How to Measure for Deck Posts

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The posts for your deck aren't particularly weight bearing, but they do support all the other parts of your deck. Carefully measure for your deck posts, so you can accurately plan how much and what types of wood to buy for your structure.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Look at the rest of your deck project. If you've mapped your deck project, you should have a separate map detailing the base of your deck. Gauge the size and scope of your deck with this map.

Step2

Consider the height of your deck and the load it must support. 4 by 4 pieces of lumber work for most deck posts. If your deck is higher than most decks, use thicker pieces of lumber for your deck.

Step3

Compute the spacing for your posts by taking the spacing of your entire deck and dividing that number by the number of inches between your support beams underneath. That provides the number of inches you need between your posts.

Step4

Match the size of your posts with the size of your beams if possible. This provides for the most even distribution of weight for your deck.

Step5

Add the number of deck posts you need by examining the spacing between the posts. This is the number of posts you need to buy for your deck.