Thinking of building a balcony outside the balcony door after about 7 years... 
It will be about 2*4 m and it will stand on 2 posts in the ground. Since it's 4 m to the ground, my question is whether it's sensible to use pressure-treated posts, or should it absolutely be glued laminated timber? There is a cost difference, so it must be well-justified if that's the case.
It will be about 2*4 m and it will stand on 2 posts in the ground. Since it's 4 m to the ground, my question is whether it's sensible to use pressure-treated posts, or should it absolutely be glued laminated timber? There is a cost difference, so it must be well-justified if that's the case.
Pressure impregnation affects durability, not strength.
You must first size your posts for buckling, then you can choose how to protect them against rot.
You must first size your posts for buckling, then you can choose how to protect them against rot.
If you don't want to calculate the strength when they are that long, you can go by appearance.
If you use the weakest laminated wood that holds, it will probably look like thin "matchsticks" that risk breaking.
I would definitely go for a couple of thick pressure-treated posts, probably the fattest ones I can find at the lumberyard.
Additionally, the glue and the wood age differently in terms of color.
If you use the weakest laminated wood that holds, it will probably look like thin "matchsticks" that risk breaking.
I would definitely go for a couple of thick pressure-treated posts, probably the fattest ones I can find at the lumberyard.
Additionally, the glue and the wood age differently in terms of color.
Mostly wondering if the pressure-treated wood was a bit odd to build with, but as it sounds, it will be the usual pressure-treated.
Just need to figure out reasonable dimensions, especially for the hammarbandet (or outer sill, or whatever you want to call it).
Up to a 4 m span might require a reasonable dimension.
Just need to figure out reasonable dimensions, especially for the hammarbandet (or outer sill, or whatever you want to call it).
Up to a 4 m span might require a reasonable dimension.
Actually, it doesn't matter what you choose. The downside of pressure-treated wood is that it can't be painted directly and it absorbs water. Moisture thus travels in the posts, so it's not ideal to use regular wood in direct contact with pressure-treated wood. There's a risk of mold in other words (not in the treated wood but in the regular one)! Personally, I've only used laminated and planed regular wood. I don't agree that the glue joints are visible if you paint. However, I do agree that you need to choose sturdy posts, at least 115x115.