How to attach?

[jussi]

What joint or mechanical fastener would you use to attach the 2x10 header to the 4x posts?  Preferably I would like to keep it clean with no visible fasteners but don't want to make it overly complicated.  I have both size dominos so I was thinking of just using a 14mm domino.  Would that be good enough?



https://www.customoutdoorstructures.com/.../img1F.jpg

[Splinter Puller]

Your proposed method would not offer much resistance to racking. I would use an embedded T plate set into a kerf cut in the post and falling between double'd 2x10's You would have visible bolt heads.

https://rustica.com/the-tanto/

Normally wood kickers are used to stiffen the connection but your curved 2x10's lessen that option.

[fredhargis]

I wouldn't trust a loose tenons that small. Either make a much larger one, or use one or 2 steel rods (bolts, whatever. They wouldn't have to be secured into the top, just project enough (maybe 6+") into the top span to keep it in place. So if you screwed a lag bolt into the post, and sawed off the heard, then let the top sit on it.

[jteneyck]

I'd consider a 3/4" or 1" piece of all thread 4 - 6" long into each side, glued with epoxy.  Easy and plenty strong.  

John

[Cooler]

I would cut a 1-1/2" slot in the top of the 4" x 4" uprights and drop the 2" x 10" boards in the slots.  Cross screw or peg with a dowel. 

I would prefer using exterior pocket hole screws over a floating tenon.  You can plug the holes.  But neither would be my first choice.  

Or use an Ozco fastener and redesign the structure.

https://ozcobp.com/

This video gives an overview, and in my opinion this is the easist way to go.

https://youtu.be/6eIVI47g10k

[lift mechanic]

2 timberlock bolts down from the top. Timberlock bolts are a structural bolt used in log building construction. I pre-drill the 4 x 10 beam so the bolt is at a slight angle going into the top of the post.

[tomsteve]

2 timberlock bolts down from the top. Timberlock bolts are a structural bolt used in log building construction. I pre-drill the 4 x 10 beam so the bolt is at a slight angle going into the top of the post.

seeing all of the plugs on this project, im guessing thats how this part was done,too.

[Handplanesandmore]

I've seen a balcony, external doors and gates built with the Domino 700.

Use double/twin dominoes (the largest and as long as the plunge depth allows). Can't tell how wide the posts are from the image, but you might be able to use 4 sipo dominoes (2 double tenons) per post. If the elements are going to destroy anything, it would be the posts or the headers first rather than the joints. Use appropriate glue.

Simon

[jussi]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I’ll take them all under consideration. Right now I’m leaning towards using the double dominos for alignment (and partial strength they have a max depth of 2-3/4”) and drilling hole straight down for a rod/bolt

[Phydeaux]

Not that I actually know much, but I'd consider a drawbored mortise and tenon, like in a post & beam building.