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Tips & Techniques

Make Sturdy Post Connections

Use galvanized threaded rods to stabilize the rail posts at the bottom of deck stairs.

Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
Click here to enlarge illustration. Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller.

I recently built a deck and used a pair of 1⁄2-in. galvanized threaded rods to stabilize the rail posts at the bottom of the stairs. This method with nuts and washers on both sides of the stringers creates a rock-solid post connection and uses easy-to-find, inexpensive hardware.

— Steve Beese; Winston-Salem, N.C.

From Fine Homebuilding #305

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  1. bobbomax | Dec 03, 2022 12:18am | #1

    This tip shows a 4x4 notched to accept a 2x. At the point of maximum stress, the 4x4 is only 2" thick.

    Most people knowledgeable about installing guard posts recommend against notching, for example, https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/rock-solid-guard-post-connections.

    1. mike_guertin | Dec 25, 2024 07:09pm | #2

      In addition, the 2021 IRC explicitly prohibits notching 4x4 guard posts.

  2. mike_guertin | Dec 26, 2024 10:26am | #3

    You can find additional methods of securing posts at the bottom of stair stringers here:
    A video we did about 5 years ago https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/building-strong-deck-stairs
    And a similar threaded rod method on the last page of this article from 2014 https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/9383/021248068.pdf

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