There are many ways to tie timber posts to foundations or wood floors. A few are detailed on this page. The most important thing in designing a timber post base is to keep the post bottom dry and well drained. Setting the post on a galvanized plate, rather than painted steel or plastic, is important. The zinc galvanization acts as a preservative and helps to keep the bugs and rot away. The design in the photo above is excellent. An example of a poorly designed stone surround can been seen here. All of our post bases are engineered to meet the individual needs of each project.
Give us a call at 802-886-1917 or e-mail to learn how we can help with your post and beam project. Scroll down to learn more about timber framing and post and beam construction.
Have a Question?BROWSE THE TYPES OF POST BASES
Post Base Timber Pier Rod Plate
A simple connection just using a rod and a galvanized plate. This connection works well when the weight of the frame overcomes any potential uplift from wind or lateral loads.
Post Base with a galvanized plate and Timberlinx
This is one of our most common post base connections. A 7/8" all-threaded rod is epoxied into the foundation, a galvanized plate is dropped on over the all thread and the post is secured with a Timberlinx connector. It is nice because it fixes the post in place and locks it down providing protection from typical uplift.
Post base with a stand off, 7/8" rod and Timberlinx
This post base is commonly used on concrete slabs or footings when pavers or a slab is to be installed or poured after the timber frame is installed. It raises the post up so it won't come into contact with water over its lifetime. The base plate generally has holes to accept 5/8" all thread which is epoxied into the concrete. The size of the base and height of the standoff (made with HSS) can be modified as required.
Moment post base to resolve lateral loads
When lateral loads from wind or seismic forces are high, a moment connection at the base can help resolve those loads. The base plate, often 3/4" or thicker with a 3/8" knife plate extending up into the post, is connected to the foundation with epoxied or cast-in-place anchor bolts.
Post Base on a Plywood Deck
In this connection, the bottom of the post has a 3/4" stub tenon that is routed into a plywood sub-floor. Log Hog screws are used to hold the post to the solid blocking below.
Post Base on a Steel Stand Off
Here, a custom steel base boot creates a stand off so brick flooring can be installed below the post.
Post Base with Steel Boot
A simple and classic connection. A steel boot is bolted down to a sub-floor and the post is bolted into the boot.
Post Base with Steel Bracket
This connection is nice because it partially conceals a steel boot. The bottom of the post is countersunk to allow for the anchor bolt heads, and the hidden back plate bolts to the post. Both lateral and uplift loads are resolved.
Post Base with Timber Linx Connector
INTERACTIVE PDFS
In order to gain an interactive 3D view of some of these joints and connections, download the required specialized applications below. Then click on the icons listed to view the interactive PDF.
