Free-standing deck with roof:
I was going to run 6×6 posts all the way from a concrete footing (with post connector) up to the roof. But I’d have to notch 3″ out of the posts for my deck beams. I don’t know how I feel about supporting the roof with a post that’s down to 2.5″ at that point.
Thoughts?
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I've never had the pleasure of building a free standing deck w/roof-so no real world knowledge. Outside of using post and beam (mortised connections like a peg'd barn) there's these un-thoughout ideas.
8x8 or 6x8 posts-strap anchors to piers-J-bolt down out of the bottom of the posts into the footing/pier? Your notched connections leave more meat in the larger posts.
Beam hangers off the posts? Combo- cut into the beam w/one member-turned in joist hanger for the other 1/2 fastened to the face of the post (no idea as to the feasibility of that one)?
How do you plan on dealing with sway (all directions)?
Might have to have an engineered drawing to comply with local codes.
I'll be putting in bracing for sway. It's no problem - I was just reading a guide as to how to build a deck according to the IRC.
I'll see what the city has to say for what they require for permitting, but I want to have a solid concept of what I'd like to see first.
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Deck technology has gone far in the time that decks have become popular and common place. So have the rules and regs.
Simpson is a good source for both hardware and backup engineering or at least tested products.
Just finished the frame on a large second story deck-supported by a 1400 lb/30 ft long I-beam on two steel posts. Framed, blocked.............and tied to house on long side and 2/3'rds of one short side. However, still sway at the steel (beyond the 2/3'rds house connection.
No Zmax lateral bracing available-used 2 let in diagonals angled across the bottom of the joists from post location back to house (opposing). Stiffened it up a whole lot. While the decking and ceiling below would have probably done much to firm it up, we elected to deal with the sway while in frame stage. A little late-later.
I have used cross bracing/diagonal pole to beam/3/8" ss cable with turnbuckle. You have many options including running the decking on angle.
Best of luck.
For our deck we notched the posts 1/2" and then used blocks of wood under the notches to achieve the rest of the needed bearing area.
Yeah, I'm thinking I should notch just 1.5" and then add a block.
That makes sense
You do need direct bearing for your beam, and blocking alongside the post all the way to the footing makes a ton of sense. Google dca6-09. It's an alternative, deck-specific code based on the IRC and put out by the American Wood Council. It's got great bracing details for free-standing decks, as well as a ton of other useful stuff.