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Porches & Decks

Deck posts - 6x6 or 8x8

last year

Good Morning!

We are getting replacing our deck with a deck + covered, screened in patio. The deck is above ground with stairs leading to the ground level. The contractor has specified 3, 6x6 posts to hold the deck (attached to the house). Is there a reason why we can't use a 8x8 post?

How do I calculate how much weight the 3 posts can carry?

Thanks!

Comments (4)

millworkman
last year
" Is there a reason why we can't use a 8x8 post? "

No, just not as readily available and the grade may not look great if they are available.

" How do I calculate how much weight the 3 posts can carry? "

Math and knowing every last detail about the deck and how it would be constructed.
Kate
last year
Cost?
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3onthetree
last year
I don't know if the "covered, screened in patio" is on top of the deck, but either way if the 6x6 posts are designed appropriately for the loads, and you want the look of more substantial below-deck posts, then I would suggest just capping them with 1x to get whatever proportion you want.
Seabornman
last year
A 6x6 post in most situations will support a lot of weight. So it's probably the visual size you should be concerned with.

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