Installing support post saddle brackets after concrete cured

I have the footings poured and cured for a week. The post support saddle brackets were not set into the cement when the footings and piers were poured.

What saddles should I use?

How do I install or mount them to ensure max strength?

Comments for Installing support post saddle brackets after concrete cured

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Jun 09, 2014
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Elevation of base above cement
by: Bob

How high should the base of the saddle be from the cement porch?

Editor's Comments:

The IRC calls for a minimum distance or "stand-off" of one inch from the bottom of a support post to a concrete surface unless the bottom of the post has been treated with a wood preservative such as copper solutions that are available.

The reasoning is sensible. If the bottom of the post is untreated and less than one inch from the concrete it would be at increased risk of exposure to moisture potentially leading to premature rotting of the post which critically supports a structure like a porch roof, a deck, a balcony etc.

May 26, 2012
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Several ways to install post support brackets after concrete cures
by: Editor-Rich Bergman

You can still use many of the standard post support brackets on the market but it requires a bit more work. You could take a post saddle with a long J stem, leg or rod on it and cut off the bent part so it is just one long straight piece.

Then you would have to get a hammer drill with a large 1/2" diamond concrete or masonry bit and drill a deep enough hole for the rod to fit in fully with some space around the side. Inject the hole with epoxy and set the rod into that.

Once it cures it will be very strong.

There is also a very cool post support bracket that is used on concrete porch surfaces a lot. It works with an expansion bolt that is fitted into a hole drilled into the concrete and a support based that is interconnected with it. Very nice solution and it looks attractive. Its made by a company from Hamilton, Ontario and I have seen it in some Home Depot stores.

If these support posts are going to be visible you may want to also use our Titan Post Anchor in either 4x4 or 6x6 sizes. It can handle amazing compression and tension loads and looks very clean. Except you have to treat the end of each post bottom with preservative because the base itself is less then 1" above the concrete.

But our engineering for uplift on our 6x6 post anchor was a minimum of 6,800 lbs on a series of three tests. The compression test was impressive too. 23,000 lbs before first observation of depression on the base. So those are some good options for you.

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