I'm working on a large studio project and I plan to use 4x10 timber beams for the floor. Since the studio will be 36 feet long, I need to join several beams together. These joins need to be supported over concrete piers, where the beams will rest on a cement post or a diamond pier, using a Simpson ABU46Z bracket.
I'm considering how to best join the beams above the ABU46Z. A friend suggested a butt-to-butt joint, but I'm worried it might not provide sufficient support since only one side would be bolted, leaving part of the beam supported on just a third of the post.
Alternatively, I could use a scarf joint. If I go this route, what should I watch out for when bolting each piece? Specifically, how close to the edge of the beam can I safely bolt, and how far in should the bolts be from the edge? As a DIY beginner, I prefer to be overly cautious than to cut corners on safety or structural integrity.
3 Answers
As a fellow DIY newbie, I totally get wanting to keep things simple! Just be sure to check your local building codes. The length of your beams and their placements might vary in requirements, and you don’t want any surprises during inspection.
It's great that you're planning ahead! Definitely check your engineered plans first—they're vital for ensuring safety. Using an ABU46Z is more typical for decks, not houses. You might want to look into a column cap for a stronger butt joint. If you're tight on space, you can consider two standoff brackets on separate pier pads instead.
Also, I’d advise against using diamond piers unless you’re in a non-frost area; they might not give enough support under shifting ground conditions. And remember to always build below the frost line for stability.
Solid points! Just to add, if your area has frost, you'll need a continuous poured footing to avoid issues like uplift. It’s important to have the beam properly anchored to the foundation for safety.
Yeah, it sounds like you're diving into a big project! Make sure you’re fully aware of the IRC guidelines they touch on structural integrity. For the ABU46Z, you’ll need more than 5 inches of bearing for proper support, so check for something like the CCQM instead.
Exactly! Make sure you confirm local codes. A continuous load path is crucial; if your foundation isn’t anchored right, you could compromise the whole structure.