How do I combine two 6×6 posts?

In my experience, the most common and aesthetically pleasing way to do this would be a half-lap joint with fasteners connecting them (nails, screws, carriage bolts, pegs, etc). At this point you could also use Simpson tie connectors, or two angle braces.

How do you repair a rotting deck post?





The best way to repair rotted deck post is to replace it. If the post has been sunk into the ground and backfilled, you’ll need to excavate the entire post, remove it, and install concrete in a sonotube to above grade. You can then mount a new deck post and post bracket on top of the new concrete support.

How far apart should 6×6 posts be on a deck?

8 feet

For Building a Deck Railing, Deck Frame, or Fence



The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.

Can you use a 6×6 for a deck beam?

First, the IRC only allows certain dimensional lumber to be used for deck beams. In the past, 4x4s and 6×6 lumber could serve as beams, that is no longer the case. You must use 2x material bolted together to create a deck beam, or use metal or engineered lumber.

How do you fix rotting wood post without replacing it?





Wood fillers are products such as Bondo and Minwax that are designed to be all-purpose fillers for gaps, holes, and rotted wood. Their application is simple, they cure quickly, and they’re not supposed to shrink once dry.

How do you reinforce a rotting post?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Together. And i also like the fact that i have a lot more surface right here to glue and screw the two pieces together that makes a lot of sense all right so now all i have to do is trace our patch.

How do you combine two beams on a post?

Joining beams over posts can be done by either cutting a notch out of the post and splicing the beams together over the notch or by butting the ends of each beam together on top of the post and joining them using galvanized metal post caps.

How much weight can a 6×6 wood post support vertically?

The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 18032 and 10550-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity.

How tall can a 6×6 post be?



Six-by-Six Posts



A 10-foot-tall six-by-six Douglas fir or southern pine post can support an area of 256 square feet under a load of 50 pounds per square foot, which is more than seven times as much as a comparable four-by-four post.

What is a Dutchman patch?

Woodworking. In construction and woodworking, a dutchman can refer to an inset wood patch used to repair wood. Typically a square inset is cut into the damaged area and a new piece of wood is glued into the inset.

Can I use wood filler on rotted wood?

Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.

What is the best wood filler for rotted wood?



Use a polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood. You can mold and shape it to match the original wood profile. It takes paint well and won’t rot.

How do you fix rotted pressure treated wood?

5 Steps to Repair Wood Rot

  1. Gather tools and materials.
  2. Remove rotten boards Use a 5-in-1 rasp, chisel, or claw hammer to remove the rotted areas of wood. …
  3. Apply wood hardener, filler, or epoxy If minor damaged wood cannot be easily replaced, wood hardener, filler or epoxy may help strengthen the damaged area.

How much does it cost to replace deck posts?

The cost to replace deck posts averages $200 to $400 per post. The exact price depends on the posts’ materials, installation method, and the number of replacements.

How long do deck posts last?

Estimated to be 25 to 30 years.

When should I replace deck support posts?



Clear grass or stone away from the bottom of the deck post. Prod along the bottom of the post with a screwdriver or an awl. If the wood is spongy or pieces easily peel away, you’ll need to replace the post.

How do you replace a 6×6 post on a deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We have a hole on the bottom of the old post this pin that sticks out of the concrete pier was meant to keep the post on the pier.

How do you stabilize deck posts?

To stiffen the deck, go underneath and install a row of 2×8 blocks down the center, perpendicular to the joists. Stagger them with enough room to nail or screw them in place through the end grain, then fasten the treated 2x4s to the underside of the joists so they run from corner to corner, forming an X.

How can I make my deck posts stronger?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You'll need to create a secure connection using blocking and tension ties at each end if your railing is 42 inches high. Use a heavier tension tie like the HTT for blocking.

How do I join two posts together?



The best way to join two 4x4s to extend a post is with a half-lap.



  1. Butt Joint With Steel Plates.
  2. Half Lap Joint.
  3. Dowel Joint.
  4. Butt Joint With Hollow Pipe Insert.
  5. Modified Half Lap Joints.
  6. Interlocking Tapered Scarf Joint.
  7. Post Cap/Base Brackets.


How do you join deck beams?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can drive some through bolts all the way through the holes that are provided. That will give some additional support. You would just look at the load tables for the piece of hardware.