How to upgrade verandah posts?

[Jason2509]

Just after advice re: updating old (treated pine) posts in our outdoor verandah area... Im looking at updating with Merbau 90x90 posts and for the verandah beam I was also looking at using the same 90x90 merbau posts...  our existing structure has the cut in with 240x45 beam but I'd rather not do a cut in on the posts

https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-90mm-2-4m-post-gl17-pre-oiled-merbau-dar_p0549667

NOTE: looking at using Simpson Strong-Tie Post Wood To Wood Connectors to hold posts to beam

Any assistance would be appreciated

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jason2509,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

The post should be fine to replace the old, treated pine post, but it may not be adequate to act as a beam. We would have to see what the beams span is and what it is supporting to evaluate whether it could be used here or not.

Posts are notched so that the beam can sit on top of the post and be attached laterally to them with bolts. This is so the load applied to the beam is directed down into the post, rather than sideways through the bolts, which creates a weak point. There are certainly structural brackets that can be used for post-to-beam connections, but we need to see if they would be suitable in your specific layout. 

Is it possible to get some photos of where you are hoping to install the post and beam?

This will help us to evaluate what you are looking to do and then offer advice based on the specifics of your situation.

Let me know if you need assistance uploading images. I would be more than happy to help if required.

I will assist further when you can provide a few more details.

Jacob

[Jason2509]

Thanks Jacob

initially I was looking at utilising either strongtie caps or pergola brackets (see links below) but may just replace posts with new merbau posts and notch with a new beam as per your comments re: load as this will replicate existing structure

https://www.strongtie.com/onepiecepostcaps_postcaps/epcz_cap/p/epcz 
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D9QKPJV6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jason2509,

Generally speaking, it's best to replicate what is already there, as any alterations to the design, especially in roofed structures, should be run by a suitably licensed person, such as an engineer. With this in mind, I would be notching the posts and replicating what was done originally.

In saying this, the EPCZ™ End Post Cap, which you should be able to order through our Special Orders desk, looks like it would work, but you would have to confirm with a suitably licensed person that it meets or exceeds what was done originally.

Ultimately, it might look a bit cleaner and be a little bit easier to install, but the issue of confirming its suitability as a replacement solution would steer me towards replicating what is already there.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob