Pine Post - Dressed: FJ-Lam Treated H4 GL8 Rougher Header 88x88 okay for wire balustrades?

[SkyeE]

We've recently had a deck replaced and extended. We had decided to use stainless steel wire balustrades and wanted to put a roof on it. The deck is about 4.5m high. Our contractor was well aware of our intention to use the stainless steel wire balustrades and the desire to put a roof on it. The support posts he installed are Pine Post - Dressed: FJ-Lam Treated H4 GL8 Rougher Header 88x88. We have now been told (by another contractor) that these are not recommended for wire balustrades let alone a roof. 

Is this the case? Do we have to replace the support posts to allow for the wire balustrades?

[EricL]

Hello @SkyeE

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your pine posts.

Before making any changes to your decking, I suggest speaking to your builder and asking them about the decking plan they submitted to the local council. A deck at 4.5m high would have needed a permit to build and a plan to be approved. This would have included the planned extension, your intention of using stainless steel wire balustrades and your desire to put a roof over the deck.

If an engineer or draftsperson made the plans for you, The timber sizes would have been indicated on the plan and if it was approved by the local council, then using that timber size is ok. You can also bring your concerns to the builder about what the other contractor mentioned about the post size.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your decking project complete.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric