What r u using to attach top boards on arbors? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

IHI · 04-18-2006, 09:12 PM

Budget is tight on upcoming job so instead of notching beams and top rails to lock into each other, just trying to get some ideas that will look okay but also hold up for the long haul.

Was thinking about hurricane ties but IMO that is too gawdy with the shiney metal brackets. will be using PT 2x6's for top cross members and not really too excited about driving huge spikes all the way through either.

Just trying to pick some brains before i go out and buy materials.

thanks, Josh

RobertCDF · 04-18-2006, 09:20 PM

Powder coat your hurricane ties... I am thinking about powder coating hangers and hurricane ties instead of using stainless steel for ACQ deck framing. Just an idea maybe it will work for you maybe not.

IHI · 04-18-2006, 10:30 PM

Time restraints would prevent it in this case, but it's a good idea none the less. Are you sure the ACQ chems would interact with powder coat too?? Man i could see a huge market there for a established powder coating company that could run thousands of hangers a day in either green or brown (to match any future staining)

I dont know, I might just say the heck with it and notch beams/rails so it's done right even though it will take more time I'll know it's the way it should be. We dont have alot to do since it's only covering a 22' span and we're going 24"oc and home owner is going to drape a canvas type material over it for more shade and ashtetics so it's not like I have 100 cuts I have to worry about, we'll just set up the planks and run 'em

Was just hopin for a half day project on the arbor so I can move onto the porch project.

Mike Finley · 04-18-2006, 10:39 PM

I have used flat black Rustolium spray paint on tons of Simpson Strong ties, they look great and don't seem to have any problems lasting. Spray them at least one day before they will be used. If there is an aesthetic issue it is the seeing the galvanized nails against the black ties. I suppose you could touch up the nail heads if you wanted to, but they really don't look bad at all.

Two other options I have done are toe screwing the lintels without ties or drill down from the tops about 3/4 of the way and insert screws then plug the holes on top with caulk.

reveivl · 04-19-2006, 01:11 AM

IHI, I've done this with a step drill before, it drilled a 5/32" hole all the way through and a 3/8" hole 3-1/2" deep. Then screwed with a 3-1/2" #10 Robertson (square drive to you guys). Put a stop on the step drill to get your depth and you're off. Lee Valley sells the steps. Rich.