Aagghhhh!

[smith744]

..... They should always splice on a post, no exceptions....

.
curious
enlighten me, please

what 'splice' you chat 'bout..
which pic

[TAH]

.
curious
enlighten me, please

what 'splice' you chat 'bout..
which pic

Weird, it did show up in my post but now it's just the link. If you click the link in my comment it'll take you to that picture. It's of the gazebo type structure looking out at the water. The "carrying beam" that the rafters rest on (which is just a flat 2x4, that's not great either) is spliced with another 2x4 by nailing them together with yet another piece of 2x4. It is weight bearing, and you shouldn't ever have a joint like that except for over a post. You can see the deflection in the beam. I realize it has held up, and I see this all over Jamaica, but it's a bad idea. Doesn't cost much (if any, a few dollars at most) more to avoid that if you plan your materials carefully.

[booger]

Weird, it did show up in my post but now it's just the link. If you click the link in my comment it'll take you to that picture. It's of the gazebo type structure looking out at the water. The "carrying beam" that the rafters rest on (which is just a flat 2x4, that's not great either) is spliced with another 2x4 by nailing them together with yet another piece of 2x4. It is weight bearing, and you shouldn't ever have a joint like that except for over a post. You can see the deflection in the beam. I realize it has held up, and I see this all over Jamaica, but it's a bad idea. Doesn't cost much (if any, a few dollars at most) more to avoid that if you plan your materials carefully.

LOL. I saw that too and just chalked it up to the norm. Load carrying beams need to be installed vertical, not horizontal as you have called out. I particularly enjoy looking at the electrical work as I'm walking the hood.

OP,
Nice work on living out your dream. Looks like you have a great set up in the hills.