Best way to anchor a post that has no stringer?
I want to anchor a 4″ x 4″ fir post to concrete. This will be the lower end of a stair ballaster on my front porch. The top end is very solid because I was able to bolt it in with two 5/8′” bolts running through the joist as well as extra blocking. However, the design calls for the lower end to be away from the lowest riser so I have nothing to cling to. These posts will be wrapped with Boral or 1″ x 6″ wood. I’m thinking I could use a Simpson Strong Tie, ABA442, which would get the post off the concrete by an inch which is a good thing. I’d simply drill a hole in the concrrete and affix a threaded bolt vertically up through the Strong Tie with a nut. But then the fir would be screwed to the side flaps of the strong tie and then wrapped wth the 1″‘ x 6″ material. This doesn’t seem like it would be solid enough. Is there a better way?
Thanks,
Roy
Replies
post anchor
Go to your friendly local welding shop and have a Tee made of, say, 1/4 steel plate. The base would be at least the the size of the post. The bigger the better. Bolt the base to the concrete with four 3/8" exp. bolts.
The leg of the Tee would be 3-1/2" x +/-12" long. Notch the center of post to recieve the leg. Drill a couple 9/16" holes thru the post and steel leg and bolt with 1/2" carrage bolts. Recess the nut and washer. Paint and put something between the steel and concrete to keep the moisture away.
You could also make "L" shape or "U" shape anchors. Let your imagination run wild, but always use your BEST judgement.
The best approach would be to set a 2-3 inch iron pipe in the concrete, projecting 3-4 feet, then wrap that with your wood.
Dan, I ain't got enough wood to wrap that, and I suspect no other men have either, but a lot could wrap more than me. Just saying.