My deck is 24' long and 12' off the house. 10 feet from the house are four 4x4 post spaced evenly apart the 24' span with a foot over hang on each side of the end post. The deck is 8'4" off the ground and the post were buried in concrete in the ground.


I do not think that 4x4 are going to be sturdy enough, but the deck is just about done, so what can I do now? I was thinking:

* Add 2x4 to the sides of the post (easy, but idk if this helps)

* Remove one post at a time and add a 4x6 or 6x6 in its place. (What is the easiest was to do this because the joist and beams are all ready sitting on the post)

* Add more post the existing 4x4 (Also, What is the easiest was to do this because the joist and beams are all ready sitting on the post)

This question harder to answer than you might think. Its hard to say whether 4x4 posts will work or if you need to move up to 6x6 posts. This should have been determined when you applied for you permit.

In you case you might want to ask a couple builders what they would use. You might consider visiting home depot. They have some free deck design software that might let you know what to use.

Sorry the answer wasn't as helpful as you wanted it to be.

Deckman