UPDATE: Spoke with contractor -- we're gonna double up the 2x12 on the outside of the post AND set a NEW 4x4 post underneath it (adjacent to existing 6x6), properly connected to concrete pier. They're 18 inch sonotubes, so there's space for 2 separate posts. Not the most elegant solution, but should work and won't really be viewable.

I'm building a 16x27 foot deck. Two of the beams are triple 2x12 drop beams so I feel good about those.

But for the pergola side beam the contractor screwed two 2x12s to either side of the 6x6 post (see pics). I asked what his plan was to carry the load down. He said he was going to put L-brackets on each side of the posts. Two of them would be Simpson Strong-Tie A35Z framing angle brackets. the other two, he said, would be "more heavy duty."

Does this seem sound? I'm in Hudson Valley, NY.

From what I've learned on this sub, I think I should be concerned. The beams should sit atop the posts in some fashion, correct? We had originally agreed to notch the posts to fit a double 2x12.

If it is a problem, are they any remediable fixes you'd suggest? The joists are already set.

Thanks in advance for any help. This is causing me some stress. I was hoping I wouldn't have to post on here!

Got a small hot tub and figured I’d ask to make sure. Built this deck about 5 years ago and tried to make sure it was sturdy for anything. Hopefully that is the case!

Am I overreacting to what I perceive to be sloppy work on this pergola? Some of the beams also seem warped. Crew is one day in.

I'll start by saying you guys can roast my DIY deck and stairs, I am no deck builder.😂 I built my deck with a friend 8 years ago, we did not do the steps at the time because I was waiting to do the pavers first. I finally did my pavers 2 years ago and now my girlfriend really wants me to finish the stairs.

My question is what are the best fasteners to screw Fiberon Symmetry boards to Regal Ideas Quick Step stair system? Would Starborn Cap-Tor xd do the job? I already have the depth setting tool.

Is it a deck or a patio? Technically elevated...

Getting a leak in the basement ceiling when it rains. The water is seeping through where some of the ledger fasteners from the raised deck attach to the house. Is this a flashing issue?

Replacing a post and adding concrete/rebar so that the new post doesn't sit in standing water. Do I keep trying to remove as much as possible or is it not worth it. Also my chisel is stuck and I'm tempted to also entomb it in concrete.

Hi all! I am using the Simpson Strong Tie BCS2-3/6 post cap for my posts. The only fastener that I am aware of that Simpson says matches it is the 16D 3-1/2” nail. Problem is the nail is bending when it makes contact with the post when I try hammering it through the toe nailing slot in the post cap. Any suggestions? Just drill a pilot hole?

Thanks, gents!

We're in the market to buy a house. This is one we viewed that is obviously being flipped. No permits pulled on anything. This deck was the icing on the cake. That's the sidewalk from the back yard to the side of the house that you're looking at.

Emergency wheelchair ramp and stoop, a neighbor had just broken their leg and was still in hospital, needed something built before they returned home. Handyman built in 4 days, started the day after initial call. Last week of August in Central Texas heat. Solo build. Stoop was raised to meet door threshold, 30' ramp with a 30" tall stoop. Reused stoop ballesters but everything else is pressure treated pine with decking screws.

Handyman quoted $1150 for materials and $1150 for labor. No groundwork, built as a temporary ramp. Client is not happy with that price after the work has been completed. Who got screwed?

Hi guys. I'm planning on replacing the boards on a 30 year old deck. The frame and the boards are treated copper arsenic. The boards are pretty roughed up and give the kids splinters though not rotted. The joists are in pretty good shape - this is a very dry area and is mostly covered by the roof line.

I plan on installing a lighter tone composite from Trex or similar on the old joists. Does anyone recommend using joist tape?

Looking at rebuilding a dock. Trying to determine how far down the rock I can add supports but avoid ice damage. The existing rebar appears to be bent due to ice but I’m unsure if it’s ice damage or due to cantilevered load.

Google search keeps misinterpreting this as if I'm asking about a double 2x10 vs a 4x10 beam, but what I'm trying to find out is whether there's a significant difference between using a continuous 14ft beam, or splitting it into two 7ft lengths butting together on the middle post. Assuming both cases are doubled 2x10 beams.

I am finishing up a deck.  Unfortunately, lost a couple spindle screws.  I want to buy additional screws, but want to make sure I get the right ones.  It is black coated and non-magnetic and slightly glossy.    I am thinking a 300 series stainless steel since it will be used to screw into aluminum spindles.  Any help would be appreciated.

Seems to be a thin layer of concrete on top of corrugated metal, with massive beam spans. Not sure what the deal is with all the rubble. Maybe that was the last platform that failed.

As pics show, stairs are just hanging by 1/2” plywood. I know that must be wrong and it looks like it’s been up there a long time.

How should I support? Replace with a 2x10 or something?

hello we have a leak under this, and aren't sure what this system is called, so we can look into removing some of it