4x4" vs 6x6" post size for a high deck?

11 years ago

Should we use 4"x4" or 6"x6" posts for our deck? It is a large deck - 93 feet long and 10 feet wide and built on a slope. So at one end the deck sits 3" off the ground but at the other end the post will be 8 feet on top of the cement footing.

Thanks for your advice!

4"x4"

6"x6"

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Comments (3)

PRO
Hal Braswell Consulting
11 years ago
I would put the question to the architect or engineer designing it for approval by building permit office.
PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
11 years ago
If you don't know the building codes for deck building, you need to go in and sit with your local building department and have them provide you with the local requirements. I believe a 6x6 would be required.
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User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You would rarely need an architect or engineer designing it to get approval by building permit office.

Most building departments have convenient handouts, or can print you one off their website, for the most usual homeowner projects like decks, fences, sheds, or garages, giving you all the info you need to get a permit with the right specs for the region.

Since the 2012 IRC is lacking a bit of the newest codes, and I haven't found the 2015 IRC to be on-line yet, this publication should be the same information, but with a better explanation and more pictures.

http://www.awc.org/publications/dca/dca6/dca6-12.pdf