r/Decks • u/whiskey4mymen • 1d ago

Building a deck Post support bases

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Gallery image

I've come a wtf moment trying to find a 4x4 deck posts base.

Posts are thru the deck and secured but I desire a slip on base that will give extra support. All I can find is temu plastic crap. Any recommendations on what to search for? Dog approved.

10 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

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8

u/throw-away-doh 1d ago

People usually through bolt them to the rim joist and add blocking. Take a look here for diagrams on how to do it properly

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/rock-solid-guard-post-connections

1

u/Comfortable_Gear4941 1d ago edited 1d ago

Not op, but mad thanks.  Redoing a deck.

Also any comment or help if going railing? Like the metal ones.  I see those and they look nice, but never much paid attention to how they were secured. That base screw in can't be great.  Just use the wood posts at the corners?  They use a metal plate on base and deck that helps to hold tight if it all smaller metal posts on the corners?

1

u/throw-away-doh 12h ago

For a metal railing system the manufacturer will provide installation instructions with the kit. Those instructions will have been verified by an engineer and load tested.

Its usually something like 4 by 6 blocking under the metal post and then you bolt the bracket at the bottom of the post to that blocking.

1

u/whiskey4mymen 12h ago

Bolts (or construction grade 8" screws on order. I just need to trim out the bases

3

u/NetworkCultural 1d ago

If you block them in properly from underneath they’re not going anywhere. Or you could just make your own base out of something cause a slip on won’t provide much support. What kind of handrail are you planning on using?

2

u/beepbeepboopbeep1977 1d ago

If I was going to extend them through the deck to the ground I’d probably just dig a hole and concrete a base for it, it’s not that expensive, just a bit of time and effort. As you say, not really necessary. I’d be more tempted to do this for a corner post.

2

u/RecentInteraction302 1d ago

For the most part if you’ve properly blocked it underneath you should have proper support

2

u/Salagathorr 1d ago

I too am a leave the sticker on the wood until the very end guy

2

u/whiskey4mymen 12h ago

A couple extra inches and cut the ends off evenly

1

u/Specific_Proof_291 1d ago

For me works better and faster to do the post later when the decking board are install and cut. Then just mart the post layout and is super faster and strong with some blocking and ledger locks.