Attach Deck Post to Concrete

Andrew Binosa lives in Duluth, GA. The photo he sent me made me LAUGH OUT LOUD! Read Andy's question, look at the photo and see if you don't chuckle!

"Hi Tim,

I built a deck at the rear and below it is a concrete patio.  Is there a minimum anchor type that I need to anchor the posts down onto the concrete slab below?  Here's a picture of what I have.   My contractor did this and I think that it is insufficiently anchored.  What do you think?"

Here's Andy's deck post. See the tiny L-bracket on the right side of the post? Photo credit: Andrew Binosa

BWAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAAAHAHAAH!

I think your contractor is an idiot. I'm sorry to be so harsh, but you asked me and it needs to be said.

Using that tiny L-bracket to attach a deck post to concrete is like using a piece of thread to hold a cruise ship to a pier.

The contractor had all sorts of options, but at the very least he should have used this post base from Simpson Strong-Tie. I've used these for YEARS with great success. See the image below.

I'll also add that a deck post like that concentrates ENORMOUS loads. Simply placing a post on a patio slab is not a good idea. The post should be resting on a pier that's got a spread footing and is separated from the patio.

Also, you NEED my Stain Solver Certified oxygen bleach to clean off all the green algae from your deck post and your concrete.