Some progress on this has been made. I secured:
- 1" x 5" galvanized Corner braces (2 @ $4.79 each) to help reinforce the front of the "box" from the inside.
- Joist hangers for 2by4's (6 @ . 78 cents each) to support three
21-inch "beams" accross the box, to help support the Trex. The beams will thus be 12" between centers.
- $9 worth of 1 1/4" Stainless Steel screws for the hardware above.
- 16 feet of Trex (@ $3.19 per linear-foot = $51 + tax ---ouch!)
I still have a week+ to wait for the Trex material to arrive. Note to self: Borrow 40 deck-screws from the neighbors deck, three or four at a time. ; )
In the meantime, here is my question:
These 2x4 joist hangers, as most everyone now knows, are designed so that besides the 4 nails or screws (and built-in "staples") securing the hanger, two 10D nails are to be driven, diagonally, through the hanger and through the beam being supported, into whatever is carrying the load. These will evidently provide some structural support--in fact, perhaps as much or more than that provided by the hanger (maybe)? In my case, 48" 2by8s will be carrying "the load", in fact a somewhat weathered 2by8s--and it's difficult to consider pounding twelve 10d (3") nails into them without causing destruction of the existing "box" (so I am hesitant to do that).
Is there a gentler alternative that makes sense? Obviously, just not putting nails through the beam is one possibility (though it wouldn't be as strong, and it might not be as nice if the beams move). Is there a suitable screw or another suitable nail, etc? Related thoughts?
(Thanks) Bill
BTW, Swingman, I now better understand why you document how long it takes to get certain details done (like securing materials). Because, in reality, things seem to take longer than one might anticipate--and one will do well to remember that!