Can you notch deck posts?

Say “No” to notching pressure-treated deck posts. We want you to build an outdoor railing system that you, your family and guests can enjoy without worrying about safety issues. In order to do so, you need to know this building shortcut is not advisable, and we recommend avoiding it at all costs.

Does notching a beam weaken it?





Improperly sized or placed holes and notches weaken the joist, make it bouncy and saggy, and provide an easy place for it to crack and fail.

Can you notch a 6×6 deck post?

I need to meet 2015 IRC code. Code states that the 2×10 (x2) needs to fully bear on the notched 6×6 post. Also, the thru bolt must go thru a minimum of 2.5 inches of the non notched part of post.

Can I notch a deck beam?

Since bending forces increase toward the center of a beam and are greatest in the middle third of a span, the IRC prohibits any notches there (see “Joist Notching and Drilling Guidelines,” above).

What is the maximum depth a joist can be notched to?

Maximum depth of notch of any joist in any situation is 35mm.

How do you strengthen a notched joist?





You can reinforce a notched joist that has not cracked by cutting two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood as wide as the joist depth and as long as the plywood sheet. Screwing a piece to the joist on each side offers moderate reinforcement. Stronger reinforcement is in order if the joist is sagging or has cracked.

Is it OK to notch deck railing posts?

The notching of deck railing posts is generally considered to be a building shortcut that should be avoided, as it can potentially create a weak point in the post while simultaneously making it vulnerable to cracking or splitting and allowing for moisture between the post and deck.

How do you install notched deck railing posts?

Deck Railing Post Installation

  1. Step 1: Mark rail post centers. …
  2. Step 2: Mark for the exact position. …
  3. Step 3: Cut and plumb the post. …
  4. Step 4: Hold the post in position. …
  5. Step 5: Drill holes for the bolts. …
  6. Step 6: Pound the bolts through. …
  7. Step 7: Slip on washers and tighten the nuts.


Can you notch 4×4 posts?



Even so, notching should be avoided, because it does substantially reduce the strength of the post. Here’s why: Many years of observation have proved that moisture cycles will typically cause cracks to develop and propagate, parallel to the grain, from the corner of the notch.

What is notching a post?

Using a notched post and beam connection will lock the beam in place, secure it from rotating and resist wind uplift. Notching a post does not weaken the structural integrity of the wood support post because the load for the deck is transferred down through the post to the footings.

How do you notch a 4×4 for a deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We need to set the saw blade depth to the depth of your notch out like that you can use the board itself as a gauge. You can see that my teeth of my saw I'll go right to this line.

Can you notch pressure treated wood?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now this is an important step because I have to make a notch. So I lifted this the world. It has a very nice feature to lift this up and I made sure that this blade aligns with the line.

How do you post a notched corner deck?

Cut straight across at the top of the joint. Then just pop out the waste, and a chisel to clean up. Now, IF you are talking about making a notch on the outside of a post, welllllll, think LOTS of kerf cuts, knock out the waste with a hammer, then a wide chisel to clean then up.

How do you cut notches in deck boards?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The notch will have to be about a quarter inch bigger than these marks. And he wants to round the corners so Ben uses a half-inch Brad point bit to simultaneously measure and Mark the corners.

What is the maximum allowed distance of a notch in a joist from a bearer or wall?

The maximum allowable depth of notches is one fifth of the joist or rafter depth or 32 mm, whichever is less. Holes may only be located within a length measured from the face of a support that is no more than three times the depth of the joist or rafter.

Can I notch a ceiling joist?



Floor or Ceiling Joist



A notch not exceeding 1/3 the depth of the member is permitted in the top of a rafter or ceiling joist not further from the face of the support than the depth of the member. The tension side of members 4″ or greater in thickness must not be notched except at the ends of the members.

Which building regulation Do notching and drilling of joists come under?

Regulation 522.8

Electrical installers carrying out work in dwellings and other small buildings of traditional construction often need to notch or drill holes in joists for the passage of cables and/or their enclosures. However, as required by Regulation 522.8.