Share
Hello @GrumpyPaul
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about attaching bearers to stumps.
The traditional way of anchoring bearers to post is with large nails driven in at a 45degree angle. You can replicate this method with large 14G Batten Bugle Head Galvanized Screws. But it will be necessary to drill pilot holes for the screws to prevent snapping the heads off. Another possible approach is by using Dunnings 200 x 70mm M10 Galvanised Bracket Plate attached to each side.
Your draftsperson will probably have a recommendation noted in the subfloor plans on what anchor to use for the bearers. If there is a note attached to the plan, I suggest following the recommendation as it is probably in line with local council rules. If you decide to change the type of anchor its best to ask your draftsperson first to make sure it will pass council regulations.
As to which one is best, in my humble opinion I think that the bracket plate will provide the best anchor. For the simple reason that it sandwiches the bearer and post together.
I also suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Deck bearer to post fastener | Termite repellent membrane by @vinzzze.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
