Deck Framing Made Stronger with Connector Clips
This past week, we looked at an example of using connector clips at the end of 2×4 boards to connect horizontal framing members to vertical posts. These clips provide an alternative to traditional toenailing joints. In this type of configuration, toenailing joints will run inline or slightly perpendicular but almost parallel to the grain of the horizontal boards and then connect into the perpendicular grain of the adjacent post. One of the advantages of these clips is that they allow for a fastening location and join boards in a cross grain type of position. That is a stronger context.
Fastening across the grain is stronger not just at the time the original installation, but particularly over time. In the picture below, you can see a rated screw has been applied into the edge of the perpendicular or horizontal running 2×4 board. This type of grain positioning, relative to the fastener, provides better shear strength and better resistance to the forces of uplift.
Wind naturally flows around decks and buildings, almost like a fluid. Under extreme conditions, the uplift forces in wind can cause a deck to separate from the building and from its base mooring substructure. Often in building construction, people think of the structural aspects related to maintaining this form in a vertical position, essentially resistant to collapse. For decks, it’s almost as big of a concern though that the deck be able to prevent uplift and detachment. To a degree, the typical fastening type of connection can resist or prevent uplift forces, but in most cases structural ties create a higher level of resistance.
The picture below looks downwards at the base of the post, where they post extends above the walking surface of the deck. You can see the lower horizontal framing 2×4. This 2×4 board allows a connection point for the vertical balusters and the overall balustrade system of the guardrail. Here at the edge of the 2×4, you can see there’s another steel connector tie attached between the 2×4 and the vertical 4×4 post. Connections at all of these similar points create a better overall continuity and integral connectivity.
A picture of the next adjacent post follows below. At this particular location, since it’s in line, not at a corner, you can see the 2×4 horizontal framing members in line with each other on each side of the 4×4 post. Not just at the guardrail, but also at the frame of the deck flooring, the 4×4 post provides the support. In many cases, particularly at larger decks, we will often recommend the use of 6×6 posts instead of 4×4 wooden posts.
In both cases, these posts are made from pressure treated southern yellow pine. This is a common wood framing material in our area. Here in the heart of Washington DC, we’ll see examples of decks that are built with steel frames as well. Both types of materials have sufficient capacity but stick frame wooden decks are a bit more common because the materials are more readily available and can be easily customized on site.
The vast variety of different shapes and sizes of the details are easily modified and customized at the time of installation. Steel decks, by comparison, can have small modifications and additions or elements added at the time of installation. Often though, many of the larger components of steel decks are fabricated off site. The large portion of this off-site fabrication happens before installation. In fact, in most cases we will fabricate as much of the steel structural components off site as possible prior to installation and then transport those items to site ready to reassemble and weld into their permanent position.
A picture of the guardrail at the side of the deck follows below. Here, you can see, there is a bottom sub Rail and a top sub rail below the top of the Guard rail. The section is basically duplicated to be installed on each side of the guardrail post. In total there are eight connectors used, at each end of the four sub rails.
Use a contractor who understands and cares about doing things right. Always, feel free to reach out to us here at Dupont Decks and Patios. We are happy to help with almost all steps of the deck building and design process. A backyard and outdoor space should make a significant, positive impact on both quality of life and home value. We can help with more than just decks, we also build patios, pergolas, ramadas, awnings, gazebos, arbors, and privacy fences.
Let us know about your ideas and talk to us if you have questions about possibilities. We are happy to participate in improving your outdoor space and quality of life! You can call us at (202) 774-9128. You can find us online at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com and you can email us there as well at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com/contact-us
