Advice on diagonal bracing and half lap joints

[E-wan]

Hi

I'm building a covered shelter in my back garden for my canoes using Square posts 150 by 150 mm set into concrete. To connect the corner posts at the ends I am intending to use half lap joints with a cross beam which will be 150 x 150 mm in cross-section and just over 2 metres long intersecting the post set into concrete at 90 degrees.

I am Using half lap joints as this will be easier to lift into place and I won't be able to manage to lift that weight of timber above the posts if I was using another joint such as mortise and tenon.

When cutting a half lap joints which direction should the grain be running in order to make the joint as strong as possible.

I'm also intending to make some diagonal braces out of 4" x 4" posts. Any suggestions on the best way to install diagonal bracing in both directions forming an X shape would be appreciated.

Thanks

Ewan

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[MikeG.]

Nice to hear of someone using some proper joinery in a timber frame construction. My oak frame threadmight be of some interest to you.

If you can lift the beam to place for half lap joints you can lift it another 5 or 6 inches for mortise & tenons. Either way, the long axis of the joint is along the grain. You may come to regret setting your posts in concrete. This is where they will rot off in time.

 

[E-wan]

Nice to hear of someone using some proper joinery in a timber frame construction. My oak frame threadmight be of some interest to you.

If you can lift the beam to place for half lap joints you can lift it another 5 or 6 inches for mortise & tenons. Either way, the long axis of the joint is along the grain. You may come to regret setting your posts in concrete. This is where they will rot off in time.

Thank you for the link to the thread I will take a look at it

The only way I can lift it into place for the half lap joint is by leaving the post longer than necessary and temporarily fixing a 4x4 a few inches above where the half lap will be to hoist it into place by using a couple of pulleys attached to the 4 x 4

Thanks

Ewan

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[MikeG.]

No, no. Heavy timbers should rocked on a couple of near-centre supports, so one end counterbalances the other. Lift one end and pack..........move to the other end, lift and pack.........repeat until it is high enough. Trying to lift the whole weight in one go is a recipe for injury.