Cedar Porch Post Anchors

martincontracti

I have a job that requires replacing load-bearing 6x6 cedar posts on an exposed slab porch. Any ideas on how to raise the bottoms of the posts off the floor an inch to keep them from wicking water? I need to retain the load-bearing and cannot lift the porch roof structure up enough to slip them over a bracket. I would like to have them attached mechanically at both ends. Any hardware ideas?

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Doing it right the first time is always cheaper.

wstack

First use a hydraulic jack and a 4x4 post cut to the right length to get a little lift if possible. You should be able to get even a 1/16" lift without hurting anything. Then install a temporary post just to the side of where your cedar post will go. Then install a Simpson ABA66 or similar bracket to the slab where your post will go. Cut your new post and allow for your 1/16" that you raised it, slide it in over the ABA66, nail in with some joist hanger nails and bolt it through the bracket. You can also install a post cap H type bracket at the top as well. Get the Simpson Strongtie booklet at any lumber yard they have all of the brackets in there with photos. I like to coat the bottoms of the posts with wood preservative "clear if you can find it" just to be safe. If you keep a gallon with a brush by your chopsaw it only takes a couple seconds extra.

ramblemn

If they don't mind the extra cost, I'd replace the posts with galv-steel poles, and clad them in new cedar.

Otherwise, jack it up, remove the post, cut 1 inch shorter, seal cut end and put in a 1 inch stainless/galv spacer.