I have a question regarding notching a 6x6 post at a corner that will pass through to become a railing post.  At the corner, I will also have 2 2x10's to become a beam that will also be my rim joist, and I will also have a side joist that will all intersect at the post.

Is is acceptable to notch one side for the beam, and also the side of the post to let the side joist rest on it and attach to the beam?

I'm just trying to find a detail or idea of how to go about using that post as a railing post also and having the beam flush with the joist with joist hangers.

Mike

You can notch the post to accept the 2x10 double beam. However, I would not notch the 6x6 post for the entire 3" depth of the doubled 2x lumber. Notch 1-1/2" only for one of the beams. Place one of the 2x10's in the notch and nail. Then place the second beam over the first beam and lag or carriage bolt the assembly at each post location.  Then nail the two boards together in a pattern of 4 nails in line vertically every 16" apart. The 1-1/2" deep notches will provide adequate load carrying capability without cutting thru most of the post.

You can notch for a joist also. But each time you remove material you weaken the post. Notches can sometimes act as stress relievers in the wood causing the post to warp. See if you can limit the number and depth of the notches.  

Anderson Pro Carpentry

Your suggestion to notch the post only 1 1/2" was because he wanted to also use the post for the railing, right?  If you are not using the post for railing, just for beam support, would you notch it a full 3"?

Thanks, Jay

Colorado Deck and Framing - When Perfection Is Demanded  http://www.cdfcontracting.com

1.  Instead of trying to use the deck post for the rail post, I can make them separate and bolt the rail post as you normally would.

2.  Could I use the deck post as the rail post and just attach the side joist to the beam or post with a joist hanger?

3.  Attach the side joist to the side of the post using a corner hanger and bolting through the post?

On a similar issue, I'm also going to have a pergola above a portion of the deck, and I have the same issue of a side joist and beam in the same location and trying to run the deck post all the way through and use it as the pergola post.  I'm just not sure of how I would go about doing that.

Also, my span between the pergola posts will be almost 14' (the other end would be attached to the house).  Is that even possible, since there are no "charts" for beam spans for pergolas.  Obviously they are not supporting near the load that the deck itself will support.  The posts would be 6x6 cedar.

The pergola posts can be mounted to the deck framing. You will need to add blocking between the joist and sandwich the post on all for sides. Then use 1/2" carriage bolts thru the sandwich.

Anderson Pro Carpentry

I don't know if doubling up the joist at that location is really necessary, but for the cost of two extra 2x8's, it's worth the piece of mind.

I definitely agree with adding the blocking between the joists at that location.