- Custom Deckworks never uses "joist hangers". We also don't "toe-nail" our joists to the bands. We use "pressure blocks".
Weathered Joist Hanger
Joists hangers rust and can allow unwanted movement of the joist. Also, joist hangers only come galvanized. As we stated earlier about the nails, with the new ACQ lumber, these fasteners would need to be "Hot-Dipped galvanized" or, not only can they rust over a period of years, they may now corrode over a period of months! They are typically installed with very small nails and are difficult to place correctly. Because of the varying widths of lumber, using joist hangers can cause the joists to be installed at different heights and produce a "wavy effect" across the deck floor.
Deck Frame Diagram
Pressure Blocks, on the other hand, tie everything together and prevent any movement of all framing members, provide more nailing opportunities and frankly, look neater.
- When setting the support posts for a deck, never allow them to simply be set upon blocks.
Full Post Concreted In Ground
Treated lumber has a tendency to warp and twist over time as it dries out and must be secured at every opportunity. Even “deck blocks” can be moved by a twisting post and the earth is easily washed out from under them.
We set every "full" post in concrete. We dig a hole in the ground, pack a rock or a block down in the bottom of the hole, set the post and fill the hole with concrete. This way the post is secured by the earth and protected by the concrete. No dirt should touch the post. The concrete is mounded-up to allow for water to flow away from the post. We also pre-mix the concrete in a wheel barrow. Contractors that pour dry concrete in the hole and add water run the risk of "dry pockets" that can cause the footing to fail.
Lag Screwed Frame
Our posts are secured in three locations: The ground with concrete, the frame of the deck with lag screws and the handrail. When a post must set upon an existing concrete slab, there are several ways to bolt the post to the slab to prevent movement. "Deck blocks" are never acceptable. We do not give the posts a chance to warp or twist.
