I was asked to look at NEW deck (I am guessing within the last 6 months). The “contract” has since left town along with the HO’s ladder and a ladder that the HO had borrowed for other work that the HO was doing outside the deck work. Apparent an “mistake” on the contractors part, but just shows his attentatiness to the job.
Lots of things on it that I don’t think that where well done, but with the inspection and the contractor gone it isn’t going to get rebuilt.
But the problem that I as asked to look at was one of the railing post.
It is in the middle on one end and just nailed to the last joist. It flopps around like a piece of pasta cooked for about an hour.
If I can find some space between the 50 nails that the drove I am going to through bolt it to the joist. But that is not the real problem.
The problem is that is nothing to keep the joist from just twisting as force is put on the post.
I was planning on putting a row of solid blocking between in the last 2 bays by the post. Then run a 2by flat on the bottom, perpendicular to the joist, nailing into both the joist and blocking.
Do you think that 2 bays is enough? Anyother ideas?
A post to the ground, would be ideal, but would major surgery on the deck.
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Sounds tough but I think your on the right track. I might run two rows of bridging either side of the post about 16" apart along with your bottom 2 x 4's.
Is there any way you can replace the post so as not to have all those nails,( they'll be an issue later)?
Make sure, as we all know will happen, you don't get saddled with full ownership of the deck.
That is exactly what I have done on many decks. Works just fine. If the post is riddled with nails, R&R it with new,and bolt it like you know it needs.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Make a sweet noise, it might be the last sound you hear
Do you think on row across 2 bays is enough? or more bays or more rows?
2 bays would probably work, but why take a chance and posibly have to redo it? I take it 4-5 bays
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
I agree with Bob, a little more work, a lot more easy sleeping at night.
After all, y got all tools out and such. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Make a sweet noise, it might be the last sound you hear
If it's at least fastened to the joist, and not simply toenailed to the deck or some such, you're a bit ahead. Adding solid blocking (with some Simpson corner reenforcers or some such to hold them) should make a world of difference. Simply installing a good piece of solid blocking, solidly attached, between the end joist where the post is and the next one should be all that's needed (besides the through bolt), assuming that the joists are at least well fastened to the decking. (A couple of deck screws into the joists from above might be wise, if the decking is otherwise nailed.)
(Also put a few screws through the decking into the piece of blocking.)
Edited 7/17/2005 4:30 pm ET by DanH