postbase

Postbase, often written as post base or postbase, refers to a class of hardware fittings used to secure and support vertical timber posts in construction. Post bases are installed where a wooden post meets a deck, a concrete pad, or another structural surface. They serve to anchor the post to the surface, distribute the load, and create a barrier between water and the wood to slow decay. The typical post base consists of a metal sleeve or base plate with a flange or bracket that is fastened to the mounting surface with screws or anchors, and an interior cavity that accepts the end of the post. Materials commonly used include galvanized steel, stainless steel, and sometimes durable plastics; finishes may vary for outdoor exposure.

Design variations include sleeve-type bases that cradle the post, base plates with through-bolts, and elevated or raised designs that keep the wood off the substrate. Some bases incorporate drainage slots and a moisture seal or flashing to further protect against water infiltration. Sizes typically correspond to common post dimensions (for example, 4x4 or 6x6 posts in standard construction), but products are available for a wide range of sizes and load requirements.

Installation considerations include selecting a base rated for the post size and local load requirements, choosing appropriate fasteners for the mounting surface (concrete, timber, or metal), and ensuring proper alignment to maintain structural integrity. In cold climates, frost heave and shifting soil are factors in base selection; hardware should be corrosion-resistant to outdoor exposure.

Post bases are widely used in decks, fences, pergolas, signposts, and other elevated outdoor structures to improve durability and ease of maintenance. They are often sold individually or as part of fencing and deck hardware kits.