Decking posts with pocket holes

[Steven Power]

I know it wouldn't be the strongest method in the world, but has anyone used pocket holes to secure the posts used to make a deck railing.

I will be using 4 by 3.5 posts (couldn't get 4x4) and want to know if anyone has used say 3 inch screws in a pocket hole slot to secure the posts down to the decking.

The railing is more for decoration then safety and is going on an already made deck so lifting up boards to create notches will be the last straw.

What does everyone think?? a pocket hole with a 3 inch screw on each side of a post?

[Ken Darga]

Steven,

There have been some discussions, on the matter.

You might try the ''search'' feature, located in the Upr Rh corner of this page.

The 4x4 upright deck posts need to secured to the ''joists'', located under the deck boards.

Post and rails are subjected to forces that will eventually result in the screws pulling out from the deck boards.

LONG structural screws are needed, that will pass thru the deck boards and engage into the joists.

Another option--- install metal deck post supports to the deck boards.

Secure the supports to the deck and insert the posts into the supports---

fasten with applicable screws.

Ex:

 ,  ,  ,  , 

or the like.

[Steven Power]

Thanks for the reply Ken, I did a search but wasn't too sure if others meant the same thing, I had considered brackets but the client thinks they might ruin the look of the railing and bolt-wise the location of the support posts are directly underneath where I need to go so its finding that alternative solution.

[Ken Darga]

Steven,

Posts must be securely anchored---

for construction strength and safety issues.

Elevated deck construction, must meet local and applicable codes---it's a safety issue.

Check with your local code authorities--community, and the like.

Talk with your local inspectors, maybe they can advise as to what acceptable in your locale.

The photo's I've posted, that meet construction codes, and most applicable codes.

If it's an appearance issue, look closely at my last photo---those anchor plates are available at suppliers that sell deck construction materials.  Hopefully, you can find them in your area.

You wrote

>>>...The railing is more for decoration then safety.../span>

SAFETY is a BIG issue!---

it's a ''liability'' issue.

 

 

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Steven, My concern for any post railing construction is safety.  There is really no such thing as one constructed for decoration, as if it is a railing or post that is in view will invite a person to lean on it.  They will do this without thinking and if not safe then it is an invitation for a libality issue.  I guess I would have to question my self as to where I would lean on it.  My thinking is that there is only one way to do something and that is to do it correctly and especially when it comes to a safety issue.

Even a deck that is low enough where codes do not require a post railing, should someone lean on one that is there for decoration, will suffer  the hazzards of falling on top of the failed railing or post rather that the flat ground and will do so at a harder fall that should they merely step off or loose their balance and fall off the decking.  The reason being that they will apply their weight onto the railing and fall full force before they have a chance to catch their balance and or prepare for the fall.

[Derek Gould]

I agree with the other comments;  the posts need to be securely attached. If it's not possible to run a through connection, then a good deck post bracket is the minimum you should use.

I've used Kreg screws to attach railings to posts; in my case I had two 2x6 railings with balusters, and I used 3 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws in each end of each rail. The result was very solid.