Hello,
I am setting up a privacy screen on my sun deck.
On one side, the first post will be anchored to the deck wall and then placed at a center-to-center distance of approximately 1200mm, secured with French wood screws to the deck beams 170*45.
The length will be 3800mm, and the height will start from the wall at about 1800mm, then drop to a height of about 1400mm in the last meter.
On the posts, I will attach 70mm wide planks on both the outside and inside to provide privacy but still "not completely closed."
My question is, I have bought 70mm posts and am a bit concerned that they might be too weak?
Long description for a short question
I am setting up a privacy screen on my sun deck.
On one side, the first post will be anchored to the deck wall and then placed at a center-to-center distance of approximately 1200mm, secured with French wood screws to the deck beams 170*45.
The length will be 3800mm, and the height will start from the wall at about 1800mm, then drop to a height of about 1400mm in the last meter.
On the posts, I will attach 70mm wide planks on both the outside and inside to provide privacy but still "not completely closed."
My question is, I have bought 70mm posts and am a bit concerned that they might be too weak?
Long description for a short question
It sounds a bit weak with 70x70 (assuming you meant 70 mm posts) if they are supposed to withstand someone leaning against it.
Then I wonder how you planned to attach the posts to the beam. Will you keep the full thickness of the posts and then drill through to insert the French wood screws? How many screws?
There is quite a leverage effect at 140 cm, and if you place screws at the bottom and top and one in the middle at 170 mm height, there is still a risk they may be pulled out if someone falls against the privacy screen.
I would have preferred a sturdier dimension for the post in the transverse direction and reconsidered the attachment. For example, I believe that an attachment in a corner with screws from two directions is more stable than just screws from one direction.
To achieve such a corner, I would place a short crosspiece between bearing beams at the correct location for the post's placement.
Finally, I would switch from French wood screws to through screws with proper washers on both sides.
Then I wonder how you planned to attach the posts to the beam. Will you keep the full thickness of the posts and then drill through to insert the French wood screws? How many screws?
There is quite a leverage effect at 140 cm, and if you place screws at the bottom and top and one in the middle at 170 mm height, there is still a risk they may be pulled out if someone falls against the privacy screen.
I would have preferred a sturdier dimension for the post in the transverse direction and reconsidered the attachment. For example, I believe that an attachment in a corner with screws from two directions is more stable than just screws from one direction.
To achieve such a corner, I would place a short crosspiece between bearing beams at the correct location for the post's placement.
Finally, I would switch from French wood screws to through screws with proper washers on both sides.