Looking for a way to cut down on the time it takes you to cut a knee brace, or perhaps you don’t have the tooling to cut all those mortises for the tenons? How would you like a variation that simplifies the cutting but still gives you the strength and looks of traditional mortise and tenon joinery? This post and beam knee brace connection may be a great option for you to consider.
The joint utilizes fully threaded structural screws along with a 3/4″ housing. Two screws at each end, one from each side at 45 degrees each way holds everything together. We have found that a 1 1/4″ hole allows you to easily install the screws and gives you enough room for the blind pegs that give you that traditional look.
We use the Rothoblaas VGZ screws in 7mmx 180mm (7.077″) in our plans, kits, and designs.
Hi Brice. Just a point of clarification on this joint. The lower beam in the drawing is the plate and the upper beam in the that overlaps the post is the cross beam so that the lap joint supports the tension in the cross beam. Correct?
No, the upper beam, in this case is the plate and the lower piece is the tie beam. This frame has a structural ridge so the tie beam is housed in the post.
Thank you, this is very useful! Would you recommend the screws on a smaller frame (6×6 plate, posts, cross beams and 3×5 braces) ? Also, do you pre-drill or just sink these screws straight into the timbers? I’m working with Western Hemlock.
You can just sink the screws and yes they will work on a smaller frame.