Question for a deck eassay im doing for internachi. This is a deck where the footing supports are being sandwiched together with trew bolts to lock them in. Is this ok? Im scratching my head? Just thinking, would it make the deck structurally safe? Or can this be a weak point? This home is from the 50s so who know what they were doing back then. I thought a decks post wood have to be installed as a 6x6. Any feedback would be useful.
3 ply 2x 6 makes it 6x6 with a footing, I’m good with it!
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Jose, I don’t see an issue with the deck support beams being sistered together with bolts. The only minor issue I would question, is the diameter of the footing which appears smaller than it should be. With this deck, probably wouldn’t make it to my report based on this alone.
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As far as the post construction goes, it’s fine. The only issue I see is the lack of steel brackets to fasten them to the footing. Looks like they’re just resting directly on the concrete.
As @tglaze mentioned, the footing could be undersized, but since the elevation of the deck is so minimal, and the posts appear to be fairly well centered, I would be ok with them, provided the concrete is in good shape.
I know it isn’t what you were asking about, but how was the deck attached to the top of the posts?
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My first question(s) is always… Where are you located, and what are the climatic conditions in the area? Do you have significant rainfall or snowfall in the area? Those are the primary influences that will affect the deck assembly other than the applied load.
Next, IMO, the “Built up” posts are generally a non-issue (in most temperate regions).
Considering the assumed deck loading and height above grade, and the full depth of the footing meeting standards for the area, I see no concern with the footing diameter.
My general concern is the grade of lumber used. Is it “Ground Contact PT”? Modern standards call for a separation between the concrete and the wood.
I also would (pun intended) keep the firewood a distance from the deck, due to potential WDI infestation and making a meal of the deck.
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Thank you very much.
Yes the deck is pressure treated. I am located in Putnam County upstate NY. Thank you for the feed back. I learn so much here. You are the best.
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You are absolutely right about the firewood. It can be a catch of 2 evils. Fire hazard and bugs. Thank you much appreciated.
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No there are no steel brackets. Wish there were lol. Thanks again.
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They could be “pinned”.
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Thanks again. I am always humbled 
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True… It’s a possibility…
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A couple things. I do not like notched guard posts. I do not like side bolted rim joist/beam. The good news is this thing is really close to the ground, lol.
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Yep, and the reason I would be a little more lenient based on the pictures. Seeing how everything else is attached would be the question. Will it hold up with multiple people on the deck twerking at a party? Idk without looking further into it… 
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Yes I wouldn’t like it either if the deck was higher. Id rather have the deck laying on the 6x6s with steel plates. Only in a perfect world I guess. Thank you for your Feedback.
You have me rolling on that one. Lol 
good observation.
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That’s the standard I use on all decks I look at. How safe is it? How many people may this deck hold at any given time? and what may they be doing while they are on the deck? In other words, is this deck stable enough to hold a party on?
When you take that approach, you tend to look at them more closely. 
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The issue with the post is,
The post is not supporting a beam, just the rim joist. The rim joist is supporting all the joists.
Also when bolting any wood the bolt holes should be staggered, that way if one area splits due to the hole, it is still supported. Also the guardrail posts are on the outside. What holding them on? Just 4 nails. That’s no good. And the list can go on and on and on. And this is just from those 2 pictures, let’s see the underside and the ledger board. I almost guarantee it’s not bolted to the house, or bolted wrong, there is probably no joist hangers.
But anyways, bolting 3 6x6’s together would never pass any city inspection. And the post should not just be resting on the concrete footing.
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Bottom line, there are some technical issues that would take on more importance if this deck was higher off the ground. As it is, much of the deck isn’t even off the ground at all. This is more like a “raised patio” than a deck. In this case, I would look for functional performance and the condition of the wood over technicalities.
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Thank you for all the info. Ripbit out! Lol. Seriously though, you guys are good.