Hi All,
Just wanted to get an idea as to how built-up deck beams are joined together. I have to put together a beam just under 16′ and made up of 2 – 2″x10’s.
My plan is to include a spacer in between the beam for drainage as I’ve seen in the FHB Porches and Decks book for Pros. Can I just nail the two beams together through the spacer? It seems to me that carriage bolts would be overkill here…
Thanks,
Dave
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I have not seen the article you are referring to, so I don't know how much of the gap is spacer, and how much is space. If there is more space than spacer, youi only have a limited area for fasteners. I would use a few nails during construction of the assembly, then fill in with 3/8" galvanized hex bolts. I would not use carriage bolt cuz then you are relying on the wood to keep the head end from spinning ... I would use hex bolts with washers on both ends, then you can put a wrench on both ends while you tighten the bolts.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
What Ed said, if the space is bigger than 1" so you wouldn't be able to get good nail penetration. If you're using 3/8" to 1" spacers, I'd just nail it. I often space beams or joists to double as support for railing posts, so I through-bolt through the posts.
Mike
Another thought. Use a short stack of large galvanized washers for the spacers. Maybe 3-4 per bolt.
Or go to Walmart and buy a couple of plastic cutting boards ... not the hard brittle ones, but the ones that have just a little give to them. They are a little thicker and usually not transparent. Use a hole saw to cut out a bunch of disks and thread one on each bolt. That will give you about a 3/8" gap, they wonb't rust, and they won't react with the acq wood.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Grace has a line of products specifically for decks: http://www.graceathome.com/pages/deckingprod.htm
If the spacer is just for draining water, I'd prefer the vycor. It comes in a 3-4"wide roll; looks like it has a nylon webbing in the top to avoid mastication. Designed specifically to seal the tops of doubled framing members. Best to keep water out in the first place. Also, check out the price difference between HDG and stainless bolts. Probably not very much for the extra piece of mind. Or peace of mind.
Doug
Edited 5/15/2005 1:05 pm ET by DMCK52