Deck Post Sizes

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COLUMNS AND POSTS: UBC 2306.5. Columns and posts located on concrete or masonry floors or decks exposed to the weather or to water splash or in basements shall be supported by concrete piers or metal pedestals projecting above floors unless approved wood of natural resistance to decay is used. The pedestals shall project at least 6” above exposed earth and at least 1” above such floors. Individual concrete or masonry piers shall project at least 8” above exposed ground unless the columns or posts, which they support, are of approved wood of natural resistance to decay or treated wood.

See Footings & Piers before you size your posts

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Minimum Post sizes

To calculate the size post needed, multiply the beam spacing by the post spacing. This gives you the load area - in square feet.

For For example a load area less than 72 sq. ft. and a post height under 6 ft, a 4 x 4 post is adequate.

Height (ft)

Load Area (sq. ft)= beam spacing x post spacing

 

48

72

96

120

144

up to 6

4x4

4x4

6x6

6x6

6x6

up to 8

6x6

6x6

6x6

6x6

6x6

Vertical loads figured as concentric along axis.

 

No Lateral loads considered

 

Beam Spacing? Post Spacing?

Post to Post and Beam to Beam sizing Click for full size image
Click for larger image