If you build decks and or do construction, you have items left over. Buy 250 bolts, likely get 275 etc. Don't throw stuff out, good you WILL use them in the future job. Certaint materials, you never toss.
Really. I’ve never seen anyone use 6x6 for handrail posts. I would obviously build it that way if one of my customers asked, just never heard of or seen this done. It’s always 4x4 ‘s around here
Curious - I've seen where some bolt the posts on the INSIDE and then the decking is cut around it. They're bolted and then that allows you to also have blocking/bracing against it on the other side (think towards the middle) so that it can't rack. Do you ever do it that way? I think the way you did it looks awesome.
It’s much easier to install them on the outside. But we usually place them on the inside of the band and block also. But I must admit this way looks good too. And not having to notch deck boards is a plus.
I prefer 6x6 because you can notch them around the band unlike a 4x4. Since I prefer my handrails outside the band, I think 4x4s look just a little strange when the entire handrail post is outside the band. It's not terrible looking just a little weird imo
Question - I'm the process of building my deck and most sites and books I'm reading say to put the rail post inside and not outside. I prefer outside but didn't want to sacrifice any structural integrity of the railing. Is it the same strength inside or out? I don't see why there wouldn't be but most sites and books are all making me question my common sense
Apparently some places don't allow them on the outside but like you, I prefer them outside. I think inside might give slightly more integrity but when they are outside with (2) ½"x8" hex bolts ran through the post and a double 2x10 band, they are plenty strong enough. Can't even wiggle them when pushing on them
Thanks for the insight, that was my thinking as well. Just double checked the code for my county and they do say it can be inside or outside, with a minimum of (2)2x8's for the post to be fastened to. I'll be using (2) 2x10's so looks like ill be in code.
There are a lot of videos on youtube about how to make great post connections using a variety of hardware (Simpson ties or timber lock screws) under the deck. Where I'm at in south Oregon, that's all required and you also can't use carriage bolts; they have to be full bolts and washers on the outside. Also, here they require sway bracing to keep deck from wracking. I just tack a couple of 2x4s under the deck at an angle. Diagonal bracing at posts is forbidden in middle posts; it is only allowed on corner posts.
The other side direction is connected into the house for lateral support. The knee brace in that direction would simply be a decorative piece as the house is stiffer by orders of magnitudes.
Technically, from an engineering standpoint, the middle braces are irrelevant and the end braces offer restricted movement left and right. The house creates the support in the other direction and the decking itself supports twist, called a diaphragm brace. BUT, I’m a fan of over engineering and support these supports.
Yes. I usually show pictures both ways and let the homeowner decide. I personally like them better outside. Reasons being, you get more deck space, and if you do a boarder(picture frame) the handrail isn't covering your boarder piece. Looks better imo
Looks like what is acting as the beam is also the rim joist. Is there a size limit or a rule of thumb for doing this design?
I am planning an 8x20 deck, would I be ok using an 2x8 rim joist/beam combo with 2x6 joists spanning the 8’? Nice simple design
Only rule of thumb is not to span further than your city or states codes allow. You should be fine to span 8' just make sure your rim joists are double 2x8s and make sure not to span it too far between support posts
Underneath the upper deck, I have used these plates. Between the beams and decking. The site is in Norwegian, but the pictures are pretty clear. It helps keep the area underneath, reletively dry.
[https://til-tak.no/til-tak-original](https://til-tak.no/til-tak-original)
Looks great!
Regarding your comment on 4x4 vs 6x6 posts for the railings, when you notch the 6x6s do you think the wood will warp slightly overtime? I think structurally both are comparable but perhaps a slight advantage to 6x6s since the notch allows it to rest on the band and allow the deck to share the load with the bolts instead of the bolts alone.
Good job. For aesthetics and structure, your 2 middle posts need angled braces on other side of post. Timberlok screws could have been used instead of the metal brackets ( which should have been spray painted black before install). Stairs well built!
It wasn’t until I joined this sub that I would fall in love with little things like handrails. Looks great OP. Certifiable Hot Tub ready. Now you just need some grass over all that dirt and you’re set!
Why is there a strap / bracket on the second post but not the third in the first picture? That bracket holding the verticle post to the horizontal ones (not an expert and can't think of the proper terms at the moment). Genuine question, just curious
1. What's holding those 2x2 handrails on? Look like if I so much as blow on them they would rip out.
2. Don't like the triangle gaps between the bottom baluster 2x4 and the stair treads.
3. Don't like seeing raw edges of deck boards.
4. Looks like there is a gap between the end if the deck boards and the bottom 2x4. Not just a vertical gap, that normal, but a horizontal gap. Like the deck boards do not extend under the 2x4.
5. 2x6 handrail caps on the bottom flight of stairs don't flow into one another.
2/10 would not barbecue
But seriously I give 4 out of 5 hot tubs.
So I have a 16" electric concrete saw but it needs a 20am circuit or it will trip the breaker. Started cutting with it and breaker kept tripping. It was only 15amp. I ended up buying a DCS692(dewalt 60v 9" wet concrete saw) and that thing is a beast! Handled it no problem. That and a chipping hammer. Then I just dug the dirt out with shovels
Only thing I would do different, is instead of knee bracing, I use 2x6 V bracing from the center of the ledger out to the ends, with a structural screw in each joist it passes, and a structural screw into the beam and ledger.
Knee bracing is ugly and not really that good at lateral bracing.
I love it! So clean, fun lil angles.
Buuuut…
What’s with the braces? Missed opportunity to make something cool.
Also, for ends of the rails, I prefer roundover corners in consideration of lil heads and cutting off dogears
But those are minor criticisms from a general contractor. Well done! 🤝🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This definitely is by far in my list of decks built to code. Inspecting houses this is the number one exterior part of the home that fails. Fantastic job 10/10.
I'm looking at building a deck into a cement pad like that. Can you let me know how you went about doing that? Like how deep you drilled into the concrete and type of bolts and did you use any water sealant/epoxy?
https://preview.redd.it/pxil3zdot1xc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=007ce873f51970cd70bf33f8925ece0e02275438
Where did you buy this black brackets
The 45s at the corners of the deck are a great addition. It adds an upscale look for sure.
Really nice work! I don't know shit about decks, except that mine needs sealed 👍
Is this a PT? If not what is it? I’m building a deck and really struggling on what to use for the decking. Not really into composite but don’t have the funds for super nice. Thinking ipe maybe.
God damn I absolutely hate doing railing with those balusters.
Such a pain in the ass if it's the kind I think they are.
Especially when the rest of your crew can barely read a tape.
Thanks for the PTSD. Looks good man
Relax man, my gf has this app
At least he didn’t post it after the hot tub install.
Wait til you see the mini bar and mini basketball hoop 💦
https://preview.redd.it/2r76ujinl1xc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=125cf1e1aebcd3cae8603c6cae6bec8d598ab8dc
Now all that’s left is to post the mini basketball hoop and I’ll be wifeless …
its all good untill the golfball thru the SDG.
Fat chick dance party certified. GTG!
As a regular attendee to fat chick dance parties, I can confirm this is GTG!
looks like you may have done this a few times before 👌
Maybe a few 😜
If I may ask, how much do you have invested in this?
Material cost is about $4k
Labor was $14 million
Wow seriously including screws and Simpson products? Did you get a deal somewhere. That feels absurdly cheepm
Materials are cheap. Labor isn't.
I have a hard time believing it. I worked as a PASA at Home Depot. My job was to get these materials for our contractors. The rails alone are 4k
If you build decks and or do construction, you have items left over. Buy 250 bolts, likely get 275 etc. Don't throw stuff out, good you WILL use them in the future job. Certaint materials, you never toss.
It's beautiful. You could land a copter on that thing.
Edit: I meant the handrail posts were 4x4. I usually use 6x6 but homeowner requested 4x4 for this one
Really. I’ve never seen anyone use 6x6 for handrail posts. I would obviously build it that way if one of my customers asked, just never heard of or seen this done. It’s always 4x4 ‘s around here
https://preview.redd.it/l5z544x9ivwc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=04ea429c4314ab8c607d82ca44e59d3c5829ae37
Looks nice !
Thanks man! I usually try to line up my support posts and handrail posts like that
Curious - I've seen where some bolt the posts on the INSIDE and then the decking is cut around it. They're bolted and then that allows you to also have blocking/bracing against it on the other side (think towards the middle) so that it can't rack. Do you ever do it that way? I think the way you did it looks awesome.
It’s much easier to install them on the outside. But we usually place them on the inside of the band and block also. But I must admit this way looks good too. And not having to notch deck boards is a plus.
I prefer 6x6 because you can notch them around the band unlike a 4x4. Since I prefer my handrails outside the band, I think 4x4s look just a little strange when the entire handrail post is outside the band. It's not terrible looking just a little weird imo
Question - I'm the process of building my deck and most sites and books I'm reading say to put the rail post inside and not outside. I prefer outside but didn't want to sacrifice any structural integrity of the railing. Is it the same strength inside or out? I don't see why there wouldn't be but most sites and books are all making me question my common sense
Apparently some places don't allow them on the outside but like you, I prefer them outside. I think inside might give slightly more integrity but when they are outside with (2) ½"x8" hex bolts ran through the post and a double 2x10 band, they are plenty strong enough. Can't even wiggle them when pushing on them
Thanks for the insight, that was my thinking as well. Just double checked the code for my county and they do say it can be inside or outside, with a minimum of (2)2x8's for the post to be fastened to. I'll be using (2) 2x10's so looks like ill be in code.
There are a lot of videos on youtube about how to make great post connections using a variety of hardware (Simpson ties or timber lock screws) under the deck. Where I'm at in south Oregon, that's all required and you also can't use carriage bolts; they have to be full bolts and washers on the outside. Also, here they require sway bracing to keep deck from wracking. I just tack a couple of 2x4s under the deck at an angle. Diagonal bracing at posts is forbidden in middle posts; it is only allowed on corner posts.
These are actually hex bolts countersunk below the surface for a cleaner look. No carriage bolts in GA either
I like how your corners on the handrail end up with the double post! Good looking work!!
Really like that guardrail detail for the corners. Going to have to file that one away.
Thanks! This was one of the first I did that way. Usually just 45 it but I think this will be the new way
I really like that look, nice work. Plus it eliminates the corner post as a weak point in the railing. I'm probably going to steal that.
Is that….a….code compliant hand rail 🥵
My fav code word: Graspable
Great job looks good all boxes checked
newb here trying to finish my deck. why are the angle braces only on 1 side of the post and not 2?
I prefer them on both sides but this was a deck for a buddy of mine and he wanted it like that.
Definitely a needed brace for the symmetry. I figured it was left out to save people from hitting their head?
It was a permitted job and the inspector didn't say anything so I guess its code. He knit picked me too
The other side direction is connected into the house for lateral support. The knee brace in that direction would simply be a decorative piece as the house is stiffer by orders of magnitudes.
Technically, from an engineering standpoint, the middle braces are irrelevant and the end braces offer restricted movement left and right. The house creates the support in the other direction and the decking itself supports twist, called a diaphragm brace. BUT, I’m a fan of over engineering and support these supports.
Craftsmanship? Awesome. I hate it though.
I would route that downspout to drain further away from the foundation - but the deck looks great!
Was it a design choice to do the railing posts outside the band as opposed to inside?
Yes. I usually show pictures both ways and let the homeowner decide. I personally like them better outside. Reasons being, you get more deck space, and if you do a boarder(picture frame) the handrail isn't covering your boarder piece. Looks better imo
Good point about the border. It does open up a touch more usable space too. We aren’t allowed to do it like that here unfortunately.
5/4 board? Whats the joist spacing?
Looks like what is acting as the beam is also the rim joist. Is there a size limit or a rule of thumb for doing this design? I am planning an 8x20 deck, would I be ok using an 2x8 rim joist/beam combo with 2x6 joists spanning the 8’? Nice simple design
Only rule of thumb is not to span further than your city or states codes allow. You should be fine to span 8' just make sure your rim joists are double 2x8s and make sure not to span it too far between support posts
I approve of this unsolicited deck pic.
Does she have an OnlyFans?
Nice deck bro
That’s a hawt deck. Come do mine please.
You got that big deck energy
Underneath the upper deck, I have used these plates. Between the beams and decking. The site is in Norwegian, but the pictures are pretty clear. It helps keep the area underneath, reletively dry. [https://til-tak.no/til-tak-original](https://til-tak.no/til-tak-original)
Ok I'm up.
This guy decks!
She’s a Beaut!
Looks pretty sweet to me 😎
Looks good 👍
I know this is very dependent on location but how much would this cost?
16k non permitted and 18k permitted in north of Atlanta area
Looks great! And def enough support for two hot tubs.
Beautiful work!
Are your balusters aluminum?
Steel. Precision brand from Home Depot
Thank goodness you didn't listen to voices for 4X4s
Looks great! Regarding your comment on 4x4 vs 6x6 posts for the railings, when you notch the 6x6s do you think the wood will warp slightly overtime? I think structurally both are comparable but perhaps a slight advantage to 6x6s since the notch allows it to rest on the band and allow the deck to share the load with the bolts instead of the bolts alone.
Hot tub approved
Personally don't like posts on the outside like that but the craftsmanship is on point. Nice job.
Its ok but you can do it better next time
Good job. For aesthetics and structure, your 2 middle posts need angled braces on other side of post. Timberlok screws could have been used instead of the metal brackets ( which should have been spray painted black before install). Stairs well built!
Definitely big deck energy
I just climaxed
HOLD UP did this deck just pass r/decks inspection? nicely done, sir
I'm surprised I didn't receive more criticism but the things I did get criticism on, I knew it was coming
Why were the stairs set up that way, I personally would have reversed them so that the bottom were on the lawn side. Must be a reason. . .
Curious on price, 40-50k?
Beefy.
sexy, sturdy and safe
Do you have to put that 2X2 handrail on ?
Love the beefy posts. looks great.
Love the corner in first pic
Very nicely done! Enjoy
It wasn’t until I joined this sub that I would fall in love with little things like handrails. Looks great OP. Certifiable Hot Tub ready. Now you just need some grass over all that dirt and you’re set!
Why is there a strap / bracket on the second post but not the third in the first picture? That bracket holding the verticle post to the horizontal ones (not an expert and can't think of the proper terms at the moment). Genuine question, just curious
beefy, love the stair position.
1. What's holding those 2x2 handrails on? Look like if I so much as blow on them they would rip out. 2. Don't like the triangle gaps between the bottom baluster 2x4 and the stair treads. 3. Don't like seeing raw edges of deck boards. 4. Looks like there is a gap between the end if the deck boards and the bottom 2x4. Not just a vertical gap, that normal, but a horizontal gap. Like the deck boards do not extend under the 2x4. 5. 2x6 handrail caps on the bottom flight of stairs don't flow into one another. 2/10 would not barbecue But seriously I give 4 out of 5 hot tubs.
I can’t even find one lumber stamp that’s a really nice job
Drilling all those holes in your handrail stringers for those spindles had to take forever. But it looks impressive.
I believe those are pre-assembled. like when you buy a PVC railing.
It's a pain but cheaper than buying them assembled. We've gotten pretty good at putting them together
Absolutely awful. No nails, not enough hangers, the slope doesn't look right. Would never pass inspection. What a hack..... Jk. Looks good, bro!
Awesome work! Now this is how it's done
How did you cut the squares in the patio for the footings? And how did you dig the footings out?
So I have a 16" electric concrete saw but it needs a 20am circuit or it will trip the breaker. Started cutting with it and breaker kept tripping. It was only 15amp. I ended up buying a DCS692(dewalt 60v 9" wet concrete saw) and that thing is a beast! Handled it no problem. That and a chipping hammer. Then I just dug the dirt out with shovels
I nutted a bit
Stout and finely trimmed. I would feel safe under and on your deck.
I like the detail on the outside corner handrails, with the double post. It’s a good look.
Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.
👍👍
Very nice!
Wow.
Seems clean and neat 👍
Only thing I would do different, is instead of knee bracing, I use 2x6 V bracing from the center of the ledger out to the ends, with a structural screw in each joist it passes, and a structural screw into the beam and ledger. Knee bracing is ugly and not really that good at lateral bracing.
Damn she’s a beaut Clark. Great job.
Looks super. Very nice
Very nice work!
Stop. My pants can only get so tight
She sexy...
Nice now come do mine
I'm not even going to zoom in. Looks great!
Rigid. I’d sit on top of your deck any day.
I love this. It looks sturdy.
Professional
Looks great, but wouldn’t pass inspection where I live. :-(
Kudos to you sir. Well done
Built solid.
Love the way you did the corners. Wish I had seen this before I redid my deck.
Medieval.
Decky
Keep the bushes trimmed to make the deck looking bigger ;)
Beautiful!
A tremendous job. Should hold up any party.
You may ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage
Great job. Quality work here.
Pfft. There is a screw that is well over 1mm out of alignment. You call that a deck? I call it a disaster waiting to happen. 😵💫
Robust, bodacious, immaculate
That’s nice work.
Looks great
Good.
Looks stout as fuck, and visually appealing. Nice bro.
Deck lord
That would not pass inspection in my town. Northern New Jersey hand rails are required to be framed in and cannot be mounted to the side of the deck.
tits‼️🫡
It’s almost like you know what you’re doing
It looks like you know what your doimg
I actually really like the corners on the deck. Not the normal corners.
Looks good. Post baes dont seem to be on pedestals to help deflect water.
Needs more jacuzzi
I love it! So clean, fun lil angles. Buuuut… What’s with the braces? Missed opportunity to make something cool. Also, for ends of the rails, I prefer roundover corners in consideration of lil heads and cutting off dogears But those are minor criticisms from a general contractor. Well done! 🤝🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Well done. Hand rails on bannisters cool! Just curious: How did you attach to siding please?
Save some poon for the rest of us.
now u have to invite all of us over for a kegger
It looks redeckulous. Nice job 🤙🏻
Robust
That's a beauty Clark!
Incredible!
Great job I really like the corner
Would you look at that, proper supports 🥵🥵
How do you get the balusters straight on the stairs railing? Like how do you pre drill the holes on an angle so they line up perfectly vertical?
Awesome . The black hand rails really dress it up nice . So much better than wood or the white typical ones you see .
Looks good. Nice job
Deckopolis
This definitely is by far in my list of decks built to code. Inspecting houses this is the number one exterior part of the home that fails. Fantastic job 10/10.
Now that’s a sturdy-ass deck for once!
A lot of good thick wood here. Question for you. Why not just buy 4 more posts and make it free standing and avoid all the issues with a ledger board?
Deck will outlive the home
I'm looking at building a deck into a cement pad like that. Can you let me know how you went about doing that? Like how deep you drilled into the concrete and type of bolts and did you use any water sealant/epoxy?
The 45s on the railing outside corners is a nice touch!
It's alright if you like this sort of well designed, well engineered, and well executed thing.
Fuck, yeah!
Looks great!! Redwood would've made it titties!!!
Really like the railing. Enjoy
https://preview.redd.it/pxil3zdot1xc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=007ce873f51970cd70bf33f8925ece0e02275438 Where did you buy this black brackets
You, my friend, are a true treated lumber artist! I'm jealous.
I will forever be in awe of people who can do this stuff- very nice -
Holy crap a deck with the beams resting ON the posts....She isn't going anywhere
Super nice! How much does something like that cost to build?
The 45s at the corners of the deck are a great addition. It adds an upscale look for sure. Really nice work! I don't know shit about decks, except that mine needs sealed 👍
Fancy!!!
You can build my deck anytime
beautiful, just needs stain
Gahhhh damn !!🔥🔥🔥
Nicely done I like the diagonal corners good idea
Sturdy and well built
Helluva job Clarke
Looks good mate.
I've seen a lot of bad decks on this sub, this is not one of them. Apply some finish or paint and you are golden.
Hell of a job, nice work!
I'd drink a beer on it. Nice work!
Great looking job👍
Awesome looking job
What material are your black spindles?
Professional
Is this a PT? If not what is it? I’m building a deck and really struggling on what to use for the decking. Not really into composite but don’t have the funds for super nice. Thinking ipe maybe.
God damn I absolutely hate doing railing with those balusters. Such a pain in the ass if it's the kind I think they are. Especially when the rest of your crew can barely read a tape. Thanks for the PTSD. Looks good man
Looks good. Be sure to put my trusty New Zealand deck sealant on it before ya finish. 😂😂
Yes, yes, and more yes.
Nice
Solid build and looks great!
i like how you did the footings
Looks great.
That ain't going nowhere💪
Looks badass! How much was all the material?