Traditional Oak Framing or Modern Fixings

[MortarThePoint]

I'm making a simple porch frame to go between two walls and I am pondering between a bridle cut and a simpler to make bolt held option (M12 x 250 Stainless). The two options are at the bottom of this post (but at the top of the porch post :-). Vertical posts are 145x145 and horizontal beam is 95x195. Although it's more effort, I am currently leaning towards the bridle cut. It would prevent any light passing though a narrow gap that could open up through shrinkage. It's much more work to make though and the finished result will look identical bar any gaps. Silly?

 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by MortarThePoint

[MortarThePoint]

I could drill and peg at the join to fill the gap, but I'd have to be very careful not to blow through with the drill and there would still be a small unplugged gap left

[garrymartin]

If it's a pre-existing structure, will you have enough clearance to get the bridle cut post in place?

[MortarThePoint]

1 minute ago, garrymartin said:

If it's a pre-existing structure, will you have enough clearance to get the bridle cut post in place?

 

Good question. There are posts at each end of the beam which will be fixed lower down to the wall. The bridle cuts at the end would have to be like this I expect

 

 

[MortarThePoint]

A concern with the bridle cut that isn't an issue with the modern fixing approach is he possibility of the post splitting due to it shrinking more than the beam

[garrymartin]

Ah, you're making the entire frame, not trying to put vertical pieces into something that is already there. I misunderstood. In that case, definitely the bridle cut if your woodworking skills are up to it.