There s no penalty for exceeding code and it s easier to keep a single bolt size on hand 1 2 inch bolts are required for many other deck connections.
Bolting deck beams to posts.
Don t rely on bolting deck beams to posts.
And over time the nuts and bolts you use are going to loosen.
Bolting beams to posts.
Think about it for a moment when you take a 2x4x16 and rest it on 3 saw horses spaced at 1 15 and 15 3 now apply a load in the middle of that 2x4 it bends off the last sawhorse.
Because the entire weight of the deck is resting on one of the members and that is being held by 1 3 bolts.
Even if you re using the right grade of hardware all it takes is a couple of loose bolts and your deck.
While code typically allows 3 8 inch diameter bolts for fastening braces to posts beams or joists i use 1 2 inch diameter bolts instead.
Some can be installed after the post and beam are attached and are usually used in pairs one on each side of the post.
Bolts alone are not going to secure those beams and posts together tightly enough.
Since the size of the top is determined when the hardware is fabricated you have to order the correct size to match the beam size required for the deck.
Bolting deck beams to the posts sounds like a good idea right.
And it is as long as you re not solely relying on the bolts to hold your deck together and keep it solid and sturdy for years.