Preparing a Deck Beam for Install ||14x14 Home Addition||

[@jshepard152]

12:15 Thanks for actually placing your beams correctly, on top of the posts. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people on KZbin frame a deck or a cabin by nailing the damn beams to the side of a post! The whole weight of their cabin rests on the sheer strength of a few nails. Crazy.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Haha right?! its actually crazy how some of them are still standing 😂

[@TheGuruStud]

That's not actually a big deal for small decks if they're the right size nails and enough of them, b/c they're very strong. That's why you use nails in construction for load, b/c sheer strength is amazing. Of course, I don't like nails in places like that, b/c they back out over time (big ring shank probably won't though). There's tons of houses with no hangers for floor joists that are only nailed in. But, obviously, you should use 2 bolts. IIRC, even a 1/2" grade 8 bolt has something like 10k lbs of sheer. That's why decks with bolts never fail. Crazy strength and the friction of being jammed to the post means it's not going anywhere (obviously use decent washers). If you can rip a beam off post with bolts...you have multiple hot tubs up there.

[@keithh1206]

Everytime the load transfers the weight is reduced. The way the load is distributed across the entire foundation, there's a lot more than a couple nails holding it up

[@zimvader25]

@@TheGuruStudno.

[@zimvader25]

⁠@@keithh1206every single structural engineer disagrees with you which is why pretty much all code in first world nations require you to notch into the posts

[@123mjolie]

You are NOT an idiot !!!! Thanks for all you do !!!

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks Mike!

[@calliecanrinus8318]

Impressive.. doing that all by yourself.. I have Great admiration for those with the grit to just tackle a job and do it well. Much respect!

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thank you so much for the support! 💪

[@futureinventor]

You are not an idiot. Someone needs to learn the power of positive affirmation. Children react beautifully to those tactics.😊

[@alangoodwin1966]

I have found, as a deck builder, that a lot carpenters don’t take the time to install proper footings, above grade, with an anchored box. Well done.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks!!!

[@FLIguy317]

One of the best beams I’ve seen 🎉 sweet 👍🏽🔥🔥🔥

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@barryreed5158]

Well done. Enjoy the process and your little girl helper.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks Barry!

[@stephenhardegree4143]

Glad to see you have the "appropriate job boss and helper". My little girl (21+ now) was the best helper ever on my home renovation and building projects!

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Right?! Ive gotta soak it all up before she starts talking back! 😂

[@bradleyakulov3618]

When you make the beam with the 2x10's, instead of planing the whole top surface, flip the beam to make the flush surface the top, and just plane down the bottom where it meets the posts/post holders. Like that, it's less planing, A LOT LESS.

[@mrreams711]

nice tip

[@josephgaluska9320]

What about the crown and bow of the board?

[@bradleyakulov3618]

@@josephgaluska9320 There's no bow to a beam that consists of many boards pressed down onto a flat surface and then fastened together. You could flip the middle one and have them alternate if you think you got all boards' crowns up, just put the middle one crown down and they will counteract. Even like that, if you had all crowns up and you pressed them down and fastened them, they will maintain their position when you release it. But I'll repeat myself: it's irrelevant to have a straight edge the bottom of a beam that only has 3 contact points. It could be completely jagged and chipped and splintered, and it wouldn't matter, as it is in contact with the air below. just notch 3 areas a quarter inch deep to accept the posts and you saved yourself a whole lot of planing. Get what I'm proposing?

[@TheGuruStud]

just use clamps and screw as you go, ta da

[@BobPeterson-rw9yw]

I was kinda wondering why that wasn't being done@@TheGuruStud

[@karenmcnamara854]

YOU are not an idiot . rather quite brilliant!

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks Karen💪

[@4noonww]

good job and the best for u and ur young family

[@koopaslayer7598]

Wow just found your channel so much I want to build at my new house. Your channels gonna help me so much

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Awesome! We’re glad to have you!!

[@Brewsy92]

Ryobis are great for small work, very good diy brand. But I helped a buddy build a shed and he had a Milwaukee impact/driver and it absolutely smoked my Ryobi set. Much more powerful for framing/construction. Next Black Friday go grab a set and treat yourself if you can! Great work

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Yeah, they get you by sometimes. I upgraded to a Metabo set and they crush everything. 💪

[@jshepard152]

Love my Milwaukee impact. Keep an eye on Home Depot. They blow them out at low prices sometimes.

[@dawsondemontiney1247]

​@@BreakFreeHomesteadI run both Metabo HPT & Milwaukee. They're great and amazing.

[@luna-qt1nd]

I like the way you show some other just do it and i dont understand but i stay with you thank you

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks Luna! Some of my videos explain more. some less. 🙏

[@shanekareed943]

U give me hope i wonder if i can.build something . U are truly awesome ❤

[@stevenfoust3782]

Pretty funny people thought you were building a deck and yet no one called out how closely the ledger was to the threshold. Obviously done to match floors

[@farazansari9382]

Omg Thats the first thing I notinced. I can see that ledger board splitting soon in the future

[@adriaetr94]

How much did the 14x14 cost from start to finish? It looks amazing! Awesome job

[@bobr9449]

For a similar house addition, the inspector called me out for using the same type of post to beam connector. He sprcigied that I needed a column to beam connector, which is much stronger (and way more expensive). Maybe the difference is that in my situation the floor is 10 feet off the ground, so maybe a little more stability is needed.

[@jimmyjunk2337]

Bro this is an awesome video. I really appreciate you making this because I have been trying to figure out how to add a bedroom addition to the back yard area. I have a shed I converted into a bathroom and I'm about to add a bedroom to that shed/bathroom. Your video is perfect for me because I was wanting to do it using concreate footers with 6x6 post. Great job man definitely gonna copy this process.

[@garysullivan8203]

Should mention crown up when making structural beams.

[@pascalouellette8516]

Water level and tube may have been faster?? Good work

[@conradramsey4513]

I don't see flashing behind the ledger board. Should use flashing tape and guard that goes up and behind the vinyl siding and over the ledger board.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Yes if you are building a deck. Same principle but we're building an addition so that won't have any water running on it.

[@sunyang8989]

Thank you 😊

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

You're welcome 😊

[@MrMcSnuffyFluffy]

Building awesome addition - wife chimes in to tell him he's an idiot. Sounds about right.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Life is weird huh 😂

[@franciscovega7325]

@ 12:45 . can you say L4-L5 . @ 13:14 . she should've helped you . 😂😂

[@rogermasters7800]

I don’t recall you mentioning how you determined where to set the ledger board height for a smooth transition from your existing interior floor to the addition. Minor point I know. Also: So when you were placing the floor joists on the ledger board you mentioned adding the joist hangers after. I assume you placed the joist boards flush with the ledger at the top and toenailed them in place, but what about the other end? How much planning did you have to do on the joist boards to get a flat floor?

[@jimcosta9646]

You do know planning or ripping down pressure treated wood To make it plum Once it dries, it will shrink

[@backyardengineer916]

Where do you get the yellow treated lumber? I can only find the brown with the pt gashes

[@AdamHarris-r3x]

You did a good video i do this for a living and if I was shooting a video my girl would come out and do the same shit "your an idiot" for lifting that heavy ass beam solo to but I didn't see anyone offering to help 🤣 keepitup

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Haha right?! Thanks man 💪💪

[@fluffymittens24]

Those 5" screws might wear that Ryobi out.

[@Strongfan77]

I have that same impact, sounds like it’s beggin to be put down the whole time

[@whales302]

I thought about using a line level to grab level for my post height cuts like you did, but those things can't be overly accurate. Getting a straight 2x4 to run a level on from the ledger out 14ft is also impossible. Can't afford a laser level system, is there any other way or is the little bubble level accurate enough?

[@mongopoe5099]

Nice

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks

[@79TEOG]

You shoulda used some sort of water barrier membrane up against wall before installing the ledger board

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

It is an interior wall so it wasn’t necessary, if it was going to be a deck I would agree.

[@Steve-ns2hb]

I used to use a line level like that, but found them to be inaccurate. Only use laser now.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Same, I just picked up a really nice one. Makes life 1000 times easier.

[@kiddhitta]

Use a drill for larger fasteners like those ledger bolts. A drill has more torque and power than an impact especially if youre doing like 50 of them.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Yeah, ive seen a lot of people use them lately. Ive been using my Metablo triple hammer for them and it crushes them.

[@dogoargentino7834]

Nice work! Question, what would be stronger this kind of beam that built here or a glulam of 2x6 stacked on top of each other?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

ThisThanks, hmm well you would want your lumber with the largest distance upwards towards the load so not sure that stacked up would be the best but you could look into an LVL or a triple LVL, if it is exposed to the elements you might consider a treated one.

[@christroupe-pr9yt]

In order to pass code you have to through bolt the beams togeather

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

No you don't. Fastenmaster sells lags

[@coldoldrice]

It's weird that you believe that

[@TheManion123]

Great video series. I finally found the exact deck video for the build I’m doing. P.S. You’re not an idiot. That comment may be passed off as a joke, but it’s not. She could of said, “Great job honey!” But she choose idiot. That was incredibly passive aggressive and it didn’t feel good. Sorry she said that and your kids hear stuff like that. Good luck in the future. Your daughter has a great Dad to look up to.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks for the support! Im glad it can help you in your project. Weslyn is the best helper to have out here! 🤙🤙🤙

[@andrewroehl2029]

Lol certainly a joke. My wife would say the same thing after I do something strong and manly.

[@kylakoochi5159]

Very nice beam there consisting of three 2by10s to hold up the far end of the addition. But shouldn’t there also be a second similar beam placed may one or two feet away from the house? As it is that entire side of the addition is being supported only by the ledger board. Also, do you think you just two instead of three piers would have been adequate? The videos are excellent excellent excellent, thanks for sharing! Chris

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks Chris! I guess you could add more tubes in the back if you wanted too. If you design a deck system it will tell you for that length it needs three piers so thats what we went with.

[@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630]

Nice work.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks!

[@neverletmego6414]

I'm wondering how the foundation is holding up after 3 years? It just doesn't seem like there's enough support for all that weight.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

@@neverletmego6414 never had any issue or cracking at all.

[@FrankGruden]

no moisture barrier or flashing behind the ledger?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

It’s an addition, it was all encapsulated

[@jloera2004]

So what would you do if house is pier and beam and there’s brick on top of the foundation and not siding?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

You might have to pour more tubes were mine would attach with a ledger and make it have its own fully supported foundation.

[@jeredmattson9]

did you need three pieces of 2x for your beam because it’s an addition? would 2-2x10 been enough if was a deck? great video!

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

in some cases, IRC 507.5 coveres deck beams. Just use the one applicable to your snow load. codes.iccsafe.org/s/IRC2021P2/part-iii-building-planning-and-construction/IRC2021P2-Pt03-Ch05-SecR507.5

[@InspireOthers2023]

At 10:58 are you using a level on the string to ensure it’s flat?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Yeah, when you cant find the string level you gotta do what you gotta do.

[@XR11-Melissa]

Hi. Just found your channel. ❤! Why fidnt you add 3 additional piers between the house and exterior? Wont the floor give a bit over time?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Awesome, were glad to have you join us! I built the floor system based off a high pound per sqft on the simpson strong tie deck planner. YBro oud could always add more supports but the floor system is tied into the main house with the rim joist and has joist hangers. Unless there is a catastrophic failure of the rim joist it will not sag.

[@XR11-Melissa]

@BreakFreeHomestead I'm adding 16x30 to the back of my house and my contractor bailed after setting 6 piers, so I have to resort to doing it myself. I'm in Texas so 6x6s are my piers with some concrete. I'm learning as I go! I can't wait to do the roof.... oh boy.

[@magicmic384]

Great video!! Tell your wife you’re not an idiot. You’re a man. That’s what real men do. lol! I’m about to build a large deck using some of the same techniques. Looks good man!!

[@BrentHoon]

Do yo use treated lumber for ledger, joists or beam?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

I did, even though it was for an addition. Probably could have used non but it didnt really change the price.

[@stevemethot5318]

How come you didn't put membrane behind ledger board

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Because it's an addition and wont be exposed

[@Brian-os9qj]

“Idiot”= love, we know that

[@jimmys511]

What is the rule for the girder how far can you come out before you have to add another girder?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

I used the simpson strong tie deck planner. When determining my joists i used a span calculator and IRC states the cantilever must not exceed 24"

[@carriebruneau8270]

What are the type of saddle brackets?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Theres the standoff brackets; www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-ABA-ZMAX-Galvanized-Adjustable-Standoff-Post-Base-for-6x6-Nominal-Lumber-ABA66Z/100375370 and the top brackets; www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-LPC-ZMAX-Galvanized-Adjustable-Post-Cap-for-6x-Nominal-Lumber-LPC6Z/100375028?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-ARM-GGL-Multi-Multi-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-RKT-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-ALL_IN_TEST_FUNCDIY&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-ARM-GGL-Multi-Multi-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-RKT-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-ALL_IN_TEST_FUNCDIY-71700000110012098-58700008378060325-92700076247461780&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtOmsBhCnARIsAGPa5yZitD8sRcjUxgGgBDdW9F2UhTHCWbe6QRlVtfBgD14uN_6MwXFJZjkaAnKcEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@johnbranske1248]

If I’m building on a concrete slab what do you recommend anchoring into the concrete with ?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Like building a deck or an addition?

[@Papastomper]

Did you tighten the bolts that are holding the bracket your 6x6 is sitting on top of? Also, my wife would have said the exact same thing to me!

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Yes they were tightened. Haha right. Women...

[@shanekareed943]

❤❤

[@anthonyrosati8707]

I'm sure it's already done my man and good job hanging the ledger board by urself but u should def used a waterproof membrane behind it before u hung it. Over time driving rain will get in between that ledger and rot behind theledger

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

For sure if it was a deck, yes. We built and addition on it so it won't have an issue.

[@kismofer1]

are those 8 inch wide sonotubes..?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

@@kismofer1 12's

[@se7515]

Very curious about your Hollywood tattoo

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

It's part of a California themed tattoo on my arm because i grew up there.

[@mellomao978]

What is the exact nail size you are using for the joist hanger?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

I used the wrong nails in this video, i would use a standard joist hanger nail for the shorts, and longer nails for the angles.

[@mellomao978]

@@BreakFreeHomestead just trying to find the exact code nail for my gun lol. Sorry newb 😅

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

@@mellomao978 no worries, you'd have to buy a special nail gun for joist hanger nails

[@nenadpopadic2781]

Interesting video :)

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks!!!

[@ourspacesinc]

How many 12” posts would I need for a 16x16 addition

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

I used simpson strong ties deck layout online to get an idea of what you need to do.

[@ourspacesinc]

@@BreakFreeHomestead thanks man what a great program. I just did my plans in like 5 min

[@davidb7699]

Get you a Nice Lazer set up brother,,,makes everything 10 x easier..way Faster..and Straighter…2. You a drill to sink those big screws,,,3 x faster you just need a few tool upgrades and you’ll be fine,,,love yr post

[@triplea7668]

No flashing behind ?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Behind what? The ledger?

[@adrielmontiel1887]

How you know where exactly to line up your beam sitting on your post to be squared up with your ledger ?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

You could put the beam in place, throw up a joist and check it for square with a large square, or measure corner to corner on both sides. www.lowes.com/pd/Bon-Tool-48-in-Aluminum-Tri-Fold-Paver-Square-Layout-Tool/1003009872?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-bdm-_-ggl-_-PLA_BDM_210_Concrete-Block-_-1003009872-_-online-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6HObfdQmuRgdHawhcErBL_7hXo2AehGPMY6CefljUk1V1usLDMVgUxoCUhoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@adrielmontiel1887]

@@BreakFreeHomestead never thought of doing that but that seems perfect

[@MrHodgeon5th]

Are all beams pressure treated?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

I suppose you could use KD if you want but might have extra protection from the elements.

[@curtwichman3956]

I believe it’s code to use pressure treated posts for anything exposed to the weather and contact with cement otherwise good video

[@curtwichman3956]

OH I see he used pressure treated posts good job

[@juanhernandez5547]

Hey I started watching you videos and I got said I'm very impressed with all you do by you self.but I had few questions 1.Do you need any permits to do this type of extension? 2.With this addition your property taxes will go up? Thanks

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks Juan I appreciate it! Yes we got a permit for it and yes the taxes will go up.

[@juanhernandez5547]

@@BreakFreeHomestead great thanks for week answer how do you request the permit and inspections?sorry but I had to glue how to do any of that stuff

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

I’m not sure where you’re at but you should go to your town office and ask for a building permit application. They will get you info on inspections for your local area also.

[@jdepaz666]

great job bro just edit that part about u been a idiot your a strong feller to put up with that

[@renebonnier4340]

No blue skin behind the leager

[@777Slots]

interesting .... #777Slots

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Thanks for the support! 🤙🤙🤙

[@dailodai9586]

is it possible to hang the joist instead of sitting on top of the beam? the reason ia m asking about this option is because i dont have the height on the end to place joist on top.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

You could install it and use a board on the side to hold it level on each outside then bring the beam up Uber if that’s what your asking?

[@dailodai9586]

@@BreakFreeHomestead sorry if my question was not explained clearly. basically i want to know if i can hang the joist on the beam, same like on the ledger. because i dont have the height to set the joist on top of the bean like how you had constructed your addition

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Yeah I wouldn’t see an issue with that, best thing to do is talk to your local building inspector. He or she will pass or fail your build

[@rnvrnv354]

Why build a beam when you could have just layed a 6x6 across!

[@matejmazur01]

Umm... Use clamps.

[@vicktdock]

Awful piece of lumber for your ledger. Hard finding PT wood that isn't full of huge knots

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

PT wood is the best 😂

[@davidfrost4944]

Pay no attention to the rotten wall sheathing!

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Great comment, this was an addition, as that wall turned into an interior wall I don’t think there would be a point to replace rotten sheathing then tear it down to install drywall. So we just left the rotten sheathing up until it was to the point where it needed to be removed. 🙏

[@RoySchweinsberg]

I can't take a contractor serious if he's using ryobi tools..

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

I wasn't a contractor at this time 🤣

[@XX-ol7lf]

You are working to improve your family home and….did your wife call you an idiot?

[@МаксииКоняев]

У тебя дом гнеет, а ты террасу строишь. Тебе надо решать проблему с домом.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Да, прошивка существующей раздвижной двери была неправильной, и ее переделали? что мне еще делать??

[@МаксииКоняев]

@@BreakFreeHomestead попытаться исправить косяк из за чего гнеет а то так и будет дальше чернеть и этим будешь потом дышать черно и гниль, а это как минимум пневмония.

[@mikeavery2194]

So this guy does not have any experience in building. He attached the ledger directly to the box without replacing the sheething and didn't apply any water barrier behind the ledger. Good luck with the water damage to come behind the ledger. Bottom line is you shouldn't be building.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Haha thanks Mike, seems like you watched one video and jumped to conclusions. This is for an addition and it won't actually be exposed to any water at all. Thanks for the support though! 🤘

[@eugenekalinowski17]

You just messed up your rim joist. No water separation between the deck and the house?? No good man. Major mistake. Ask someone who can explain it to you or research more.

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Haha, thanks Eugene, its for an addition for a deck so this is not the case. 🫡

[@mewhoelse3554]

Ryobi!? Really guy!?

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

You ok?

[@mewhoelse3554]

I was wondering the same thing about you. You got nerve using Ryobi "tools" publicly!