Connector Selection
When selecting connectors to assemble components, primary considerations are timber movement, prevention of splitting and corrosion resistance:

• As a minimum, connectors should be hot-dip galvanised, however environments such as splash zones around pools, coastal regions or industrial corrosive environments require stainless steel or silicon bronze connectors.
  
• Use of brackets to connect bearers and joists is not recommended for exterior applications, but where necessary, stainless steel should be used.
  
• All bolts and coach screws should utilise washers.
  
• Bolt holes placed across the grain of wide unseasoned elements should be drilled 10% larger than shank diameters to avoid timber shrinkage stresses.
  
• Nailing and screwing trials should be used to determine splitting tendencies – if pre-drilling is required, holes should be approximately 80% of the shank diameter.
  
• Some preservative treatments (e.g. CCA) react with galvanised coatings in continually moist environments. Problems can be managed by coating bolts and similar fixings in heavy grease.
  
• Where retightening of bolts on large unseasoned members is not possible, a volute coiled stainless steel spring washer should be used to maintain tightness.
  
• Fasteners should be set-in 25mm minimum from sides and ends.