Attaching Joist/Beam/Post In Corners

Hi,

I am planning a playground for my kids with a deck as the base. This is my first deck (the question may make that obvious) and this question just hit me.

The deck will be a free-standing rectangular deck. I plan to attach the joists to the beams with joist hangers (I want the height underneath the deck) and the beams to the posts with post cap.

I intended to the have the post at the corners of the deck, but the post cap will interfere with the joist hanger. So how do you remedy that?

Is there a way to keep them both in that location? Or do I need to move the post in slightly? Other options?

Also, I will be attaching diagonal bracing (all four sides). If the way to go is to set the post back from the corner, how do I attach the diagonal bracing from post to joist?

Thanks for any insight.

 

Your support posts will be 6x6 posts that you will notch to allow the rim joists to rest on top of the notch and then you will through bolt the whole assembly together. You don't use post cap brackets. Here is a complete recap of code compliant deck building guidelines. http://www.awc.org/publications/DCA/DCA6/DCA6-12.pdf

 

I appreciate the response. I've read that looking for the answer and it says you can use both methods. I wanted to go with using the post cap brackets because with having the posts above ground, I wanted the posts themselves as short as possible to achieve the same height under the deck. By notching, I will need to add another 7.25" to the height of the post.

Is notching better than the post cap or are you just suggesting it as an alternative? It would save on that hardware. Thanks again.

 

If you are using a triple beam, then is makes sense to use a post cap as it would span the entire cross section of the beam. If however, using a single rim joists it is far easier to notch the post and bolt the beam to it. BTW, you don't want to add the full 7.25" to the post as you don't want the post to stand proud of the beam, so you cut it a little short. The critical measurement will be the saddle of the notch that the beam sits on. Notch and bolt makes for a secure attachment and a strong beam. Post caps are nailed toward the bottom and therefore may have cause allow the beam to roll over or give it opportunity to move as the wood dries out.