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Porches & Decks

Deck Railing Post problem

16 years ago

Good evening everyone.

Need some help in figuring out how to attch my railing posts to the deck. I have a few pics and you might find it easier to see what I am talking about.

Anyway I have notched my 4x4 posts 1.75' and have notched a corner post on two side the same way. My problem is if I use 1/2' bolts I get REAL close to the edges of both the post and the structure underneath. I skirted the deck with the same 1x6 decking which makes it real close. If you look at the pics you'll see what I mean.

Anyone have a good idea on how to attach the railing posts on these corners? Cut the outside corner at a 45 so that a bolt could be drilled through diagonally into the corner and yet still sit flush? Maybe a corner block in the deck corner behind the framing so the nut and washer sits flat as well?

Thanks

Wxtrender.

Here is a link that might be useful: Deck Pic 1

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Comments (7)

wxtrender
Original Author
16 years ago
Deck post pic 2

Here is a link that might be useful: deck post pic 2
brooklyndecks
16 years ago
When I used to notch my posts, I would use 2 on a corner. All that notching makes for a weak post...especially with cedar. It's hard to tell from the pic if you used ipe, or another hardwood. Anyway, since you're married to that notched post, you can go ahead and chamfer the outer edge & send in a couple of diagonal bolts, as you suggested.

I set my posts inside the substructure...so much stronger/safer.

steve
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wxtrender
Original Author
16 years ago
Steve,

Actually am using Garapa Gold, just about as hard as IPE.

Yea I figured I could go either two posts or one but thought that with the density of the material one would be ok even notched.

I also cannot put the posts on the inside as the way the deck was framed we ended up with beams on the edges becuase we hung the joists using hangers off the beam to maintain headroom coming out of downstairs walk out basement. Thus we had double and even a triple beam thickness of solid wood along some of the edges so putting a post inside the framing didn't work.

We figured since we were using hardwood that we could safely notch the material and not have a problem...
john_hyatt
16 years ago
I really like that Garapa Stuff,nice material,Also agreeing with the Steve rail posts installed inside the frame only way to go. Daping out the posts will work installed in the right manor with adhesive. J
martin_carthage
16 years ago
Can you remove the skirting at the post attachment point?
Will the line posts have to be notched as well?
It doesn't look like the deck is that high up, at least.
M
wxtrender
Original Author
16 years ago
John,

What adhesive would you recommend?

All the posts are notched, but if I can get more material locally for a reasonable price I am going to to use 2 posts at each corner, it'll be stronger, especially at the inside corners, which are just too skimpy looking after trimming away 3 corners.

Also plan to block any single joists they tie into, thankfully most are double and there is even a triple joist/beam in there as well that I am connecting to...
john_hyatt
16 years ago
I like the 490 adhesive made by the liquid nails guys. J

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