@@HomeRenoVisionDIY excellent! Can't wait as that kind of deck size + a pagola is exactly what I want to do. I'd be curious for a rough materials cost breakdown for the different parts at the end too!
After spending some time watching your videos I did my first project in 2020, building a foundation and shed. Now I'm buying a home to renovate myself! Thank you for all of the time and energy you put into these videos. They really make a difference!
Probably my favorite RUclipsr on DIY content. Guy does everything, knows all the details and in-and-outs of every job, and still does all the labor himself which is the most impressive part for me. This kind of guy can do everything that real everyday people need in a practical sense, and he's very down to earth. A real heroic type of person I think.
We have zero trees... and our deck joists rotted out in 7 years. It was crazy. Pressure treated and all... so I ripped it all apart last year, replaced bad joists, and used joist tape and rubber sealant on all exposed joist tops before putting composite decking on top. That thing should last a LONG time now. Wish we'd done it in advance. To anyone else watching this, I'd highly recommend joist tape even if you don't have trees. It's cheap insurance and will protect where screws pierce into the joists (which is where we saw the worst issues).
It all comes down to climate. if your wood stays dry the majority of the time the tape is not necessary. however if it is humid and or covered in organics then tape is a big help.
shivering black bell thumbs up. I like the 45-25 minute informative videos better than the longer 1 hour plus as I can truly try to understand, rehear/re watch if I missed a part. Thank you for the tutelage.
Another great video, and just in time as I have a deck project much like this in the near future. Big fan of the tape on top of the joists. It doesn't cost that much compared to the wood, takes only a short time to install, and helps protect against rot. If you're a contractor trying to maximize profit, sure, it's an added expense, but for us DIY'ers a little extra protection means doing the job right and sleeping better at night knowing your deck is going to last.
Good build video. I have to point out for anyone watching that standard Cut n' Seal end cut sealer may only be suitable for above grade applications. For below grade you must use a product that contains a copper naphthenate based end cut wood preservative otherwise your warranty is void and the wood posts will prematurely decay. Dex sells a product for this at Home Hardware.
This may be a dumb question, but at 24:31, you are picture framing the edge of the deck. There is a solid 4x4 maybe between your 2x10s. When/how did you add this?
We've never had an issue with cut pressure treated wood rotting, but I wish I'd known about the end sealer years ago. Seems like easy and inexpensive insurance.
Hi Jeff, At 25:36, you suggested using PL Premium to hold down the picture frame edge ... but you put joist tape down on the joist. So now you have a really good bond between the picture frame wood and the TAPE! I wondered, does the the tape eventually bond to the joist underneath? Not likely. So I went on to the next video, "Watch THIS Before Building Your Deck", and found the segment at 25:45 that showed screws applied to the outer edge and then Camo screws on the inside edge. Confusion resolved! I suggest that that you either cut out this segment or add a brief new segment that explains this.
Thank you so much for all that you do to show us how to be safe and do thing correctly. I watched a video where a contractor was making a deck and he put (?) Siding tape on the top edge of the joists to help prevent water from seeping into the boards making the decks last many years longer. Are you familiar with that trick? Ahhaha I wrote this BEFORE the 26th minute where you did the joist tape!!
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY you mean to say light and periodic maintenance helps to keep things nice Long term!? 😂 I feel that this is a tidbit lost on so many people.
Say what you will about the bolt being strong I'd still rather have direct support. Do like the technique tho. I think i would do 6x6 posts with notches and then bolt like you did if I were to do this
Jeff thank you so much for the way you break the process down and explain everything. Especially explaining the "what ifs" so we are prepared for problems. Dean the Furniture Artist.
I would say that 90% of composite decking goes 16” OC nowadays. It’s improved a lot since it originally came out. That being said, it’s a great tip to read the instructions and make sure. Also, 16” OC May not be adequate if you are planning a diagonal run of decking too. The manufacturer will specify the right spacing in the literature provided.
Great advice, but all I would change is 6x6 (will last longer before they rot) instead of 4x4 posts, and put joist decking tape on top of the joists before the floor comes on. So much labour to complete a deck, you don't want to wood to rot.
Love these videos. My wife and I are about to jump into the process of adding a deck onto our FIRST home, and your lessons are invaluable... Same time, I worry about people. I care. Brother, Ill say this. Consider some BREATHING exercises or techniques. Relaxed breathing. This might sound kind of crazy BUT since watching your first video I was completely struck by how much you seem to strain to breath while you are talking. It sounds like you are always out of breath, are working to catch your breath, are nervous breathing or something. Breathing rhythm is a super super important thing when it comes to longevity. They actually have coaches that will help with this kinda thing. relearn breathing techniques.
This video is outstanding and thank you for making this. 2 questions: What size nails (in your nail gun) do you use to fasten the joists to the rim? How do you fasten the Outside joist if you cannot offset those? Thank you!
Love all your videos. I’m wondering if you can do something on an above ground pool deck. I have a 30’ round pool, where I’m stumped is where to layout the piers. How far away from each other, from the deck etc. would love to see something to explain how to figure that out. Thank you!
Any issues with frost heaves, etc. with a floating deck like this versus a traditional deck with concrete piers below the frost line? I’m in the northeast US and would love to build a deck off the back of my house and trying to figure out the best but least expensive/easiest route to take. If I don’t have to figure out how to mount a ledger or dig 4’ for piers, that would be big time and money saves.
It can certainly shift with frost and it can settle. It might need to be re-leveled, but you should be able to do it easily with such a small deck. A couple of bottle jacks and some shim material...
If the deck is attached to the house you NEED piles. The frost WILL pull the deck off the house by moving it up and down, this video has a floating deck that is NOT atrached to anything or high enough to need a permit or railings.
yes it all raises and lowers again in the spring. that is why you cannot attach to the house, and you want to consider how water moves during a freeze thaw scenario.
Question…if I am building a much smaller deck to put a chicken coop and run on that is 65” by 70” do I need to use 2” x 10” boards to carry the load on the box frames?
I have flipped over my ten-year-old pressure-treated boards and am starting again with the non stained side up and now need to know if I should put a 1/8 gap in between all the boards before I screw them down. I've heard that I should do that to allow for movement. The trouble is I don't want to put a space between because those gaps tend to fill up with all of the tree stuff that's surrounding the deck. Is it necessary to put the 1/8 Gap between the boards? Thank you so much for your advice.
Can I use those black tuff block or camo blocks instead of the concrete for a 12x16 deck less than 2 feet high? I have some 6x6 post that I was thinking of using since I have them. Would that make it even stronger? Great video!
I am about to start my deck project. I will use 2x6x12 for joist and deck boards. What do you recommend I buy for impact driver and framing nail gun? Thank you.
Hello thank you for all your time and effort you put into your video's. I've been watching all your video's on deck building. I'm in the planning stages of a 31X 16 foot deck with aheight of 1.5 feet The ground is level with no organic materail or grass. I will be using concrete deck block for my load bearing posts. How many deck blocks do I need per square foot. I'm thinking a block every 4 feet would this suffice?
There is no advantage, it's a detriment. Do not use this as an example of what to do, it's butchery at it's finest. He said 2x10's can span 16', yes they can, AS JOISTS, not as beams. I recommend Scott Brown Carpentry, Essential Craftsman, those guy 100% know the right way to do things.
13:59 I'll be using this box beam method for my next deck. I have a 24' span. You mentioned that for 5' centers one could use 2x6 joists. If I break up my 24' span into 2 consecutive 12' spans (securing the 2 spans with scrap 2x inside the box frame), could I get away with using 2x8 box beams (instead of the 2x10 you're using)?
Your referring to a continuous span. One length of timber spanning 24' like you said with a post at 12' is a continuous span at 12' continuous span is also stronger than single span. I really suggest you check your regulation and span tables for what the minimum requirements are for thickness and span distances with those thickness of timber. Safest bet.
Check span tables. Jeff’s information is pretty incorrect. 2x6 deck joist 16 oc with no cantilever can span 9 feet. Now, the beam span is different and you should refer to a different table for that information
Question... I am looking to build a deck or maybe cover a dye pit with a deck . The dye pit is 12 foot deep... just under 12' wide 75' length Do I need an engineer or architect ?
Hi Jeff. I am about to start a DIY floating deck project. Can I get some advice on how to go about it? I can email my dimensions and plan and would you will be willing to look it over an make recommendations?
What modifications are necessary when the deck isn't attached to a structure? I'm doing a deck with a shed on it. Shed is 10×12, deck will be 11×16. The deck will be just above grade.
Always great to see everything built from the ground-up. Thank you! Do you plan to do any greenhouse builds in the future? Specifically how to put windows in a frame like a greenhouse, or fogged windows of any material.
Hi Jeff. I'm from the Netherlands and I am not familiar with tornadoes or mega hurricanes but when a hurricane comes isn't the entire structure lifted? Because the pilars are not fixed into the ground? I always put the pilars into the ground and into some concrete or other stuff to make it more fixed to the ground. Maybe my explanation is not good, English is not my mother language.
Jeff Great videos and advice I learn something new with each video thank you. I have a question looking for a recommendation for a covered deck I have extended my 4x 4 posts up to soffit height would you cap it wit toja grid brackets with a sail shade here in nl the winds are very high and lots of snow. Or would you open truss
Is there a part 2?
this is going to be a multi part series. decking, built in benches, fire pit with gas, privacy fence, and pergola build.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY excellent! Can't wait as that kind of deck size + a pagola is exactly what I want to do. I'd be curious for a rough materials cost breakdown for the different parts at the end too!
How to improve lung function
He just posted it two days ago.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY 😍🍿
After spending some time watching your videos I did my first project in 2020, building a foundation and shed. Now I'm buying a home to renovate myself! Thank you for all of the time and energy you put into these videos. They really make a difference!
That is awesome!
Donate money for his time and effort making good videos for us to learn
Probably my favorite RUclipsr on DIY content.
Guy does everything, knows all the details and in-and-outs of every job, and still does all the labor himself which is the most impressive part for me. This kind of guy can do everything that real everyday people need in a practical sense, and he's very down to earth. A real heroic type of person I think.
Thanks!
Great video! So much detail and your delivery is perfect. A natural born speaker! And love your sense of humour,
We have zero trees... and our deck joists rotted out in 7 years. It was crazy. Pressure treated and all... so I ripped it all apart last year, replaced bad joists, and used joist tape and rubber sealant on all exposed joist tops before putting composite decking on top. That thing should last a LONG time now. Wish we'd done it in advance. To anyone else watching this, I'd highly recommend joist tape even if you don't have trees. It's cheap insurance and will protect where screws pierce into the joists (which is where we saw the worst issues).
So we might have a company do our deck. Should we make sure they do that for the joists?
Or should we have them do tape and sealant on every cut edge and at every part where the screws go in?
It all comes down to climate. if your wood stays dry the majority of the time the tape is not necessary. however if it is humid and or covered in organics then tape is a big help.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY Yeah I'm sure it would have been different if we were in Arizona or something... here in Ohio, it didn't stand a chance.
Sounds to me like you had really bad wood. I have never seen PT rot out in less than 25 years before.
Thanks! Great video and I will use this technique in my new deck. Have some more sports drinks on me
Cheers! Appreciate it
shivering black bell thumbs up. I like the 45-25 minute informative videos better than the longer 1 hour plus as I can truly try to understand, rehear/re watch if I missed a part. Thank you for the tutelage.
Love how he says "that's not going anywhere" to be sure it doesn't go anywhere.
Give it a slap 😂
That's going to be a nice, big deck!
Why thanks I trimmed the bushes too
@@rawniew So, your deck is looking bigger now?
@scottbrowncarpentry they’re talking about your big deck again
@@terencemerritt 😂Scott has a big deck, thats for sure..
Always make sure to seal that big deck after it's done being erected!
Dude your instructional videos are great. Really enjoy watching them.
Glad to hear it! Hope they are helpful. Cheers!
Great craftmanship. Learned again, strap youre wood. Going to remember and use that one.
Right on! Cheers!
I really appreciate someone who works on knowledge and experience rather than just theory. Some great info and practices here, thanks!
Ride on Jeff ,you are hard worker as always
Another great video, and just in time as I have a deck project much like this in the near future. Big fan of the tape on top of the joists. It doesn't cost that much compared to the wood, takes only a short time to install, and helps protect against rot. If you're a contractor trying to maximize profit, sure, it's an added expense, but for us DIY'ers a little extra protection means doing the job right and sleeping better at night knowing your deck is going to last.
I weatherproof my seams; I get a huge payoff for my effort.
Good build video. I have to point out for anyone watching that standard Cut n' Seal end cut sealer may only be suitable for above grade applications. For below grade you must use a product that contains a copper naphthenate based end cut wood preservative otherwise your warranty is void and the wood posts will prematurely decay. Dex sells a product for this at Home Hardware.
Wow so much work, no wonder so expensive, your daughter is so lucky to have a great dad who does great job with care.
This may be a dumb question, but at 24:31, you are picture framing the edge of the deck. There is a solid 4x4 maybe between your 2x10s. When/how did you add this?
We've never had an issue with cut pressure treated wood rotting, but I wish I'd known about the end sealer years ago. Seems like easy and inexpensive insurance.
Man you make Sheetrock look easy and decks look hard. As a US carpenter who really likes you I won’t comment further.
Hi Jeff, At 25:36, you suggested using PL Premium to hold down the picture frame edge ... but you put joist tape down on the joist. So now you have a really good bond between the picture frame wood and the TAPE! I wondered, does the the tape eventually bond to the joist underneath? Not likely. So I went on to the next video, "Watch THIS Before Building Your Deck", and found the segment at 25:45 that showed screws applied to the outer edge and then Camo screws on the inside edge. Confusion resolved! I suggest that that you either cut out this segment or add a brief new segment that explains this.
Thank you Detective @HCWEINGA .. I WAS WONDERING THE SAME. 😅😅
perfect timing, will be building a deck once the snow melts this spring! thanks man
We just bought our first home (w/some lil projects needed) and I'm so happy I found your videos!
@JennUWinn Pretty woman 😍
Where I am you need a permit for everything even those rubermade sheds also I like that you put those blocks in the found a+ for that
I would move. Cheers!
I'm restoring my 1200 sq. ft. cedar deck. It doesn't have box beams, but your video still helps me a lot. Thanks. :o)
Thank you so much for all that you do to show us how to be safe and do thing correctly.
I watched a video where a contractor was making a deck and he put (?) Siding tape on the top edge of the joists to help prevent water from seeping into the boards making the decks last many years longer. Are you familiar with that trick? Ahhaha
I wrote this BEFORE the 26th minute where you did the joist tape!!
for best results simply pressure wash the organics out twice a year. Cheers!
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY you mean to say light and periodic maintenance helps to keep things nice Long term!? 😂 I feel that this is a tidbit lost on so many people.
how are you attaching the joists to the beam? Was it just the hurricane ties? Is that enough to prevent the deck from moving off the box beams.
Manoman, a sweet deck build on a hot summer day and not a single cold blue mountain to be seen. Sheesh.
closest mountain here is the garbage dump. Cheers!
There's a graph somewhere out there showing a negative correlation of beer input to quality of work output
Say what you will about the bolt being strong I'd still rather have direct support. Do like the technique tho. I think i would do 6x6 posts with notches and then bolt like you did if I were to do this
I understand. some times a lack of experience leans us towards a little overkill. no worries.
That’s a golden tip regarding strapping the deck boards, Jeff. Great video as usual. 👍
17 years old i hope one day i can build one of these. As well as a 24x36 Vinyl garage for my father . You teach me a lot man thank you :)
Jeff thank you so much for the way you break the process down and explain everything. Especially explaining the "what ifs" so we are prepared for problems.
Dean the Furniture Artist.
My my my sir great info I don’t put the garden cloth under my decks that’s a great idea. Learned a lot great video keep it up 👍🏾
I would say that 90% of composite decking goes 16” OC nowadays. It’s improved a lot since it originally came out. That being said, it’s a great tip to read the instructions and make sure. Also, 16” OC May not be adequate if you are planning a diagonal run of decking too. The manufacturer will specify the right spacing in the literature provided.
All the joists should have blocking in any deck
Great advice, but all I would change is 6x6 (will last longer before they rot) instead of 4x4 posts, and put joist decking tape on top of the joists before the floor comes on. So much labour to complete a deck, you don't want to wood to rot.
Love these videos. My wife and I are about to jump into the process of adding a deck onto our FIRST home, and your lessons are invaluable... Same time, I worry about people. I care.
Brother, Ill say this. Consider some BREATHING exercises or techniques. Relaxed breathing. This might sound kind of crazy BUT since watching your first video I was completely struck by how much you seem to strain to breath while you are talking. It sounds like you are always out of breath, are working to catch your breath, are nervous breathing or something. Breathing rhythm is a super super important thing when it comes to longevity. They actually have coaches that will help with this kinda thing. relearn breathing techniques.
Great Video. Very informative. Will use this on my deck. All though shouldn't Safety come FIRST, no safety glass???
Can I build (2) box beams approximately 5ft apart and 10ft long to support a 6×10' deck?
Awesome Tutorial! Thank You!
Jeff. You are a legend!
This video is outstanding and thank you for making this. 2 questions: What size nails (in your nail gun) do you use to fasten the joists to the rim? How do you fasten the Outside joist if you cannot offset those? Thank you!
The limestone screenings are a huge benefit. Wish I had used the stuff years ago.
you guys should put this on a playlist
Nice and well understood
Can you also provide the required wood quantity..
Love all your videos. I’m wondering if you can do something on an above ground pool deck. I have a 30’ round pool, where I’m stumped is where to layout the piers. How far away from each other, from the deck etc. would love to see something to explain how to figure that out. Thank you!
Any issues with frost heaves, etc. with a floating deck like this versus a traditional deck with concrete piers below the frost line? I’m in the northeast US and would love to build a deck off the back of my house and trying to figure out the best but least expensive/easiest route to take. If I don’t have to figure out how to mount a ledger or dig 4’ for piers, that would be big time and money saves.
It can certainly shift with frost and it can settle. It might need to be re-leveled, but you should be able to do it easily with such a small deck. A couple of bottle jacks and some shim material...
If the deck is attached to the house you NEED piles. The frost WILL pull the deck off the house by moving it up and down, this video has a floating deck that is NOT atrached to anything or high enough to need a permit or railings.
yes it all raises and lowers again in the spring. that is why you cannot attach to the house, and you want to consider how water moves during a freeze thaw scenario.
Really appreciate your videos. Im learning alot 🌎
How are the 4x4s secured in place w/o moving? Does the completion of the deck tighten it all up?
Hi, nice video. Quick question, what was the size of the carrier bolts you used (1/2 or 3/8)?
Question…if I am building a much smaller deck to put a chicken coop and run on that is 65” by 70” do I need to use 2” x 10” boards to carry the load on the box frames?
how do you know if you should worry about ground settling using just the deck blocks? Is there a rule of thumb re: when to use concrete posts?
I have flipped over my ten-year-old pressure-treated boards and am starting again with the non stained side up and now need to know if I should put a 1/8 gap in between all the boards before I screw them down. I've heard that I should do that to allow for movement. The trouble is I don't want to put a space between because those gaps tend to fill up with all of the tree stuff that's surrounding the deck. Is it necessary to put the 1/8 Gap between the boards? Thank you so much for your advice.
Love your videos!
Great video thanks!
Can I use those black tuff block or camo blocks instead of the concrete for a 12x16 deck less than 2 feet high? I have some 6x6 post that I was thinking of using since I have them. Would that make it even stronger? Great video!
I am about to start my deck project. I will use 2x6x12 for joist and deck boards. What do you recommend I buy for impact driver and framing nail gun? Thank you.
Do u prefer brushless or brush drills and why ?
What is the support "block" you put in holes for foundation. Concrete? Buy as is or do you pour not
a form? What is it?
Hi! Do you know anywhere to get a simple deck template for a 10.5 x 14 foot deck? what are some good sources?
I always the cut seal in a spray bottle. Makes it super easy to just spray the ends.
I was wondering how to increase the deck size - the box frame and staggering the joists trick! cool. thanks
Hello thank you for all your time and effort you put into your video's. I've been watching all your video's on deck building. I'm in the planning stages of a 31X 16 foot deck with aheight of 1.5 feet The ground is level with no organic materail or grass. I will be using concrete deck block for my load bearing posts. How many deck blocks do I need per square foot. I'm thinking a block every 4 feet would this suffice?
In New Jersey you'll need permits for any type of deck or pavers. You're only allowed to cover a percentage of your land.
Hey Jeff great video as always! One question for you. If you don't burry the block can you use tuff block instead of concrete blocks for this layout?
Can I cover the end of the 4 by 4 post with joist tape? I live in Ottawa and they have those wide joist tape at Home Depot.
Can I build a 36" high deck by using this box method?
Gateshead Gordie lass from England love your you tube hooked Jeff x❤
Very nice work, why not having the joists attached to the 2x10s? Why do we need another 2x8 frame on top?
Quick question. Did you drill pilot holes before screwing the boards to the posts? Or just screwed right in the wood?
What is the advantage/disadvantage to using those concrete blocks vs setting 6x6s on footings?
There is no advantage, it's a detriment.
Do not use this as an example of what to do, it's butchery at it's finest.
He said 2x10's can span 16', yes they can, AS JOISTS, not as beams.
I recommend Scott Brown Carpentry, Essential Craftsman, those guy 100% know the right way to do things.
Could I do this method overtop of an existing (and poorly made) paver/interlock patio? I am thinking just remove stones from where blocks need to go?
Jeff, how do I build a deck between two sheds that are perpendicular?
Can i grade the underneath of the deck so that water runs away from my house? Right now where i want a deck, the ground leans towards my house.
13:59 I'll be using this box beam method for my next deck. I have a 24' span. You mentioned that for 5' centers one could use 2x6 joists. If I break up my 24' span into 2 consecutive 12' spans (securing the 2 spans with scrap 2x inside the box frame), could I get away with using 2x8 box beams (instead of the 2x10 you're using)?
Your referring to a continuous span. One length of timber spanning 24' like you said with a post at 12' is a continuous span at 12' continuous span is also stronger than single span. I really suggest you check your regulation and span tables for what the minimum requirements are for thickness and span distances with those thickness of timber. Safest bet.
Check span tables. Jeff’s information is pretty incorrect. 2x6 deck joist 16 oc with no cantilever can span 9 feet. Now, the beam span is different and you should refer to a different table for that information
Im at the texture stage in drywall, i need to watch your video on that first. Then I'll start this project.
Nice. Cheers!
Could you please give me more info about the hammer you using (I want to find it here in Europe )?
Hey do you have a video on doing a deck that in a L shape, i can't seem to find one.
Do I have to dig hole and put blocks on post? Or can I set them on the ground ?
You’re the best man
Great work! How do I find the right person to build my deck? Eye protection!
Great Job!!
Great work ! Cheers 👍😃🤘😎
Thank you! Cheers!
What are the decking codes in Ontario or Ottawa? When should you get a permit?
Thought you took a nail to the gut at 23:16 🤣
Question... I am looking to build a deck or maybe cover a dye pit with a deck . The dye pit is 12 foot deep... just under 12' wide 75' length Do I need an engineer or architect ?
Hi Jeff. I am about to start a DIY floating deck project. Can I get some advice on how to go about it?
I can email my dimensions and plan and would you will be willing to look it over an make recommendations?
Hi Edgar, simply send me whatever you got in the forum and I would be happy to take alook for you. Membership has its privilege's! Cheers!
What modifications are necessary when the deck isn't attached to a structure?
I'm doing a deck with a shed on it.
Shed is 10×12, deck will be 11×16.
The deck will be just above grade.
what about winter and freeze level. are blocks still ok?
would love to see the end result of this project. Got a link?
Can this method be used for a little house?
Can I use concrete instead of the pillars?
I am in South Texas very close to the border
Always great to see everything built from the ground-up. Thank you!
Do you plan to do any greenhouse builds in the future? Specifically how to put windows in a frame like a greenhouse, or fogged windows of any material.
Great info 👍 🎉
What size screws do you use for the frame
Can I use this type of footing to build 23 ft x 30 ft floating deck? is it strong enough?
Great video! Very informative thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Should add a short screen in the beginning showing what you will NEED and recommend/optional.
How do you know how far apart to set the footers? And how many?
Hi Jeff. I'm from the Netherlands and I am not familiar with tornadoes or mega hurricanes but when a hurricane comes isn't the entire structure lifted? Because the pilars are not fixed into the ground? I always put the pilars into the ground and into some concrete or other stuff to make it more fixed to the ground. Maybe my explanation is not good, English is not my mother language.
Jeff
Great videos and advice
I learn something new with each video thank you.
I have a question looking for a recommendation for a covered deck
I have extended my 4x 4 posts up to soffit height would you cap it wit toja grid brackets with a sail shade here in nl the winds are very high and lots of snow.
Or would you open truss
I may have missed it, but what grade bolts are you using on the supports?