[avasa]

Building a posh little pergola from 5"x5" bc fir... I would love to stick the posts in a "sonotube" and pour concrete but sure it will last if set directly into concrete (treated with copper naphtalate... Any ideas on longevity? Wrapped in something? What?) I would prefer not to trim out the base as those joints usually open over time, so visible brackets arent an option. Steel plates set into the concrete and up into a kerf in the post, then thru bolted? How tall would these plates need to be? Help me out you salty dogs!

 

[redwood]

I'm not sure what BC fir is, but generally speaking it's a very bad idea to put untreated fir anywhere near the ground.

Simpson does make a bracket like you are suggesting, though I doubt that it would be rated for non top supported use.
http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/cptz.asp

We usually set pressure treated posts in the concrete and then trim them out with whatever material is appropriate.

 

[Dan_Watson]

What he said.

 

[ArtisticDecks-Bob]

What they both said.

Bob

 

[RobertCDF]

^^^^ what he said

 

[ArtisticDecks-Bob]

Once again Happy Birthday, Robert!