Building A Deck
Deck building detail pages:
Footings & Posts
Footings transfer loads from the deck framing to the ground and should be securely anchored to resist uplift. Posts support the beams and transfer deck loads to the footings. See the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide for footing requirements, typical footing options, footing sizes and post requirements. Deck posts are generally solid-sawn timbers, but may also be glued-laminated timber or structural composite lumber. Solid-sawn timber deck posts must be 6x6 (nominal) or larger in size, and are limited to a maximum height of 14 feet to the underside of the beam. Diagonal bracing is required for decks greater than two feet above ground.
Posts
|
Selection |
6x6 Southern Pine No.2 |
6x6 Southern Pine No.1
Glued-laminated timber or structural composite lumber to size. |
|
Installation |
14-foot maximum height |
Posts with higher load capacities carry heavier loads and provide added stability. |
|
Durability |
Pressure treated for Ground Contact Use |
Pressure treated for Ground Contact Use |
|
Support posts can be notched within limits to accommodate bearing for the beam. However, notching may expose untreated wood to decay. Notching also reduces the post cross section, thus reducing strength. To avoid notching, use a post cap connector to attach the beam directly on top of
the post. If high lateral loads are anticipated (wind or seismic), notching is prohibited.
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