connecting a joist hanger to a brick column

[rob]

I'm building two 2'x3' steps. They are going to be little deck platforms that lead to the gate to get outside the yard. It's a total of 14" rise, and currently it's just sloped dirt.

Anyway, on one side of the gate is a treated post, and the other side is a brick column roughly 8' tall and 2'x2' square. I want to attach a joist between the wood post and the brick column.

The question is, what's the best way to attach the hanger to the column? Can I drill holes and put some type of expansion device into the brick? Do I need epoxy?

The column is very substantial and might be filled with concrete or possibly have a cinder block core - but I don't know for sure.

thx

[chandler]

All of the above. You could use tapcon's (blue hex head screws for concrete), expandable molly's, anchor pins. I'd visit a hardware store or big box store to see what is available and what you could use in your application.

[Concretemasonry]

Try to attach to the mortar joint if possible - easier to drill and more consistant anchorage.

No epoxy needed or desired.

Dick

[rob]

thx for the suggestions!