Fancy Corner Braces & Deck Boards - Play structure part 2

[@jimdavis1566]

I really like the way you did the corner braces. I stumbled on your video while trying to find some neat brace ideas. I'm going to try a slightly different idea using a 4x4 instead of 2 2x4's and cut out the ends on opposite sides to sit flush against the post and cross beam.

[@quarterlore6272]

Hey Jay, I noticed the joists are about an inch lower than the 2x8 cross beams, not flush - doesn’t this make the deck boards sink down from the edges?

[@summetj]

The joists are in line with the side supports, which are also dropped down the thickness of the Deck boards, so they are flush with the top of the cross beams.

[@quarterlore6272]

That is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks so much. This video is really helping me build the ultimate treehouse right now, you rule.

[@redneckbryon]

I see you have larger tree in the yard why did you choose such a small tree??

[@summetj]

It's a small platform (not connected to the tree) and that tree provides the best shade and was in the best location to "start" the zipline ending at another tree. (Also, I have a hammock I hang between the two pines already....)

[@toddsimister71]

As someone who build deck stairs all the time I like the build just not a huge fan of the massive gaps between the boards. Reason being is kids are playing on that to east to get a finger or a toe caught in there. Or any toys they play with can fall through to easy.

[@summetj]

Fair enough, although mine is 10 now, so I'm more worried about falling out of the tree itself. Buy a few more deck boards and you can have very narrow gaps.

[@nishutkc]

Can you please clarify what screws you used for the corner braces in your blog?

[@summetj]

I used 2.5" structural screws (similar to those used for the joist brackets) to attach the two 2x4's together for the corner braces, and used 5/16" lag bolts to attach them to the joists and posts. The lengths and details are listed on the blog page here (under part 2): www.summet.com/blog/2020/05/29/build-an-8x8-play-structure-with-dimensional-lumber/

[@kpath74]

Thank you for the idea!

[@emo7307]

why big gaps? good video though. A+