Make Sturdy Post Connections
Use galvanized threaded rods to stabilize the rail posts at the bottom of deck stairs.
I recently built a deck and used a pair of 1⁄2-in. galvanized threaded rods to stabilize the rail posts at the bottom of the stairs. This method with nuts and washers on both sides of the stringers creates a rock-solid post connection and uses easy-to-find, inexpensive hardware.
— Steve Beese; Winston-Salem, N.C.
From Fine Homebuilding #305
RELATED STORIES
Got a Tip?
Do you have any great tips like this one on how make sturdy post connections? Share your methods, tricks, and jigs with other readers. Tag them @FineHomebuilding on social, email them to us at [email protected], or upload them to FineHomebuilding.com/reader-tips. We’ll pay for any we publish.
View Comments
This tip shows a 4x4 notched to accept a 2x. At the point of maximum stress, the 4x4 is only 2" thick.
Most people knowledgeable about installing guard posts recommend against notching, for example, https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/rock-solid-guard-post-connections.
In addition, the 2021 IRC explicitly prohibits notching 4x4 guard posts.
You can find additional methods of securing posts at the bottom of stair stringers here:
A video we did about 5 years ago https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/building-strong-deck-stairs
And a similar threaded rod method on the last page of this article from 2014 https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/9383/021248068.pdf