Pergola meets deck

[mick1970]

Hi,

I'm planning on building a pergola this summer - simple design, basically rectangular with 6 posts. However, the pergola is to overlap with an existing deck, so 2 posts need to be attached to or go through the deck.

I'm reluctant to pull up the deck - it was built before we moved in, and the screws are impossible to get out, so the only way would presumably be to saw holes. Also, planting the post in the ground would mean puncturing the plastic sheet that's under there (presumably to stop weed growth).

Would it be possible / advisable to attach the 2 posts directly to the deck? If the other 4 posts are securely mounted, would they take most of the strain?

Any suggestions gratefully received

Ginster.

 

[DAZB]

You could use something like this
http://www.pistora.com/timber_fixings/column_shoe2.htm

It shows it upright with the rod designed to be set into concrete but I was thinking you could turn it upside down and drill a hole in the post , insert the rod and then hammer it home and slot the whole thing into one of the grooves on your decking. If it is not a tight fit then it could be packed with something to suit the width of the grooves. I am not quite sure of a UK stockists but there is a range of similar products that B+Q stock by a company called Joyners ( parent company is called ABRU ) and failing that any decent metalworking firm that does security gates and the like should be able to knock a few up for you.