I have a deck I am going to put a roof over. It has 4x4s for vertical supports that I need to extend upward to attach my trusses to. What is the best way to connect two vertical 4x4s?
Tell me more
×
Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for
contractors and serious DIYers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
|
|
Current accepted practice that meets code in NC and is hurricane wind rated - cut a rabbet 24 inches in each piece. Sandwich the rabbet joint between 2 - 18 inch steel plates (galv for coastline) thru bolted with 4 equally spaced bolts. Old method - 12 inch rabbet with 2 - 24 inch steel plates. 2 bolts thru the rabbet and 1 bolt above and below the joint. I think the old method is stronger esp. for sheer but code is code. |
|||
|
|
|
While it may not be the "right" thing to do, you can definitely connect them without creating too much of a weak point. Replacing them completely will look more streamlined and will be stronger. However, if it would be indefeasible to do so (it'd practically be like re-building the deck) you can minimize the shear weakness by doweling the connection. You'll probably want the dowel to go about 4 inches deep in each side, and you'll want a good sized dowel. Make sure to use a template when drilling so that the 4x4's line up well. Chances are there will still be a lip where the two meet though, and you might want put some trim on that. You could consider a metal dowel too, just check out the galvanized rod in your local hardware store's metal department. Alternatively, you could make the supports sorta architectural looking by cutting 2 4x4's so that they meet in a V into your existing post:
|
|||
|
|
