Beam to Beam Connection Front Porch
TronPlayer
| Posted in General Questions on
What are some options for connecting the beams noted in the attached image? Simpson makes a connector (ECCLQ88SDS) but I would rather use structural screws, or something hidden if possible.
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I trust Simpson engineered connectors above anything, especially their Outdoor Accents collection, they are really good looking connectors.
Traditional timber frame joinery would be good at that joint, a housed joint would show no fasteners and be very clean. Because each beam has its own column for support the joint would be aesthetic only, and the housing would only need to be 1" or even 3/4" into the beam that is carrying the rafters. This would effectively turn your 8x10 into a 7x10 at the joint location, which from the size of the roof should not be an issue, but you could run it by your engineer. You can then, from the top, drill in structural screws at an angle from one beam to another.
I would also cut a small housing into the bottom of the beams where the posts connect, and then fasten from the top with several structural screws per post/beam connection.
You can also take a look at:
https://www.rothoblaas.com/products/fastening/brackets-and-plates
Their hidden connector system is very nice.
TronPlayer,
You can use GRK structural screws at each location you show. They make them up to 20" long. For the horizontally oriented ones where the head would be visible, you may want to countersink the holes an inch.
https://grkfasteners.ca/product/rss-rugged-structural-screw/
I've used Timberlinx in that situation a few times. https://timberlinx.com/