Simpson Strong-Tie CPT44Z CPTZ ZMAX Galvanized Concealed Post Base for 4x4

This product is wonderful, surprisingly easy to install (make sure you make yourself a template) and SO much better looking than the other options out there. I'm SO glad I spent the extra $ on these compared to the other options.

Utilized for custom loft post and rail design. Structurally overkilled for application but worked well. Biggest trick is accurately cutting the deep receiver slot in the post base. Table saw with dado and jig might be best approach.

These look fantastic installed and are as strong as any other post holders I have installed. So, why 4 stars, and not 5? Honestly, they are a pain in the butt to install. I created templates, used a quick 90 degree blocking jig, but still it took several attempts to drill the holes properly. The issue is that all 3 holes have to be more or less parallel to work. This is far more difficult if you are drilling by hand than you might think. If you have a press or a manufactured jig, it shouldn't be a problem. If you are doing this by hand, be warned, it is difficult and frustrating. My recommendation is to buy a jig. If you don't want to do that, then don't cut the post to length until you have your holes drilled and the pegs fit in place. Otherwise, you will, like me, end up with 2 or 3 wasted posts that have 3 non-parallel holes that are more or less useless.

Bought some of these for a patio cover project. I’m not using them as they are intended to be used but they work perfectly for my project.

Plan to use this plate on existing concrete patio to secure post for makeshift gate. The installation went well and according to instructions yet doesn’t offer the stability needed on this application, we decided to modify out approach and did something different. Being I used the post plates I could not return them. These plates would be best under load.

For me it worked alright. As others have mention, they are some what a paint to get it about right on installation. Also few pointers from my experience. If you use it with redwood next or on top of stucco, make sure where ever you cut or drill you blow pressure air to clean all sawdust from surface and prime it really good, other wise the taming of red from the dust will leach into the stucco leaving an ugly dark oxidize spot. After i did my install, I came to the conclusion that their should be a better way and realized I can do similar install as the stairs guys do with newel post. I used 5/8 rod with epoxy, prime the bottom about a foot high really good and on install time y use polyurethane caulk to cover the hold bottom surface. As of today not a problem. Other option if you wish to keep your post of the ground would be using a galvanize base or composite material base using with the same method mention before.

very strong and stable Caution! you must be very very accurate with you cuts I was not so accurate with a couple of the brackets and had to place some hardwood shims between the black plate and the bottom of the 4x4 post to firm up the post.. then perfect.

This product is not for a doing yourself type person. To install and properly level it takes knowledge. So for someone that doesn’t have the ability buy a bracket that wraps and screws around all four sides. However this is a good product if you know how to use it.

I needed these to anchor some garage shelving posts to concrete garage floor, and they are really sturdy.caution:1. a lot depends on the competence or otherwise of the installer.2. the dimensions are imperial, so you need a ½" Forstner bit or similar to drill out the holes for the metal dowels - 12mm too tight; 13mm too loose.3. The holes for the dowels need to be exactly perpendicular to the posts. No room for lax DIY.2. if you're chasing a slot for the upright in a piece of 4x4 post as per the instructions, 5mm is too much - 4mm is better.I adapted its use to my situation and it worked perfectly - 2 lengths of 4x2 bolted together with a 4mm softwood trim to allow for the slot. The holes for the metal dowels were drilled using a bench drill with the posts horizontal - the best way of getting a perpendicular hole. And two lengths of 4x2 glued & screwed together feel stronger than a single 4x4 post , imho.The end result is excellent. Super-strong and a neat finish.

Really neat base to secure fence posts on slabs on our raised patio for a 1m high fence on 8cm x 8cm posts.Extra care is needed to measure and cut the holes and slot accurately.Looks good and holding firm.

Used to bolt a wooden post on a concrete drive. Only 4 stars as (i) its fiddly to cut the wood if you don't have all the gear and (ii) if not used against a wall it would be difficult to keep vertical.

I found these a pain to fit as the slot is an odd size. Not quite enough to warrant making two cuts and cutting out, too thick to just cut with a circular saw. I’m sure if you had the right kit and were better at woodwork you’d be fine but the fitting don’t hold the structure of my pergola firmly. They look great but leave the posts able to flex at will.

Looks good, but….. I could not get the post to stop wobbling. I had ditch the pins and buy M12 bolts and nuts to secure it, but still got a wobble and yet couldn’t get a 2mm plastic packer between the base and post. The instructions show a circular saw being used to cut the slit, seriously!! Really need a band saw for a neat job, but used a reciprocating saw as I don’t have a band saw. Avoid a headache, but a clamp version, not these.