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Porches & Decks

Ipe Posts & Railings

16 years ago

I've got the ipe decking down and now I need to add about 80 feet of railing.

I'm planning on using 2x4 top and bottom rails, copper pipe balusters, and a 2x6 top cap (no post covers, similar to the pics posted by stu_r: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/porch/msg091000232084.html)

Posts will be side-mounted as shown in stu's pics.

Here are my questions:

1) What size (1/2", 3/4", or 1") copper pipe/tube is recommended?

2) Is there any reason, other than appearance, that I couldn't use 2x4, instead of 4x4 posts? I see no structural need, since ipe is many times stronger than PT lumber commonly used for posts and, in any case, a notched 4x4 is, at its weak point (the notch), no stronger than an un-notched 2x4. Or am I missing something?

Alternately, if I wanted a heavier "look", how about gluing/screwing two 2x4s together for the post (one shorted than the other to effectively create the notch)?

It's not a question of cost, it's just the thought of sawing notches in 14 ipe posts that gives me heartburn.

NOWHERE have I seen anything but 4x4s (or occasionally 4x6s) used for posts. Is it just a code thing?

Yes, I've seen the approach of wrapping PT 4x4s with ipe but that sounds pretty labor-intensive also.

All comments, recommendations, testimonials, even criticism for my laziness will be appreciated.

-Gary

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Comments (5)

deckman22
16 years ago
I would go with the 3/4" pipes. Notching 4x4's is no big deal, go with them. 2x4's imo would look funny for post, two together would look worse.

Al
john_hyatt
16 years ago
Its a little too late to install your posts inside the frame,like I do,with the decking down.

I have used 3/4 copper pipe in the rail system coming out with a nice look installed with shop made conectors. Side Note>> twp 116 will work on copperInstaling your posts to the rim joist using 2x4 flat ways is a bad idea. The Joe has a few projects out with the ipe 2x4s at a 90.

Its always a good idea to visit the premit store before you start your project.

I am thinking your missing a lot of things. John
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skregg
16 years ago
If its not too late, just notch the 4 x 4 post you lazy !@#$!@%. Its not that hard, I assume you have a saw and chisel to finish it up nicely. Why make your project look cheesy just to save an hour or two of labor?
ahren
16 years ago
I agree w/ these other guys. Notch the 4x4s. Laminating two 2x4s together will look dumb, because of the eased edges. It's really not that hard to do. In my state, I wouldn't be able to get away with using copper pipe in the rails. (Well, if the deck is more than 30" off the ground, anyway). They get really anal around here about rail strength. Any part of the rail is supposed to be able to withstand a point load of 200 lbs. in any direction. Copper isn't strong enough to do that.
stu_r
16 years ago
I put a dado blade in my table saw to notch the 4x4 posts. That made for very quick and precise work !

Good Luck!
Stu

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