big does a notch need to be on a deck?
The notch will have to be about a quarter inch bigger than these marks outline. And he wants to round the corners. So Ben uses a ½ inch brad-point bit to simultaneously measure and mark the corners. This aligns the outside edges of the drill bit with the outside edges of the notch. Then he connects the dots and cuts the notch.
How do you cut a notch on a deck?
Then he connects the dots and cuts the notch. To shed water, he rounds over the cut edges with a ¼ inch roundover bit on his laminate trimmer. And cleans it up with sandpaper. They stain the cut edges and not surprisingly, it fits. So Ben puts it on the line and screws it temporarily into place.