Cross Post Cap for Crossing Beams, 4x4 to 12x12

A T, not an X

Seen from above, this joint is a T. The main beam goes straight over the post, and the crossing beam comes in from one side and stops at it. Choose this cap for a post in the middle of a run, where another beam ties in from the side. When both beams stop at the post and turn a corner, you need the corner post cap. When nothing ties in from the side, a post cap is enough.

Sizes this cross cap is made in

• Main beam: 3" to 12" wide, in a saddle 9" to 16" long.
• Crossing beam: 3" to 10" wide, in a saddle 4 1/2" to 8" long.
• Saddle height: 5" to 10", the same for both.
• Post: 3" to 15" wide.
• Straps: 2" to 6" wide (the main beam's width at most) and 7 1/2" to 10" long.
• Bolts: 3/16" to 1".

The crossing saddle sticks out from the middle of the main saddle, and its length is measured from the main saddle's side. Both pockets get 1/16" of clearance, and every size steps by 1/8". The configurator calls the crossing beam the secondary beam, and it opens on a 6" main beam and a 4" crossing beam over a 6" post.

Holes on a cross cap

The main saddle has a hole 1 1/2" from each end of both sides, near the top. The crossing saddle has one hole in each side, 1 1/2" from its open end. Saddles taller than 6" get a second hole under each of those. Both straps carry two holes, 3" apart.

Limits the configurator sets

The crossing beam's end is buried against the main saddle, so its bolts are the ones closest to end grain. They stay at least 3 1/2 bolt diameters from that end. The shortest crossing saddle, 4 1/2", takes bolts up to 13/16". A 1" bolt needs a crossing saddle at least 5" long. See why bolts keep their distance from a timber's end in our guide.

The main saddle must be at least 6" longer than the crossing beam is wide, which leaves room for its own bolts on either side. It also has to be 7/16" longer than the post is wide. The strap bolts follow the same end distance rule from the top of the post, and the standard 8" strap satisfies it at every bolt size.

Questions

Can beams come in from both sides?

Not from this configurator. It makes the one-sided cap. For a four-way joint, or a crossing beam wider than 10", send a drawing through the quote form. We build custom caps from plans and don't charge for the design.

Does the crossing beam sit at the same height as the main beam?

Yes. Both beams rest on one flat bottom plate, so their undersides are level, and the two saddles are the same height.

The basics

• 3/16" A36 steel plate, laser cut and welded in our ISO 9001 shop in Texas.
• Holes are cut 1/16" larger than the fastener you choose. Fasteners aren't included.
• Enter your timber's real size, not its name. How to measure a timber.
• Bare steel, or matte black powder coat added in the cart.
• Ships free in the lower 48 states.
• No published load ratings. Ask your engineer, and see what to give them.