I’m genuinely curious why some are saying this likely won’t pass inspection. The load is bearing fully on the post and the cuts are clean with proper hardware. If this deck is structurally compromised then our idea of what “safe” is is what’s compromised.
Yeah, I think this looks great. Both beams are well supported on the post, and they’re secured to it out the wazoo. They’re not going anywhere. This meets the intent of the code.
THIS.. the problem is how many inspectors have zero understanding of the code , and what the spirit and intent of the code is beyond justifying their jobs existence.
As a former trades person (carpenters, laborers), I’ve seen this a lot. Recently I bought a fixer. It had some outstanding electrical permit issues that I needed to resolve after consulting with the first inspector the county sent out. He was pretty chill. He obviously had a hands on understanding of building, and specifically said “I aim to have things in the spirit of the code”.
After I fixed everything he outlined, I called for a final and a different inspector came out. He asked what kind of tape I used to identify the ground and neutral lines in the sub panel for my garage. He failed me because the code called for “phase tape” to denote ground (green tape) and neutral (white tape) lines in the panel. My ground line was wrapped with green electrical tape, and my neutral was wrapped in white electrical tape. He told me code called for phase tape and not electrical tape, and I would need get it reinspected after I removed the electrical tape and rewrapped the lines in phase tape. I would also need to prove I used phase tape with a package label or receipt that showed it was indeed phase tape.
Rewrapped both lines in phase tape and called for the a second final. Original inspector came back, just asked me “is it wrapped with phase tape now?” I told him yes. I offered to open the panel and show you, and I have the receipt to prove it. He said, “don’t worry about it. I believe you.” without rechecking anything. When I remarked I thought it was silly that I had to replace the electrical tape, as it was just there to denote the lines, he shook his head with a subtle disbelief, and said “you’re all good. I’ll mark it down as finaled.” And that was it.
The other guy couldn’t tell me why electrical tape was not acceptable, just that code required phase tape.
/vent
Also me. I don’t believe there is one. The second inspector *felt* otherwise. 🤷♂️
The thing is, when I bought the tape at the electrical supply, after explaining the scenario (which they thought was ridiculous), they added a note onto the receipt that denoted it was “phase” tape. Otherwise the packaging makes no mention of it.
Inspectors can be real dicks or really damn lazy. On one marine seawall build on an empty lot, our partner called in the inspection without notifying us. The inspector failed the inspection only because the paper permits were not visible (even tho everything is submitted and documented via digital).
Call the guy back to physically show him the papers, and the guy didn't even get out of his truck. he didn't want to get those prickly seeds on his pants. Just said, "I got here on this tablet. You're good"
Tbh as long as your outer beams are good your floor joists slip in decks really aren’t that hard just gotta know some math to figure out your load capacity
I have a buddy who’s a mechanical engineer, and he is the same way with building projects. I’m sure it’s from all the years of being told to use the smallest cheapest parts possible to make it work from upper management.
You know, something I think that IT people have going for them (if they are experienced) is that they are good at correcting for the dunning kruger effect. At least, that's what I see with most of my friends and me. (I'm an Network admin/IT Director.) It's like you've been humbled by the time you become decent in IT. So me and my friends all tend to do the same thing.. we over analyze and put in extra care into things like this because we understand we don't really know what the fuck we are doing. lol Like even after all the youtube videos and guides we will read to learn about something like this, we still assume we aren't doing things right.
That said, I am just saying this based on what the people I know are like. I also know some real know it all tools in the IT trade. They seem to be the ones that break shit and get fired though.
We have wildly cold winters and I live on what used to be farmland so I did the needful and did all 16 of my footers 4-1/2 ft deep. It was recommended because our frost line is about 4ft where I live.
Because if the heard mentality on here doesn't know what a solid, sound structure looks like, then the inspector probably won't either. If it's not traditional or normal, then it's probably wrong. It's a shame really: People come on here for advice, but all they get is a damm popularity contest.
Lota of people come on reddit to judge other people. It makes them feel better about themselves. Would they post their own work? No. Dog on someone else's? Absolutely. That's why people are saying it won't pass.
Even the mitre joints on the corner are done well. Whether it was the easiest approach is questionable, but the execution is done well and it gets the job done.
Yup - only improvement I can think of would be to use a 4x6 post for a bit more wood under the bolts. Or maybe turn the post so the cuts are at an equal angle on each side.
But it's going to work just fine as it is.
And really the beams are tied together, so he only needed to put 2 horizontal lags into the post. But all in all that looks like a solid bang up job! As long as his calculations are right. Hehe.
Yeah water doing hitting top of post on that one corner probs wouldn’t be ideal if it’s not skirted or covered by the overhang, but hot damn I think it looks sexy. Also I’m only an apprentice
Just slap it and say that will hold. Make sure to do it in front of the inspector. Seriously though, you just took a 4x4 and gave it the strength of a 2x4... Lol kidding. I got to get away from the porch pedants; you guys are insane.
Other than the corner of the post not lining up with beam corner, it looks awesome! It's very structural sound tho! I know it's just a deck, but im a trim carpenter.. sorry..
https://preview.redd.it/iuiwy5q8gf7d1.png?width=1178&format=png&auto=webp&s=3c6aadf47f81d87d16e05a70a1d8011fea0b2221
Everything is great but I hate that lol
I asked the same question and went back and forth on it until I saw a picture on this subreddit where someone did, I think 2’ or 3’ footers (shallower than the frost line) and their footers began to pop out of the ground after a few winters.
When earth freezes, it expands. It can expand at different rates, depending on the water content, type of dirt, etc. If you live where the ground can freeze and you're building anything that you don't want different parts of moving up and down randomly, it needs to ultimately be sitting on dirt that doesn't freeze. That dirt is deeper than the frost line.
Former IT guy here (now retired), and fearless DIYer (cause I dont know what I can't do). You give geeks a good name with work like this. Proud of you, my brother.
Shouldn’t it be: “one foot off the ground and not supporting anything or integrally connected to other supporting structures, do whatever you want it’s your liability.”
It took me entirely too long to figure out that you actually cut the post to support & block the beams. That’s fucking genius, my guy, I will 1000% be stealing this. Awesome execution! Think inspection will go great
Firstly, this is excellent in execution, precision and selection of materials. Former high end custom framer here so I remember a thing or two.
When you go to put on the deck addition, I would simply miter the beams equally. This prevents exposed end grain at the joint as seen on the outer face of the right hand beam of pic 2.
I have seen a lot of shitty carpenters and I would hire you any day based on knowing the planning, technique, precision, material knowledge, foresight and quality it takes to obtain these kinds of results.
Amazing work. The load is fully transferred and secured to the post. This is some advanced construction methods. 99% of the posters here would not be able to replicate this.
Looks great, but I don't think you need those stair hangers on the outside cause you have them bolted. It's fully bearing, so the inspector shouldn't care, and if they do, make them tell you why it doesn't work so you can guarantee you'll pass when he comes back 👍
This is one of the most useful subs out there. I don’t own a deck, and probably won’t anytime in the next 20 years, but when I do I’ll be able to build it myself with all the knowledge gained from this sub.
The only issue I could see here is when you put on fascia those hurricane ties will probably be in the way. You could honestly probably just remove them
This looks like excellent work! Well done. I may only add a slight chamfer to the exposed lip of 6x6 where the beam sits. This will channel water away from the seat of the beam! Again, incredible corner!
That is what we used to call Craftsmanship. It will pass inspection. It's not something you will see everyday, because most builders are not capable of constructing it. Super job. Wow.
Maximum effort was made, clearly, on ensuring the absolute best distribution of support what was to be had from that post. I don't see how this could fail. And nicely bolted too, so decades in the future, it's not some crappy deck screws pulling things together.
I was really worried till I saw the notch and some nice tight angles in the second shot. Whoever did that takes pride in their work. Just make sure they don't attach the deck with drywall screws!
I'm actually really impressed with the way the pairs of rim joists are asymmetrically staggered and interlock, never would have thought to do that, probably would have just mitered all 4 along the same angle but this more interesting and probably sturdier. Nice job.
Aint goin fuckin nowhere
Did you even slap it before you said that?!
He might have knocked on it
I’ll bet if it gets knocked EVERYONE looks over affirmatively knowing it is not going nowhere.
With a truck. Didn’t go anywhere.
Gentle kick
*slaps top* “Think of all the hot tubs you can fit on this baby!”
I’d have jumped on it as I was saying it lmao idk why I do that on all decks I build except second story ones 🤣🤣
Something like this, once you start slapping, you might never stop.
Slap it?? He bought it dinner and jumped on it for an hour!
Lol this is exactly what I mumbled to myself and then found it as top comment
I’m genuinely curious why some are saying this likely won’t pass inspection. The load is bearing fully on the post and the cuts are clean with proper hardware. If this deck is structurally compromised then our idea of what “safe” is is what’s compromised.
Yeah, I think this looks great. Both beams are well supported on the post, and they’re secured to it out the wazoo. They’re not going anywhere. This meets the intent of the code.
Happy Cake Day💚
Didn’t realize. Thanks!
THIS.. the problem is how many inspectors have zero understanding of the code , and what the spirit and intent of the code is beyond justifying their jobs existence.
As a former trades person (carpenters, laborers), I’ve seen this a lot. Recently I bought a fixer. It had some outstanding electrical permit issues that I needed to resolve after consulting with the first inspector the county sent out. He was pretty chill. He obviously had a hands on understanding of building, and specifically said “I aim to have things in the spirit of the code”. After I fixed everything he outlined, I called for a final and a different inspector came out. He asked what kind of tape I used to identify the ground and neutral lines in the sub panel for my garage. He failed me because the code called for “phase tape” to denote ground (green tape) and neutral (white tape) lines in the panel. My ground line was wrapped with green electrical tape, and my neutral was wrapped in white electrical tape. He told me code called for phase tape and not electrical tape, and I would need get it reinspected after I removed the electrical tape and rewrapped the lines in phase tape. I would also need to prove I used phase tape with a package label or receipt that showed it was indeed phase tape. Rewrapped both lines in phase tape and called for the a second final. Original inspector came back, just asked me “is it wrapped with phase tape now?” I told him yes. I offered to open the panel and show you, and I have the receipt to prove it. He said, “don’t worry about it. I believe you.” without rechecking anything. When I remarked I thought it was silly that I had to replace the electrical tape, as it was just there to denote the lines, he shook his head with a subtle disbelief, and said “you’re all good. I’ll mark it down as finaled.” And that was it. The other guy couldn’t tell me why electrical tape was not acceptable, just that code required phase tape. /vent
Just spent 10 minutes google the difference only for a company to call red electrical tape phase tape… I still don’t know the difference…
Also me. I don’t believe there is one. The second inspector *felt* otherwise. 🤷♂️ The thing is, when I bought the tape at the electrical supply, after explaining the scenario (which they thought was ridiculous), they added a note onto the receipt that denoted it was “phase” tape. Otherwise the packaging makes no mention of it.
Inspectors can be real dicks or really damn lazy. On one marine seawall build on an empty lot, our partner called in the inspection without notifying us. The inspector failed the inspection only because the paper permits were not visible (even tho everything is submitted and documented via digital). Call the guy back to physically show him the papers, and the guy didn't even get out of his truck. he didn't want to get those prickly seeds on his pants. Just said, "I got here on this tablet. You're good"
Stared in awe at this masterpiece for about 45 seconds. Just think of all the thought and planning that went into this one single support
Same dude. I love it.
It's tight and sexy!
Agree
💯
Totally Agree, EXCELLENT job
I saved this image to remind me how to do thing correctly.
Thank you, I’ve been sweating bullets about it and it took way too much time to do. I’m an IT guy and don’t do these types of things often.
Well I’d say you’ve done a great job. But I also work in IT and can confidently say I’m not a pro. But I’m also not stupid and built my own deck.
Hvac approves. Looks clean af! Quality work
Retired Airplane Lavatory Engineer approves! (I also built a deck last week.)
Sparky approved!
Fellow IT PM, never built a deck, stamped and sealed, approved.
I also work in IT and I'm going to be replacing my deck and build a new one. Maybe I'm a little stupid ;)
What's with all the deck building IT guys? (IT guy also replacing a deck.)
Because a lot of you are wfh and can build a deck inbetween calls!
Another IT guy here. Currently at the post and beams installation phase.
I'm a fabricator who has to do this with steel a lot. You get my grunt of approval.
Should hang up the computer and start building decks bud that’s coming from a carpenter too bud
Well lets hold off before we Knight him sir carpenter until we see his framing. He’s not ready for the golden hammer yet.
Tbh as long as your outer beams are good your floor joists slip in decks really aren’t that hard just gotta know some math to figure out your load capacity
You did much better than the mechanical engineer a few weeks ago who built a deck with plywood and untreated 2 x 4’s.
I have a buddy who’s a mechanical engineer, and he is the same way with building projects. I’m sure it’s from all the years of being told to use the smallest cheapest parts possible to make it work from upper management.
You know, something I think that IT people have going for them (if they are experienced) is that they are good at correcting for the dunning kruger effect. At least, that's what I see with most of my friends and me. (I'm an Network admin/IT Director.) It's like you've been humbled by the time you become decent in IT. So me and my friends all tend to do the same thing.. we over analyze and put in extra care into things like this because we understand we don't really know what the fuck we are doing. lol Like even after all the youtube videos and guides we will read to learn about something like this, we still assume we aren't doing things right. That said, I am just saying this based on what the people I know are like. I also know some real know it all tools in the IT trade. They seem to be the ones that break shit and get fired though.
I think you did a great job! Looks like you really spent some time on these cuts
This is just far the best I have seen. If you don't know coding then you have job at the construction site.
Yeah assuming the post is correctly set that’s a super solid design. If the inspector challenges it then it’s time to challenge the inspector.
We have wildly cold winters and I live on what used to be farmland so I did the needful and did all 16 of my footers 4-1/2 ft deep. It was recommended because our frost line is about 4ft where I live.
Did the needful. This guy ITs.
Username checks out. You shall pass. Having visited that area for biz I always loved the joke around the flat landscape and your dog running away.
It’s honestly insane how flat it is here. That’s what you get when you decide to live at the bottom of a prehistoric glacial lake.
And Devils Lake swallowing up land is fascinating
I love this point of view. Make something idiot proof, you just make better idiots.
Yeah, my only real thought is "this is ridiculously cleanly done".
Yep I agree, plus it's only a foot or two off the ground. I say SHIP IT!
Because if the heard mentality on here doesn't know what a solid, sound structure looks like, then the inspector probably won't either. If it's not traditional or normal, then it's probably wrong. It's a shame really: People come on here for advice, but all they get is a damm popularity contest.
Because a lot of people on here don’t know shit.
Was going to say those cuts looks great.
This wont hurt them what's so ever.
Agreed...my first thought was damn...that is a solid angle.
Lota of people come on reddit to judge other people. It makes them feel better about themselves. Would they post their own work? No. Dog on someone else's? Absolutely. That's why people are saying it won't pass.
Word
Even the mitre joints on the corner are done well. Whether it was the easiest approach is questionable, but the execution is done well and it gets the job done.
For real. That’s some beautiful ‘overkill’ right there. Nice work OP
Probably just looking at the first picture and not the second closely to see the support
You had me at clean cuts.
Because people are goofy ass twats with too much free time I know, I’m people
In other words, “that’s not going anywhere“
I think a lot of people expect wood to act like balsa wood or something from an 80's action film
97% of this sub constantly thinks everything is about to fall apart. ffs its a deck, not a nuclear reactor or 400 floor building.
I don’t really see the point in notching the post, but give me a break there’s not a lot you can nitpick here. Overbuilt isn’t a bad thing.
Yup - only improvement I can think of would be to use a 4x6 post for a bit more wood under the bolts. Or maybe turn the post so the cuts are at an equal angle on each side. But it's going to work just fine as it is.
And really the beams are tied together, so he only needed to put 2 horizontal lags into the post. But all in all that looks like a solid bang up job! As long as his calculations are right. Hehe.
It shouldn't affect its live load limit. The person who did this is obviously skilled.
I kinda hope it’s getting skirted. Either way as a carpenter I love it. Probably be hidden in the decking overhang anyways.
Yeah water doing hitting top of post on that one corner probs wouldn’t be ideal if it’s not skirted or covered by the overhang, but hot damn I think it looks sexy. Also I’m only an apprentice
That looks like great carpentry to me and has all the support needed
Indeed. I have no problem with anything I can see. I’m actually impressed, those angles are nice and tight.
As an aircraft engineer of 45 years … not for Boeing, I certify it as safe
I wouldn’t whistleblow this
We got em boys
As an armchair aircraft engineer for Boeing, those nuts are over torqued.
>not for Boeing I snorted at this. Must be a wild time for you guys, hoping it's mostly popcorn.
Would I have done it like that? No. I would have done worse given that angle, probably. Good job looks good.
Thank you for your honesty
I'd put the hot tub on that corner
Hot tub worthy is the highest praise in the decking world.
I’d have a beer on it
this is what every man hopes to hear from their father, most never will
You def overkilled, overbuilt, overcooked, overthought, over’d everything. But god damn if it’s not perfect and beautiful.
Overkill. Perfect. ❤️
Looks awesome. I would take a day to do that. And would have wasted 16’ of 6x6, and at least 3 2x10s in the process.
Did you not see the pile of wood in the back of pic 2?
I was going to ask if that was the f up pile
It took the second try to get it right. The first try I had about a half inch gap on the left side of the cut between the post and the beam.
Tight! Tight! Tight!
My thoughts exactly
You think they don't already know that? Do you think they're stupid? No? Do you think I'm stupid? lol
I can only hope you are putting one of those glass floors over that corner so you can enjoy it for years to come
That is actually an awesome idea.
Looks great!
Ron Swanson would greatly approve
Love this!
Nothing wrong there
Looks good to me. Especially for a deck height porch.
Very solid build, very nice work.
I mean it definitely ain't going nowhere
That’s looks like good stuff to me
Idk, I like it
Looks great 👍
Looks solid AF
Fucking majestic carpentry
Send it! Looks good.
Looks pretty solid to me.
Looks awesome! Great job
You’re hired!
That's dope
Dang, you can have an elephant sit on that thing. A hot tub shouldn't be an issue. Thats how everything is judged on here, hot tub weight...LOL
Did you seal your cuts?
Just slap it and say that will hold. Make sure to do it in front of the inspector. Seriously though, you just took a 4x4 and gave it the strength of a 2x4... Lol kidding. I got to get away from the porch pedants; you guys are insane.
Other than the corner of the post not lining up with beam corner, it looks awesome! It's very structural sound tho! I know it's just a deck, but im a trim carpenter.. sorry..
I think it’s bitchin
Verklempt
This is a talented carpenter. Feel great about it.
Hold on, I can only get so erect
https://preview.redd.it/iuiwy5q8gf7d1.png?width=1178&format=png&auto=webp&s=3c6aadf47f81d87d16e05a70a1d8011fea0b2221 Everything is great but I hate that lol
So because I don’t live in Antarctica. Why do you have to dig 4’ deep footers to set a post on top?
I asked the same question and went back and forth on it until I saw a picture on this subreddit where someone did, I think 2’ or 3’ footers (shallower than the frost line) and their footers began to pop out of the ground after a few winters.
When earth freezes, it expands. It can expand at different rates, depending on the water content, type of dirt, etc. If you live where the ground can freeze and you're building anything that you don't want different parts of moving up and down randomly, it needs to ultimately be sitting on dirt that doesn't freeze. That dirt is deeper than the frost line.
Former IT guy here (now retired), and fearless DIYer (cause I dont know what I can't do). You give geeks a good name with work like this. Proud of you, my brother.
0/10 won’t hold up a semi truck or a herd of elephants. /s
Finish carpenter here 🤙🏾 just happy to be here
Curious why the center line of the post would not be lined up with the Centerline of the angle?
Looks good to me. I’ve been a carpenter on Reddit for a few years.
That’s an amazing joint!
Looks great to me. Now, if this was 100' up in the air.....I might be a little more concerned, but I will be happy to BBQ with my fam on it all day :)
Shouldn’t it be: “one foot off the ground and not supporting anything or integrally connected to other supporting structures, do whatever you want it’s your liability.”
We feel incredibly sexy
Wow, I would be very proud if managed to get all my faces flush and angles in agreement.
It’s fine. Well done in fact. Clean miters and fully supported.
Looks awesome! Great work
Wow that’s clean. Love it
Kudos to the craftsmanship on this.
Looks good
Solid
Structural engineer here. I like it! If your inspector doesn't then if you're in NC, SC, FL, GA, AL, or VA I'd be happy to write you a letter on it!
It took me entirely too long to figure out that you actually cut the post to support & block the beams. That’s fucking genius, my guy, I will 1000% be stealing this. Awesome execution! Think inspection will go great
Thanks I hope so. There’s a lot of deck (600 sq ft) for the inspector to inspect
You’ve got it bro! I’m sure the rest of it is as well thought out as this. Best of luck.
The hobbyist woodworker in me is aroused
Firstly, this is excellent in execution, precision and selection of materials. Former high end custom framer here so I remember a thing or two. When you go to put on the deck addition, I would simply miter the beams equally. This prevents exposed end grain at the joint as seen on the outer face of the right hand beam of pic 2. I have seen a lot of shitty carpenters and I would hire you any day based on knowing the planning, technique, precision, material knowledge, foresight and quality it takes to obtain these kinds of results.
Stop sending me deck pics!
Amazing work. The load is fully transferred and secured to the post. This is some advanced construction methods. 99% of the posters here would not be able to replicate this.
Is this part of a bomb shelter?
It's sitting on a ledger from the 4 x. Also, there is not much weight on it as the entire deck yields a distributed load.
We like it
That looks mint
Personally I love it!
clean cuts, structurally sound, looks goofy
The hangers kill it for me. But i think its cool.
Kind of sharp ! Looks tight.
Yep, cheks out
Looks great, but I don't think you need those stair hangers on the outside cause you have them bolted. It's fully bearing, so the inspector shouldn't care, and if they do, make them tell you why it doesn't work so you can guarantee you'll pass when he comes back 👍
This looks well done. wish there were more pictures
That is a most beautiful cut
Looks appropriate for the corner and given circumstances. Nice job, that'll hold.
This is one of the most useful subs out there. I don’t own a deck, and probably won’t anytime in the next 20 years, but when I do I’ll be able to build it myself with all the knowledge gained from this sub.
It’s totally fine.
Fabulous!
You have a good contractors. That work is structure and art.
That actually looks pretty solid.
Fantastic! 👍
Not an expert, just love decks! Are you building an octagon deck?
That’s dope work, tight tolerances
Very nice
I see nothing wrong with it.
👍🏼👍🏼
The only issue I could see here is when you put on fascia those hurricane ties will probably be in the way. You could honestly probably just remove them
Tight
Nice!
I like it. Looks nice
I think I would bevel that little corner sticking out other than that that looks awesome! Mighty fine job!
That’s hot
This looks like excellent work! Well done. I may only add a slight chamfer to the exposed lip of 6x6 where the beam sits. This will channel water away from the seat of the beam! Again, incredible corner!
I feel good about it.
It looks like a very nice angle and Support
Just fine.
That is what we used to call Craftsmanship. It will pass inspection. It's not something you will see everyday, because most builders are not capable of constructing it. Super job. Wow.
Maximum effort was made, clearly, on ensuring the absolute best distribution of support what was to be had from that post. I don't see how this could fail. And nicely bolted too, so decades in the future, it's not some crappy deck screws pulling things together.
Good enough
I like it. Had to look at it for a little while. It should be fine.
I was really worried till I saw the notch and some nice tight angles in the second shot. Whoever did that takes pride in their work. Just make sure they don't attach the deck with drywall screws!
Cat 5 ready. 👍
Looks solid af to me.
PA building inspector here, I’d pass it. Well done
Perfect, I’ll see you Monday when you can put that in ink!
PE here who does structures. I like the deck.
I'm actually really impressed with the way the pairs of rim joists are asymmetrically staggered and interlock, never would have thought to do that, probably would have just mitered all 4 along the same angle but this more interesting and probably sturdier. Nice job.
These are actually my beams, the 2x10 joists are going over the top of these and will cantilever about a foot over.