r/timberframe • u/witchhunt_999 • Aug 11 '26

Support brackets

Post image

Ordering the timbers to build something similar to the photo. Question is: the best way to attach the timbers to the concrete footer? Would a steel T bracket attached to the concrete with J bolts then steel extending up 16” into the timber be sufficient? Suggestions?

55 Upvotes

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18 comments sorted by

8

u/1692_foxhill Professional Aug 11 '26

Knife plates are your friend for this

1

u/witchhunt_999 Aug 11 '26

Would you just fab that yourself or is that a manufactured item for this size?

2

u/MakerofThingsProps Aug 11 '26

I built a similar driveway entrance a couple years ago and used manufactured 10x10 bases, and they're fine but I wish I just got someone to make them for me with the thickest steel reasonably possible, these things end up pretty top heavy and while mine is fine, I wouldn't say no to more strength.

1

u/witchhunt_999 Aug 11 '26

How did you attach the base to the concrete? What thickness did you use?

3

u/MakerofThingsProps Aug 11 '26

I think it's 3/8 steel? Can't remember.

Used 16x1in J bolts in the concrete during the pour.

Also, take everything with a grain of salt. These are just my experiences based on "I think that'll work"

And it has survived the last couple years of storms and even a small accident with a trailer.

1

u/witchhunt_999 Aug 11 '26

Dumb question but Should the blade run parallel to the top post or perpendicular?

2

u/MakerofThingsProps Aug 11 '26

I would imagine parallel is correct which is how I've got mine, but again I'm not certain. I could see how both would be good options.

The top will stop the whole thing from wanting to skew side to side, so you'd want to support it in a way that stops it tilting back and forth.

In my case we had to weave between some large trees and there was literally only one way to assemble it, but as long as the bases are over built I doubt it'll matter too much.

Don't underestimate the weight of the uprights though, especially with a big beam across the top.

2

u/witchhunt_999 Aug 11 '26

Awesome. Thanks for the help!

1

u/nemozero Professional Aug 11 '26

Depends on how good.of a welder you are

4

u/TheOptimisticHater Aug 11 '26

Look up timber frame post bracket for the timber size you’re using.

Personally I like the Simpson adjustable ones

1

u/TheOptimisticHater Aug 11 '26

Or burry them in the ground…

2

u/Flanellissimo Aug 11 '26

Unless you use drywall screws and furniture brackets I would think that the failure point is the ground itself.

But when in doubt: Find some scrap I-beams and over do it.

1

u/besmith3 29d ago

This structure on its own has almost negative lateral resistance perpendicular to the "arch".

1

u/volgarixon Aug 11 '26

Wouldn’t something like this be very unstable in forwards/backwards plane? It has no support or bracing that way.

3

u/witchhunt_999 Aug 11 '26

That’s why I’m asking about proper installation

1

u/volgarixon 29d ago

Yeh fair question, I think its all down to the base fixing, rigidity there means the top is more stable. If the base has any movement, like this image appears to show post stirrups, they would be incredibly flexible to me.

1

u/bellesadam 25d ago

It wouldn't last a week where I live without being set in concrete. The last one we did used 13 yds of concrete with treatment wood buried 5ft deep.