Attaching wood post to flagstone
Hi all:
While working on a nearby job, a fellow came to me from up the street asking if I would build him a wood railing for his existing porch and steps made of concrete and topped with 2 inch flagstone.
The steps are already built, and I’m not perfectly thrilled with the idea of attaching two wood posts, which would have to be wrapped to create columns, to the flagstone.
All I can imagine at the moment is an epoxied threaded rod used to bolt down a hunk of pressure treated lumber. It doesn’t sound too strong to me, and I would worry about the lever effect and the possibility of the epoxy coming loose, etc.
Anyone done this before or know of a commercial solution?
John
Replies
You could get a core drill company to punch some pockets for your posts. I would still be nervous about wood in a hole like that. (unless you can get marine CCA ~2.5)
Aluminum posts would last longer.
I did a combination epoxied rod bored up into the post and epoxied down into the concrete under the sandstone tread and a post base anchor. You bolt down the post base (two per base), it lips up the sides of the post-you screw through to the post. The base I drilled oversize holes through the sandstone, used drop in anchors into the concrete and then long bolts from base to anchor. I covered all this with a post 'baseboard'-you are covering the entire post.
It has held up well and not fractured the corner of the sandstone. I caution you to not get out right near the corner. I filled the oversize holes with flexible caulk b/4 torqueing down the bolt.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
What size threaded rod did you use, and how long was it sticking out of the tread? Was the final product secure, or did it rock a little.I'm really not getting a great feeling about this project...
I'm remembering from 3-4 yrs ago.
I have a 24'' 3/4 '' bit--used 1/2'' rod.
Bored as far as the chuck would allow. Injected epoxy into the hole and on the rod as I tapped it home. Had maybe 10'' embedded into the concrete/sandstone. Drilled more oversize for that and epoxied the hole and along the rod as it was inserted.
Then I mounted the post to the bracket (bracket was mounted first-had an inch hole in its center.)
Very solid after epoxy cure and still solid today.
It surprised me-I had even given the disclaimer. Remember, granny probably will be using this for balance and aid to get up those steps. Whole rail was up 4-5 risers I think.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/