4x4 to 2x6 setting

[Jens Jensen]

Embarrassed to ask

 

I need to put  a 30 inch post on a deck. I have 4x4 post and decking is 2x6, I'm using 2-1/2 inch screws,but getting tired of trying to figure it out and thought maybe someone else has done this.It will save me a lot of cut offs for samples.Wold like to do at least three screws around base.but maybe two wil be okay just so they are 90 degrees from each other

[Ken Darga]

Jens,

The 4x4 post, on your deck, needs to be secured ''solid''---without any potential size movement, from impact.

 

Deck posts will be subjected to side-to-side stress/impact.

 

I'd find a way to achieve a ''bolt-thru'' method of anchoring the 4x4 post.

 

Make an opening, in the deck board, the size of the 4x4 post.

Insert the post into the opening, with the bottom of the post end flush with the bottom edge of the joists.

Anchor the posts to the joists, located under the deck boards.

Secure the post with a minimum of (2) 3/8" bolts, at 90 degrees from each other.

The post needs to resist movement in all side-to-side directions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ray vile]

Hi Jens, I tried to send you a message about this but it don't seem to be working, I just tried to do this, I removed the jig from it's base, and clamped it to the end of a 4x4 I set the bottom of the jig 1'' from the end of the post, then I set the collar so the top of the collar was 1 1/4'' from the top of the bit, I tried it with 2 1/2 screws they were too long, I used 2'' and they looked just right, I would also drill 6 holes 2 holes each on opposing sides of the post and 1 hole in the center of the other 2 sides

 

 

[Mike Kahle]

If you do it like Ken said.... well even if you flush it to the top of the deck, or half and half, make sure to put spacer blocks between the joists. prevent the joists from bending, which in turn makes the railing less wobbly. learned that one when i built my first deck.

[Jens Jensen]

I have decided to notch the bottom of post so it has strength ,and the lag it to end of decking.This way it will have top bearing and side.I will shoot some pictures when finished.

 

Thanks for all suggestions guys

[Jens Jensen]

Thanks Ray  Like your hat is that for rain or sun
ray vile said:

Hi Jens, I tried to send you a message about this but it don't seem to be working, I just tried to do this, I removed the jig from it's base, and clamped it to the end of a 4x4 I set the bottom of the jig 1'' from the end of the post, then I set the collar so the top of the collar was 1 1/4'' from the top of the bit, I tried it with 2 1/2 screws they were too long, I used 2'' and they looked just right, I would also drill 6 holes 2 holes each on opposing sides of the post and 1 hole in the center of the other 2 sides

 

 

[Phil Luciani]

you really need to use lag screws or carriage bolts for a 4x4, 2 1/2" wood screws are not going to secure a 4x4 sufficiently. I know this is a Kreg fourm but sometimes you need a more heavy duty type fastener, especially a post for railings

[Jens Jensen]

I lagged it with 5 inch x 1/4

[Phil Luciani]

3/8" x 5" would be better. Notching the 4x4 around the deck framing or cutting a 3 1/2" square in the decking to slide the post down through and you could even add some blocking around the post underneath to stiffen it up and then lag it through the outside framing into the 4x4 with 2 galvanized lags with washers these are the two ways i have done it