Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Securing a fence to a deck
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badmana
04-22-09, 01:25 PM
I've completed the decking on my new deck and decided I wanted some privacy on one side (a 20' run).
I'd like to add a 6' shadow boxed fence, 4 posts 5 feet apart (including one 2x4 attached to a wall).
The joists are 2x8s and I plan on using 4x4 cedar posts.
My concern is strength. Is there a rule of thumb concerning wind resistance and mounting with regards to fences and decks? I've looked all over (including my deck book I've relied on) and found nothing about securing a fence.
My idea was to mount the posts (with 3 half inch bolts) then cut the bottom of the post flush with my joists. Then run a 2x4 a few feet in and secure it to a few joists.
I've also been given the idea of using a preformed cement footing and resting the post end on the ground and securing it normally to the deck. My deck is under 4' off the ground so that could work.
What is the 'official' way of mounting a fence to a deck? Does anyone have any ideas to make this fence work?
I'd like to add a 6' shadow boxed fence, 4 posts 5 feet apart (including one 2x4 attached to a wall).
The joists are 2x8s and I plan on using 4x4 cedar posts.
My concern is strength. Is there a rule of thumb concerning wind resistance and mounting with regards to fences and decks? I've looked all over (including my deck book I've relied on) and found nothing about securing a fence.
My idea was to mount the posts (with 3 half inch bolts) then cut the bottom of the post flush with my joists. Then run a 2x4 a few feet in and secure it to a few joists.
I've also been given the idea of using a preformed cement footing and resting the post end on the ground and securing it normally to the deck. My deck is under 4' off the ground so that could work.
What is the 'official' way of mounting a fence to a deck? Does anyone have any ideas to make this fence work?
lefty
05-01-09, 09:07 PM
Run the fence posts to the ground. There's no way that the joists of the deck will support that kind of a load.
Smithers66
05-02-09, 04:17 PM
I notched out half of a 4x4 and bolted it to the face of my stringers (2 x each post), but I only went up 4'. 6' is a lot more force, especially when the wind blows.
I would caution against the idea of a hole filled with cement as I just snapped off a stair railing that rotted at the point it emerged from the cement form where there water collects.
I would caution against the idea of a hole filled with cement as I just snapped off a stair railing that rotted at the point it emerged from the cement form where there water collects.
lefty
05-02-09, 05:13 PM
Smithers66
You snapped off a post that had been embedded in concrete. That's not suprising. We've been saying for years "DO NOT embed wood in concrete" -- and that's why.
Done properly, you'll pour the footing and embed a post base or column base in the concrete, then attach the post to that base. A standoff base is best -- it hold the wood an inch above the concrete.
You snapped off a post that had been embedded in concrete. That's not suprising. We've been saying for years "DO NOT embed wood in concrete" -- and that's why.
Done properly, you'll pour the footing and embed a post base or column base in the concrete, then attach the post to that base. A standoff base is best -- it hold the wood an inch above the concrete.
Smithers66
05-03-09, 07:07 AM
Yep, I realize that which is why when I built my deck I did not even use concrete, just a layer of pea gravel at the bottom. Of course an actual fence post is a different animal...