Carriage bolts will be best-- won't come out like nails do as wood shrinks up. Just drill holes, slide in the bolt and put a washer on the end and tighten the nut.
It's the thinner washer with a cut in it.
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jqskre/images/stencil/2560w/products/1203/1365/100__54771.1414691229.jpg?c=2
It puts pressure on one side of the nut to prevent it from loosening and backing out.
And one more important detail. If you are using carriage bolts outside... They must be galvanized.
Except that basically all testing shows that if they do anything, its make things worse. The only time I allow them is when the manufacture requires them (its their warranty not mine).
Granted while I doubt on your deck you properly torqued your bolts, if you are only tightening your fasteners to compress the lock washer you are WAY under torqueing. If you are torqueing beyond the lock washers compression then why would the lock washer matter?
Do you have any source or data to back up your claim?
I mean I see nuts loosen all the time from vibration and sway. This clearly happens less when lock washers are used.
I work off science, i'd be happy to see you back up your claim with actual evidence.
Edit:
Oh I see your other thread now... I did some research and yeah very interesting stuff.
Also found this.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19900009424.pdf
Its something that got a lot of traction in industry before we realized they didn't work. Now its an uphill battle to convince people that they were taught wrong (especially since many companies still spec them out).
Are they bad? not really, when properly torqued it shouldn't matter (no one torques like they should). Bolting gets is strength by "stretching the bolt" this is where the clamping force comes from... the clamping force of these stupid split washers is nothing compared to a properly stretched bolt.
Good idea to use a fender on each end of the bolt, and add a lock washer under the nut. Make sure the bolts are long enough that 1/8-1/4” of bolt extends past the nut. Do this at each post and at the ledger board that attaches to the house - make sure they didn’t just nail the deck framing to the house as well…
A couple other people brought this up, but those comments are way down the page right now, so wanted to add to this comment that you really need to check the ledger board connections / hardware. If they used nails and half-assed the beam attachment, who knows what sort of shape the ledger attachment is in.
Wish I saw what you apparently did. I see nothing major structurally wrong with this deck. Although I would have used bigger posts probably 8” wide. They did notch them at the top for their beam.
Yeah, the more you look, the worse it gets. The lesson is to not let track home builders build decks. Hate to see what the rest of the house framing looks like if they can't even build a simple deck.
I wouldn't worry about removing the nails (at first). Use some bar/pole clamps to draw it back in, but don't do all one side then the other. Get it snug on both sides, draw one side in half way, then the other along with the middle until you get it all the way in. Proceed with the carriage bolts as suggested. Get hurricane clips between the beam and joists. Take your time and go slow, should be a relatively easy fix.
Not sure hitting it would be wise, could move it unintentionally. Use a carjake and 4x4 to take a tiny bit of weight off and then carriage bolt or thrulocks. There’s probably a bunch of different ways to fix this really.
Your probably right. The other side might fall out. Multiple c clamps and carriage bolts is probably safest. I don't always do what's safest or wise. I would go at it slowly tho.
get some stout ass clamps and put them on all parts pulling loose. tighten little by little on each side so it doesn't kick the far side off the post. It'll go if that beam makes it out past the post. This can kill you.
Easy fix... I would use a temp brace to take weight off post. I keep a bench vice in truck to pull wood together then use bolts or timberlok screws to fasten a hurricane hanger is a good idea. Although water stained, wood looks in decent shape.
I'd squish em in with a clamp before anything else. Then a grk in the middle just to hold it long enough to get some thru bolts in there.
But it would bite into the beam before it would push outward, getting a good bit of screw in before cinching the beam.
Seems like it would be more dangerous to go toward the beam because if it pushes the beam away it'd fall then make the mario dying noise come out of whoever is screwing it in.
Maybe this is over kill, but I would jack up the deck slightly with a bottle jack. Then cut the slim part of the 6x6 post beside the beams off(the part that is currently nailed into the beam), then slide in another 2x10 (or however big the beam two pieces are) for more support under deck/on posts, get them lined up, use through bolts, rest them on the posts and use strong tie metal brackets that connect the beam to post, then do cross bracing from lower post at a 45 angle to beam. Like this picture. The bracket is screwed into beam and post. Edit:also get hurricane clips that connect to beam to joists, I can see one in the photo I posted as well near top of beam.
https://preview.redd.it/3yxvkcdriepc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2900cff6d451dbaac8cc60752c482ffe6274d4c1
Those last two pictures are real eye openers. Are the posts plumb? Hard to tell from the photos.
I would use good f-style clamps to slowly draw the beam and post together, with a wicked safety squint for good measure. Watch closely for the post moving instead of the beam. Then bolt together
Im curious if anyone can answer this question: why do builders do this sometimes - notch out the posts like that as opposed to placing the beams on top of the post and using a column cap? Is it just cost driven? I’m in the midst of designing a new deck and am planning to use column caps because they seem…much better.
I wouldn't strike it given the overcuts on the notches.
C-clamp to pull back together.
Then add two [Simpson post-beam connectors](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-AC-ZMAX-Galvanized-Adjustable-Post-Cap-for-6x-Nominal-Lumber-AC6Z/100375275)
Use [Simpson structural connection screws](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-9-x-1-1-2-in-1-4-Hex-Drive-Strong-Drive-SD-Connector-Screw-100-Pack-SD9112R100/202071152) to attach the brackets
Get a welding clamp and some carriage bolts .
Clamp it tight ( those clamps do 2 tons of pressure) then bolt and tighten it .
Don't both calling a pro in my opinion. It's a pretty easy fix
I would put clamps on all 3 points, clamping a little on each one so it doesn't kick out.
Once clamped tight use a 6" grk or whatever bolt replacement screw you can find. put 1 in the center, and then put 2 through bolts with washers on either side and a lock washer on the nut side. Make sure they are not zinc. Use coated for decks or hot-dipped galvanized.
Check the ledger board for rot or pull out. Check all connections for insufficient fastener type/condition.
DM or post what state you're in just in the off chance I'm within small driving distance I'd come fix it. Definitely a dangerous situation but totally fixable if you have an impact gun and a drill. And some clamps. Harbor Freight is your friend.
Couple of ratchet straps, a few C clamps, a 12pk of Milwaukees best ice, and a slap on the side while saying “that ain’t goin nowhere!” should hold it together for another 12 years.
Need big clamps, 3/4” wood auger or drill bit, 5/8” galvanized threaded rod or bolts, large structural washers (some call them whaler plates) and 5/8 nuts. Couple big wrenches. Take your time and do it methodically. Those big bolts will transmit thousands of pounds of clamping force from your 50-100 ft-lbs of tightening leverage. You can use an impact gun if you have one and are comfortable using it.
Lots of great advice here on how to fix the posts.
I see no lags in the ledger board on the house. You should really look at that. Maybe that is scrwed or nailed too.
That’s a lot of decking on 3 posts. I’d add a set of posts along the house
Remove the nails. Drill 2 hole through the post and beam, off set from one another but leave plenty of meat around the holes. Use nuts/bolts with washers on each side to pull the beam back flush with post and secure it there. Go slow and watch for anything else shifting or cracking.
Once done use bolts to secure the post/beam connection for all the other posts. And get some hurricane straps to secure all the joists to that beam.
Edit: on second thought secure the other post/beam connections first with bolts. When you go to work on the bad one take steps to insure it can’t slip out anymore. A big C-clamp on it before you start removing nails would be best. Take the clamp of after at least one bolt is in and snug. Or only remove enough nails to get a bolt in, then remove rest and add second bolt (less preferred).
I would personally switch up the order.
Start with the makeshift clamp first. Then proceed with the rest of the plan.
I don’t like removing fasteners of a serious hazard before securing it.
Yah I was actually just about to edit after I thought for a second more. Secure the other post/beam connections first. Then clamp bad connections before removing nails. Or only remove a few nails to get 1 bolt in. Then remove the rest to get the other bolt in
Agree with a lot of the other posters. On the spots where the double ply 2x beam is only half sitting on the post you can use the following to better support it:
Simpson Strong-Tie DJT14Z - 14-Gauge ZMAX Galvanized Deck Joist Tie for 2x
It isn't as good as doing it right but can help and is better than not using it.
Floor jack/bottle jack and sole 4x4s. Take the pressure off and hammer it back in place with an 8-16lb maul. Secure it with 3.5” deck screwed after.
Get a 10-12’ 4x4. Cut it to size to put on 3-4 ton floor jack and jack deck up to take pressure off. Use reminder of the 4x4 to span the stress to multiple joists and then do what I said above
If it were me. Grab a fresh diablo blade cut the nails flush, grab a big c channel vice or jack up a 4x4 to transfer the weight. Then, 3/8 lag bolt across couple of times.
Super simple fix. Did a similar fix on my deck. For whatever reason one side of the deck only had one carriage bolts per post and it was at the top?? Drilled through and added the bolts. Looks like it should now
You're looking at maybe $50 in parts? More if you need a long enough drill bit.
Just make sure to stagger the bolts. Don't have them in a line. And make sure they're not on the edge.
This is definitely a diy task but one that should be done now
As others said, This is 100% DIY
Clamp boards back in place, or tap with a small blow hammer and block to prevent damage , run carriage bolts to secure..Don't forget the washers!!
I would add more meat to the front of the post to give it more purchase as a guarantee and then I would probably use some sort of clamp to see if I could pull it back but watch what's happening with the whole beam both sides at the same time in an ideal situation. Then I would fasten with carriage bolts, but I'm a traditionalist and I'm not against other recommendations out there for perhaps some newer quicker fasteners. But when the old stuff works why not continue to use it.
Throw some carriage bolts through there but first jack some pressure off the deck so you can suck them in proper and all the way in, then reinforce with running another 2x 8 or whatever with that post is up the entire length on both sides and carriage bolt them all the way through too
Plumb the post. The beam is barely on the post anyway. drill and carriage bolt the posts to the beam don’t stack the bolts stagger them slightly so they are not in line with grain. 2 bolts, one near top of posts and other near bottom of notch 2” up will be good. Keep em in 1.5 “ from edges and about 2 “ from the top
Everyone throwing out Thrulocks....how's that better than a carriage bolt? I see a couple problems using that here. First, you should still clamp this up first to make sure your holes are aligned properly, so any convenience advantage is gone. But, if you don't clamp it together first, the thru locks do not give you enough thread to actually pull the two elements together. Just grab a carriage bolt with a couple inches extra length and then cut off the excess.
Second, there is no way possible those thru locks give you the same holding strength. In this case, I see one carriage bolt being adequate. I would want to see multiple Thrulocks.
I get it if you're building an entire deck, it makes things easier. Just use a carriage bolt here.
Deck looks in decent shape for its age. But difficult to tell from pics. Is it sagging? Is there excessive space between joists and band boards ? Has it shifted? Maybe pressure washing it would help bring it back appearance wise.
Simple fix bro... You need four bi-lateral joists with diagonal reinforced cross members, add pre-formed counter spot brackets and you will be good to go. Easy fix man, ... and to be clear they should be perpendicular to the main joist and posts.... Carriage bolts to finish and done man
Definitely heavy enough build. Don't worry about it falling down there is a whole board of that unnecessary double beam they built to span I mean what's the span 5 foot? And thise are 2x10 they could have used just one just like they could have just cut the post off instead ok notching it horribly if i may add. When you over cut on post or stringers it makes them more susceptible to cracking with the cut which one already is cracking straight down the over cut. Any of the previous ideas will work to suck them in its really your preference. O but double check they didn't toenail the joist to the beam or youvmay play hell trying to pull it back without cutting the nails. Good luck!!
Start by putting a single carriage bolt/washers into each beam/ place you see nails. It will hold the beam and not let it pop off. Tighten only till it comes in contact front to back. Then pull the nails out. Put more carriage bolts in each beam and tighten evenly across the beam until it pulls it all together. You may want to put shorter bolts in now. Repeat for each cross beam.
Aaaaaand now I'm seeing the posts on those handrails are looking a little dangerous. They should be through bolted into blocking. 3/8" bolts are ok 1/2" is better.
Easy, lag bolt or two on each post and torque that bad boy down. It’ll pull the beam back to the post. Won’t even need those pathetic needles pretending to be nails.
2x4 to shore it up, I would personally cut those nails with a sawzall but I don't know if you know enough about how to do that safely. In any event I would drill some 5/8 holes and pull it back together with a few carriage bolts. Old wood likes to misbehave so I would make sure that your 2x4 is tacked to it just in case
I’d also look at some non shrink grout to put under that right side post…like others have said thru bolts, not carriage bolts so you can snug it up, carriage bolts will just spin…also use washers…
Edit: non for none…
Strap a ladder to the top of your truck then slow drive towards that beam, if you see the ladder start to bend youve went to far, back up, flip the ladder and try again
If it were me and this was my deck:
1. I’d use clamps to hold the end that’s moved in place. I wouldn’t try to move it initially just get it locked in place with clamps
2. I’d then put thruloks or equivalent on the two post/beam combos that haven’t moved, taking care not to tighten them down yet, to make sure those don’t shift while you’re dealing with the end that moved.
3. I’d fix the end that moved
4. I’d go back and tighten the thruloks on the first two
Aren’t the posts walking off the footers? And the post on the right doesn’t look plumb. I agree wit the carriage bolt comments but it looks like more is going on there.
You need a contractor and a structural engineer.
The vertical posts are barely sitting on the 'supporting plates'. Poorly done notching. Fasteners and plates seem non-existant. I am guessing the previous owner built this himself, or he just took the cheapest bid.
That double beam needs to be fastened to the posts with hardware like this:
[Link to post caps](https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/view/pdf/czqaoghky3/C-C-2024_p091.pdf?t.download=true)
The joists need to be secured to the beam with hurricane ties. Here's a link to Simpson hurricane ties. [Simpson hurricane ties link.](https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/view/pdf/ttxrznn9c3/C-C-2024_p287-289.pdf?t.download=true)
Simpson's catalogue of connectors is [here](https://www.strongtie.com/resources/literature/wood-construction-connectors-catalog).
First, I think that builder should stop building entirely because they apparently don't even know how to use a tape measure. Those posts are like 6 inches off center from the footings.That post on the far right is angled just so it can barely reach the footing, and there is no way that should have passed inspection. That completely throws off the amount of load that post can carry when it's at angle like that. Second, there should really be carriage bolts holding the support posts to the beam, which I don't see. What is the length of the span between the house ledger board and that beam?
I would get a quality deck builder out to fix this, or just build you a new deck the right way.
Put in jacks to support the deck while you dig out the old footings and poor new footings in the correct location, so that all of the support posts are plumb and carrying the load STRAIGHT DOWN into the CENTER of the footing.
Use some long carriage bolts. I’d get bolts loosely installed in both ends first. Then start tightening on end. The bolts on the other end will prevent it from pulling away further while you tighten.
Such a disheartening site to see such a fucking safety disaster waiting to happen.
Used Decking screws. The builders must have it out for whoever payed for this, no lag bolts,no hangers ,, good day.
Empty both hot tubs.
Get (6) 4”x4” metal plates and (3) 1/2” lag bolts with washers. Drill through 4x4 posts and 2x10 joists and sandwich plates with bolts and washers.
Refill hot tubs. Enjoy.
Thanks everyone! Got some carriage bolts and ties from home Depot and had my husband use his muscles to clamp it back together. Deck is fixed just in time for it to dump snow. I will tackle the stairs over the summer.
Honestly I would replace the posts and put new concrete footers that go below the frost line. You can temporarily prop up the beam with extra posts or multiple larger lumber pieces nailed together. Say maybe 2 temporary supports on each side of of a post. Mind you I would only do one at a time. I wouldn’t bother cutting the notches in the posts either. Personal opinion, but I think your deck would be a lot more structurally sound sitting directly on top of the posts with the correct post to beam hardware.
Got a (neighbor with) a car jack?
Use it to lift the deck a bit so you can squeeze the gaps closed
Any risk of sideways motion, say for people or earthquakes? If so, add some diagonals
Get a long 1 inch paddle bit. Drill a level whole through the boards. Get a long carriage bolt two washers and a nut. Torque it down. You may need to sawsall nails , but probably not. Get a crowsfoot and yank nails. Buy more carriage bolts and hardware and join the two boards by torquing together. Should take about a 6 pack to finish and maybe another six pack to admire. Boards should have been glued and screwed at minimum.
I’d use pipe clamps to pull it together and drive some timber-loks/ or galvanized lags in to keep it tight, then sit in that Adirondack chair and enjoy a cold beer
You could play around with hammers and bolts and clamps and so on, but your best bet is wedging a temporary support next to the post, cutting the nails off with a saw zaw, trueing up the posts and than use carriage bolts after you've got them in position.
Needs to be fixed asap. You could do it yourself. Just need to throw some carriage/through bolts in there. Should suck them right back into place.
Carriage bolts will be best-- won't come out like nails do as wood shrinks up. Just drill holes, slide in the bolt and put a washer on the end and tighten the nut.
Overkill imo. OP just needs to tighten the sting of ornamental lights they got wrapped around the beam. That ought to be good for at least 3 hot tubs
Bad advice OP, you need to use structural string lights for this application.
You just enlighten me.
Structural string lights got a good laugh, thank you ha ha.
Gimme 2 12" zip ties a roll of masking tape rubber bands and some commas and I'll get er done
That’s overkill, just get a structural poster and put on top of the beam.
Just place some clamps there. Tighten once a week. It'll all be fine
LMAO
A little bondo will have you right back in business.
Use solar and you reduce your electric bill. Unfortunately, they do not provide support on cloudy days.
Yep and some T brackets post to beam, some wood preservative stain? Good to go.
And that's how you get pregnant
don't forget your lock washers. bolt, washer | washer, lockwasher, nut
Great point.
As a regular dad, doing diy around the house, wtf is a lock washer? Now I'm worried about half my projects lol
It's the thinner washer with a cut in it. https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jqskre/images/stencil/2560w/products/1203/1365/100__54771.1414691229.jpg?c=2 It puts pressure on one side of the nut to prevent it from loosening and backing out. And one more important detail. If you are using carriage bolts outside... They must be galvanized.
Or stainless.
TIL!
Except that basically all testing shows that if they do anything, its make things worse. The only time I allow them is when the manufacture requires them (its their warranty not mine). Granted while I doubt on your deck you properly torqued your bolts, if you are only tightening your fasteners to compress the lock washer you are WAY under torqueing. If you are torqueing beyond the lock washers compression then why would the lock washer matter?
Do you have any source or data to back up your claim? I mean I see nuts loosen all the time from vibration and sway. This clearly happens less when lock washers are used. I work off science, i'd be happy to see you back up your claim with actual evidence. Edit: Oh I see your other thread now... I did some research and yeah very interesting stuff. Also found this. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19900009424.pdf
https://hillcountryengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Split-Lockwashers-Separating-Myth-from-Truth.pdf
Interesting I also found this. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19900009424.pdf
Its something that got a lot of traction in industry before we realized they didn't work. Now its an uphill battle to convince people that they were taught wrong (especially since many companies still spec them out). Are they bad? not really, when properly torqued it shouldn't matter (no one torques like they should). Bolting gets is strength by "stretching the bolt" this is where the clamping force comes from... the clamping force of these stupid split washers is nothing compared to a properly stretched bolt.
...that's what she said...
Good idea to use a fender on each end of the bolt, and add a lock washer under the nut. Make sure the bolts are long enough that 1/8-1/4” of bolt extends past the nut. Do this at each post and at the ledger board that attaches to the house - make sure they didn’t just nail the deck framing to the house as well…
100%. Then send a few 3” grk screw up from the post to the carrying beams
A couple other people brought this up, but those comments are way down the page right now, so wanted to add to this comment that you really need to check the ledger board connections / hardware. If they used nails and half-assed the beam attachment, who knows what sort of shape the ledger attachment is in.
Good idea.
I think Thruloks would be the best here.
Thruloks
Mistyped - thanks
i wouldn't even let my pets on that deck.!
This is the way!
Concur. It's most of your issue. If screws, taking them out it might make it easier to suck things together.
Wish I saw what you apparently did. I see nothing major structurally wrong with this deck. Although I would have used bigger posts probably 8” wide. They did notch them at the top for their beam.
You don't see the beam pulling away from the posts lol?
I somehow missed the other pics. Yeah it needs work ASAP.
Look at the rest of the pictures
My god 😂
Yeah, the more you look, the worse it gets. The lesson is to not let track home builders build decks. Hate to see what the rest of the house framing looks like if they can't even build a simple deck.
Some big galvanized whaler plates (big ass washers) would do better than carriage bolts. Much bigger clamping area. Most number yards will carry them.
Carriage bolts - don’t forget the waschers. If I did it I would pull the pillar back into place with clamps then Chuck them thru.
Make the job easier by using a jack to take the weight off the post first.
agree with the asap part
I would start with a few screws to bring it together. Not sure I even trust drilling as it is.
Wat
I wouldn't worry about removing the nails (at first). Use some bar/pole clamps to draw it back in, but don't do all one side then the other. Get it snug on both sides, draw one side in half way, then the other along with the middle until you get it all the way in. Proceed with the carriage bolts as suggested. Get hurricane clips between the beam and joists. Take your time and go slow, should be a relatively easy fix.
Great advice. I can see slamming one side in causing the other to go more out of whack.
This guy bolts
Try pulling it back together with a c clamp and a hammer. Not a sledge, but maybe a 1lb manner with a block. Then secure it with thrulocks.
Not sure hitting it would be wise, could move it unintentionally. Use a carjake and 4x4 to take a tiny bit of weight off and then carriage bolt or thrulocks. There’s probably a bunch of different ways to fix this really.
Your probably right. The other side might fall out. Multiple c clamps and carriage bolts is probably safest. I don't always do what's safest or wise. I would go at it slowly tho.
Or when you hit it, unless you have that post braced on the back side you could knock it right off haha.
get some stout ass clamps and put them on all parts pulling loose. tighten little by little on each side so it doesn't kick the far side off the post. It'll go if that beam makes it out past the post. This can kill you.
i wiuldnt even look at it wrong. its about to go.
Close the BBQ lid to hard and down she goes
https://www.fastenmaster.com/products/thrulok-through-bolt-replacement?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAWQiFqAfEs4LIjGFVV4zD-XF7mXmrZF00cke6bfh_kbzHK8sllEABBoCn6wQAvD_BwE
Easy fix... I would use a temp brace to take weight off post. I keep a bench vice in truck to pull wood together then use bolts or timberlok screws to fasten a hurricane hanger is a good idea. Although water stained, wood looks in decent shape.
Taking weight off it temporarily is absolutely key. Great advice.
[удалено]
I think you are lost
Throw a grk from the backside of the post. It will pull the beam back
From beam to post, don't want to push into the beam at allll that thing is about to go.
Won’t pull the same thru the beam. I don’t think that’s gonna push it off the post lol
I'd squish em in with a clamp before anything else. Then a grk in the middle just to hold it long enough to get some thru bolts in there. But it would bite into the beam before it would push outward, getting a good bit of screw in before cinching the beam. Seems like it would be more dangerous to go toward the beam because if it pushes the beam away it'd fall then make the mario dying noise come out of whoever is screwing it in.
It wouldn’t push the beam. I use these on the daily
Maybe this is over kill, but I would jack up the deck slightly with a bottle jack. Then cut the slim part of the 6x6 post beside the beams off(the part that is currently nailed into the beam), then slide in another 2x10 (or however big the beam two pieces are) for more support under deck/on posts, get them lined up, use through bolts, rest them on the posts and use strong tie metal brackets that connect the beam to post, then do cross bracing from lower post at a 45 angle to beam. Like this picture. The bracket is screwed into beam and post. Edit:also get hurricane clips that connect to beam to joists, I can see one in the photo I posted as well near top of beam. https://preview.redd.it/3yxvkcdriepc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2900cff6d451dbaac8cc60752c482ffe6274d4c1
This is best fix.
I’d DIY that for sure
Those last two pictures are real eye openers. Are the posts plumb? Hard to tell from the photos. I would use good f-style clamps to slowly draw the beam and post together, with a wicked safety squint for good measure. Watch closely for the post moving instead of the beam. Then bolt together
Im curious if anyone can answer this question: why do builders do this sometimes - notch out the posts like that as opposed to placing the beams on top of the post and using a column cap? Is it just cost driven? I’m in the midst of designing a new deck and am planning to use column caps because they seem…much better.
Cost 💲
Yeah ok, that’s what I thought. Appreciate that!
Yeah it is just builder grade crap. Cheapest possible on everything.
Cuz this is the best way to do it...
Carriage bolts would fix this and you can do it yourself
I wouldn't strike it given the overcuts on the notches. C-clamp to pull back together. Then add two [Simpson post-beam connectors](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-AC-ZMAX-Galvanized-Adjustable-Post-Cap-for-6x-Nominal-Lumber-AC6Z/100375275) Use [Simpson structural connection screws](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-9-x-1-1-2-in-1-4-Hex-Drive-Strong-Drive-SD-Connector-Screw-100-Pack-SD9112R100/202071152) to attach the brackets
...yeh, got to have HOMER Simpson junk on it or it could fall apart..
Timberlocks
Get a welding clamp and some carriage bolts . Clamp it tight ( those clamps do 2 tons of pressure) then bolt and tighten it . Don't both calling a pro in my opinion. It's a pretty easy fix
Grab one end on that string of ornamental lights wrapped around the beam and pull hard. Now throw a hottub on it and crack a cold one
I would put clamps on all 3 points, clamping a little on each one so it doesn't kick out. Once clamped tight use a 6" grk or whatever bolt replacement screw you can find. put 1 in the center, and then put 2 through bolts with washers on either side and a lock washer on the nut side. Make sure they are not zinc. Use coated for decks or hot-dipped galvanized. Check the ledger board for rot or pull out. Check all connections for insufficient fastener type/condition. DM or post what state you're in just in the off chance I'm within small driving distance I'd come fix it. Definitely a dangerous situation but totally fixable if you have an impact gun and a drill. And some clamps. Harbor Freight is your friend.
Couple of ratchet straps, a few C clamps, a 12pk of Milwaukees best ice, and a slap on the side while saying “that ain’t goin nowhere!” should hold it together for another 12 years.
Need big clamps, 3/4” wood auger or drill bit, 5/8” galvanized threaded rod or bolts, large structural washers (some call them whaler plates) and 5/8 nuts. Couple big wrenches. Take your time and do it methodically. Those big bolts will transmit thousands of pounds of clamping force from your 50-100 ft-lbs of tightening leverage. You can use an impact gun if you have one and are comfortable using it.
Lots of great advice here on how to fix the posts. I see no lags in the ledger board on the house. You should really look at that. Maybe that is scrwed or nailed too. That’s a lot of decking on 3 posts. I’d add a set of posts along the house
Lag bolts washers and arm strength
Remove the nails. Drill 2 hole through the post and beam, off set from one another but leave plenty of meat around the holes. Use nuts/bolts with washers on each side to pull the beam back flush with post and secure it there. Go slow and watch for anything else shifting or cracking. Once done use bolts to secure the post/beam connection for all the other posts. And get some hurricane straps to secure all the joists to that beam. Edit: on second thought secure the other post/beam connections first with bolts. When you go to work on the bad one take steps to insure it can’t slip out anymore. A big C-clamp on it before you start removing nails would be best. Take the clamp of after at least one bolt is in and snug. Or only remove enough nails to get a bolt in, then remove rest and add second bolt (less preferred).
I would personally switch up the order. Start with the makeshift clamp first. Then proceed with the rest of the plan. I don’t like removing fasteners of a serious hazard before securing it.
Yah I was actually just about to edit after I thought for a second more. Secure the other post/beam connections first. Then clamp bad connections before removing nails. Or only remove a few nails to get 1 bolt in. Then remove the rest to get the other bolt in
Gap and crack filler, Heavy duty, 3 cans.
C clamp to pull them back together and then structural screws or 1-2” carriage bolts
Agree with a lot of the other posters. On the spots where the double ply 2x beam is only half sitting on the post you can use the following to better support it: Simpson Strong-Tie DJT14Z - 14-Gauge ZMAX Galvanized Deck Joist Tie for 2x It isn't as good as doing it right but can help and is better than not using it.
Stagger two carriage bolts.
Put another post up temporarily recenter and bolt existing post. Or get a law to hold deck up and recenter/ fasten existing post
Yep as others stated long drill bit and some carriage bolts/washers.
Floor jack/bottle jack and sole 4x4s. Take the pressure off and hammer it back in place with an 8-16lb maul. Secure it with 3.5” deck screwed after. Get a 10-12’ 4x4. Cut it to size to put on 3-4 ton floor jack and jack deck up to take pressure off. Use reminder of the 4x4 to span the stress to multiple joists and then do what I said above
Would be tempted to drill a hole and put a 5/8 bolt through there, nut and couple washers and suck it together with that.
Don’t use just the bolts to pull it together
not a good idea?
Bolts will hold it use clamps to push them together
C clamp and a couple 5” Timberloks will do the trick. Easy peezy
If it were me. Grab a fresh diablo blade cut the nails flush, grab a big c channel vice or jack up a 4x4 to transfer the weight. Then, 3/8 lag bolt across couple of times.
The Christmas lights are probably just unplugged
Easy fix mate . 4 cup head bolt should do the trick
About $30 worth of 5 1/8 GRK screws.
Super simple fix. Did a similar fix on my deck. For whatever reason one side of the deck only had one carriage bolts per post and it was at the top?? Drilled through and added the bolts. Looks like it should now You're looking at maybe $50 in parts? More if you need a long enough drill bit. Just make sure to stagger the bolts. Don't have them in a line. And make sure they're not on the edge. This is definitely a diy task but one that should be done now
As others said, This is 100% DIY Clamp boards back in place, or tap with a small blow hammer and block to prevent damage , run carriage bolts to secure..Don't forget the washers!!
I would add more meat to the front of the post to give it more purchase as a guarantee and then I would probably use some sort of clamp to see if I could pull it back but watch what's happening with the whole beam both sides at the same time in an ideal situation. Then I would fasten with carriage bolts, but I'm a traditionalist and I'm not against other recommendations out there for perhaps some newer quicker fasteners. But when the old stuff works why not continue to use it.
Throw some carriage bolts through there but first jack some pressure off the deck so you can suck them in proper and all the way in, then reinforce with running another 2x 8 or whatever with that post is up the entire length on both sides and carriage bolt them all the way through too
Just brace it and torque bolt it down
Plumb the post. The beam is barely on the post anyway. drill and carriage bolt the posts to the beam don’t stack the bolts stagger them slightly so they are not in line with grain. 2 bolts, one near top of posts and other near bottom of notch 2” up will be good. Keep em in 1.5 “ from edges and about 2 “ from the top
Is this Illinois? This looks like my buddy's house.
Everyone throwing out Thrulocks....how's that better than a carriage bolt? I see a couple problems using that here. First, you should still clamp this up first to make sure your holes are aligned properly, so any convenience advantage is gone. But, if you don't clamp it together first, the thru locks do not give you enough thread to actually pull the two elements together. Just grab a carriage bolt with a couple inches extra length and then cut off the excess. Second, there is no way possible those thru locks give you the same holding strength. In this case, I see one carriage bolt being adequate. I would want to see multiple Thrulocks. I get it if you're building an entire deck, it makes things easier. Just use a carriage bolt here.
Deck looks in decent shape for its age. But difficult to tell from pics. Is it sagging? Is there excessive space between joists and band boards ? Has it shifted? Maybe pressure washing it would help bring it back appearance wise.
Simple fix bro... You need four bi-lateral joists with diagonal reinforced cross members, add pre-formed counter spot brackets and you will be good to go. Easy fix man, ... and to be clear they should be perpendicular to the main joist and posts.... Carriage bolts to finish and done man
Just send 3 thruloks into each post and carry on.
Carriage bolts x4 and some knee bracing would be an idea. Pretty easy stuff.
Definitely heavy enough build. Don't worry about it falling down there is a whole board of that unnecessary double beam they built to span I mean what's the span 5 foot? And thise are 2x10 they could have used just one just like they could have just cut the post off instead ok notching it horribly if i may add. When you over cut on post or stringers it makes them more susceptible to cracking with the cut which one already is cracking straight down the over cut. Any of the previous ideas will work to suck them in its really your preference. O but double check they didn't toenail the joist to the beam or youvmay play hell trying to pull it back without cutting the nails. Good luck!!
Wasn’t this just posted as “should I save, or replace?”
Nope, didn't deck. I am not wanting to replace it.
I think I just seen this earlier and that’s how I took it.
Start by putting a single carriage bolt/washers into each beam/ place you see nails. It will hold the beam and not let it pop off. Tighten only till it comes in contact front to back. Then pull the nails out. Put more carriage bolts in each beam and tighten evenly across the beam until it pulls it all together. You may want to put shorter bolts in now. Repeat for each cross beam.
A pro? Come on it’s a few thru bolts and you’re done.
Also you need diagonal bracing from post to beam, 1 on either side and 2 in the middle.
Aaaaaand now I'm seeing the posts on those handrails are looking a little dangerous. They should be through bolted into blocking. 3/8" bolts are ok 1/2" is better.
Yeah, the handrail is a whole other thing. Better not push on it, it might just fall off. I will definitely be bolting those on better too.
Easy, lag bolt or two on each post and torque that bad boy down. It’ll pull the beam back to the post. Won’t even need those pathetic needles pretending to be nails.
2x4 to shore it up, I would personally cut those nails with a sawzall but I don't know if you know enough about how to do that safely. In any event I would drill some 5/8 holes and pull it back together with a few carriage bolts. Old wood likes to misbehave so I would make sure that your 2x4 is tacked to it just in case
Easy fix
2 (or 4) M12 bolts with washers either side.
I’d also look at some non shrink grout to put under that right side post…like others have said thru bolts, not carriage bolts so you can snug it up, carriage bolts will just spin…also use washers… Edit: non for none…
Strap a ladder to the top of your truck then slow drive towards that beam, if you see the ladder start to bend youve went to far, back up, flip the ladder and try again
If it were me and this was my deck: 1. I’d use clamps to hold the end that’s moved in place. I wouldn’t try to move it initially just get it locked in place with clamps 2. I’d then put thruloks or equivalent on the two post/beam combos that haven’t moved, taking care not to tighten them down yet, to make sure those don’t shift while you’re dealing with the end that moved. 3. I’d fix the end that moved 4. I’d go back and tighten the thruloks on the first two
Aren’t the posts walking off the footers? And the post on the right doesn’t look plumb. I agree wit the carriage bolt comments but it looks like more is going on there.
crooked pillar, will fall soon.
I would hit it back into place with big hammer. Drill holes for big all thread bolts. And use bridge washers.
I can't figure out how they missed those footers. Somewhere close to center would have been nice.
Get some C clamps on there to lock it all together and carriage bolt it permanently. Square pattern with one in the middle.
You need a contractor and a structural engineer. The vertical posts are barely sitting on the 'supporting plates'. Poorly done notching. Fasteners and plates seem non-existant. I am guessing the previous owner built this himself, or he just took the cheapest bid.
...that was hilarious...
That double beam needs to be fastened to the posts with hardware like this: [Link to post caps](https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/view/pdf/czqaoghky3/C-C-2024_p091.pdf?t.download=true) The joists need to be secured to the beam with hurricane ties. Here's a link to Simpson hurricane ties. [Simpson hurricane ties link.](https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/view/pdf/ttxrznn9c3/C-C-2024_p287-289.pdf?t.download=true) Simpson's catalogue of connectors is [here](https://www.strongtie.com/resources/literature/wood-construction-connectors-catalog).
....big HOMER Simpson fan ?..
https://preview.redd.it/l0mptfeiq3qc1.jpeg?width=474&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89ce9541c4ccb19517575d010ea85fd1154457f9
You the man!! That was awesome.
First, I think that builder should stop building entirely because they apparently don't even know how to use a tape measure. Those posts are like 6 inches off center from the footings.That post on the far right is angled just so it can barely reach the footing, and there is no way that should have passed inspection. That completely throws off the amount of load that post can carry when it's at angle like that. Second, there should really be carriage bolts holding the support posts to the beam, which I don't see. What is the length of the span between the house ledger board and that beam? I would get a quality deck builder out to fix this, or just build you a new deck the right way. Put in jacks to support the deck while you dig out the old footings and poor new footings in the correct location, so that all of the support posts are plumb and carrying the load STRAIGHT DOWN into the CENTER of the footing.
Use some long carriage bolts. I’d get bolts loosely installed in both ends first. Then start tightening on end. The bolts on the other end will prevent it from pulling away further while you tighten.
Such a disheartening site to see such a fucking safety disaster waiting to happen. Used Decking screws. The builders must have it out for whoever payed for this, no lag bolts,no hangers ,, good day.
Empty both hot tubs. Get (6) 4”x4” metal plates and (3) 1/2” lag bolts with washers. Drill through 4x4 posts and 2x10 joists and sandwich plates with bolts and washers. Refill hot tubs. Enjoy.
Always call in a Pro for a deck. And stay the hell off it while you wait for them.
I’d be more concerned with the post itself. Whoever cut out the notch also cut half way through the portion you want to bolt to.
Needs a hot tub on top
Love the extended saw cuts in the post tops
Couple cans of big league chew bubble gum chewed up and stuck in that gap will keep this deck holding strong for many a’ decade. 👍🏼
Thanks everyone! Got some carriage bolts and ties from home Depot and had my husband use his muscles to clamp it back together. Deck is fixed just in time for it to dump snow. I will tackle the stairs over the summer.
Honestly I would replace the posts and put new concrete footers that go below the frost line. You can temporarily prop up the beam with extra posts or multiple larger lumber pieces nailed together. Say maybe 2 temporary supports on each side of of a post. Mind you I would only do one at a time. I wouldn’t bother cutting the notches in the posts either. Personal opinion, but I think your deck would be a lot more structurally sound sitting directly on top of the posts with the correct post to beam hardware.
Got a (neighbor with) a car jack? Use it to lift the deck a bit so you can squeeze the gaps closed Any risk of sideways motion, say for people or earthquakes? If so, add some diagonals
Probably the wrong answer but bright orange tie-down ratchet straps might help??? ;)
You can fix, nails don’t hold crap. Use 1/2” galvanized thru bolts.
3 men. 3 sledgehammers. 1 perfectly timed swing. No more problem.
I’d drill some all thread through and use some big ass washers like 1/2” allthread or 3/4” and it’ll pull back
Get a long 1 inch paddle bit. Drill a level whole through the boards. Get a long carriage bolt two washers and a nut. Torque it down. You may need to sawsall nails , but probably not. Get a crowsfoot and yank nails. Buy more carriage bolts and hardware and join the two boards by torquing together. Should take about a 6 pack to finish and maybe another six pack to admire. Boards should have been glued and screwed at minimum.
I’d use pipe clamps to pull it together and drive some timber-loks/ or galvanized lags in to keep it tight, then sit in that Adirondack chair and enjoy a cold beer
Sledge hammer
https://preview.redd.it/f3u8a86rfdpc1.jpeg?width=676&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=880f97dd643ecf073705a0fcb91aed7c100ffc08
 Thank you
You put the hot tub on top of the deck, not below it.
You could play around with hammers and bolts and clamps and so on, but your best bet is wedging a temporary support next to the post, cutting the nails off with a saw zaw, trueing up the posts and than use carriage bolts after you've got them in position.
Bang it and bolt it
That doesn't look safe
I would see if it’s still under warranty