Your Quick Guide to Connext

Whether you're building a pergola, gazebo, barn, or front entrance, Connext makes the process easier while delivering unmatched quality and durability. Here's your step-by-step guide to building smarter with Connext:

1. Plan

Start with a clear design plan and know your timber specifications. Build your connector list from our website, where you'll find post-to-beam, post-to-base, diagonal, and multi-beam connectors.

Tip: Check your timber size carefully—is it rough-sawn (nominal) or finished (actual)? Select the connector size that matches your timber's actual dimensions.

Want to save time? Use our pre-existing Plans for ready-to-build gazebos, pergolas, barns, and more. Best of all, these plans include a detailed connector list.

If you need a plan modification or custom plan, we can refer you to a designer familiar with Connext.

Illustration of a wooden carport structure with a sloped roof on a concrete slab.

The Lakeville Carport from Connext

2. Slot Your Timber

Cut an approximately 0.25" wide slot into the end grain of your timber to accommodate the Connext connector fin.

Slot depth by connector size:

  • 3.5" connectors: 2.55" deep

  • 4”, 5.5" and 6" connectors: 4.52" deep

  • 7.5" and larger connectors: 5.43" deep

Refer to the product diagrams for detailed dimensions and specifications.

Chainsaw & Chain Selection

A variety of chainsaw setups can work. A 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge chain has been used successfully, but pitch and gauge alone do not determine the cut width.

Avoid narrow-kerf bar and chain systems, which may cut too narrow for the connector fin.

Always make a test cut in scrap timber and confirm that the fin fits without being forced.

Connext Slotting Tools help guide your chainsaw for accurate, repeatable cuts.

Image of the Connext Pro Slotter, used to slot and prepare timber for post and beam construction.

Pro Slotter Chainsaw Attachment

Image of the Connext EZ Slotter, used to slot and prepare timber for post and beam construction.

EZ Slotter from Connext (8” Model Shown)

3. Chamfer the Slot Edges

Chamfering the slot edges ensures a precise fit where the connector fin meets the base plate. Connext beams are made from 6061 structural aluminum, a high-strength material formed through extrusion. The extrusion process creates slightly rounded intersections between the fin and base plate to maximize strength.

Routing the slot edges ensures the connector fits seamlessly into the beam, maintaining proper alignment and integrity.

For consistent, precise results, use our Router Plate with a Whiteside 1984 Roundover Bit (⅜ radius). Click here to learn more.

Chamfer slot with a Router Plate from Connext.

4. Create Pin Holes

Choose your preferred method for creating precise pin holes once the connector is inserted into the slot. Use a 1/2” drill bit for all connector sizes.

Using a Drill Jig is highly recommended.  Create your own from our product diagrams, or use our Drill Jigs for maximum precision and stability.

  • Method 1 (Builder Recommended): Drill through the wood first, set the timber, and then drill through the aluminum using the existing holes after ensuring the timber is level and plumb.

  • Method 2: Drill directly through both the wood and aluminum. Work slowly and clear out shavings frequently to avoid overheating the bushings.

Tip: Are you drilling numerous pin holes? Ask for a commercial version of our drill jig, which can withstand higher temperatures from drilling.

A woodworking workshop with a drill press secured to a wooden workbench, surrounded by lumber and tools, outdoors with hills in the background.

Precision Drill Jigs from Connext

5. Secure Your Connection

  1. Position your connector and secure it using the included GRK RSS screws (for wood) or GRKCaliburn Concrete Screws (for concrete). For concrete, we recommend using a ¼” x 5½” concrete drill bit to set your screws to base. Each connector includes (4) Caliburn concrete screws. Refer to engineering specifications to determine the appropriate hole locations for screw placement.

  2. Place your timber and hammer in the chamfered pins to lock everything in place.

The examples below show basic connections, but Connext also offers multi-beam and diagonal connectors to meet more complex project needs.

Step-by-step illustrated instructions for erecting a wooden column using base, metal bracket, and screws.

6. Admire Your Work

Step back and appreciate the result: a strong, durable connection that’s both functional and visually stunning.

Collage of images featuring wooden buildings and interior decor, including a rustic wooden barn exterior, a spacious wooden banquet hall, close-up of wood and stone corner, a wooden outdoor structure with a bar, and a quote about the beauty and function of wood in architecture.

Tips to Elevate Your Build

  • Watch the Videos: Explore our YouTube channel for instructional videos and tips.

  • Touch-Up Pins: After hammering, cover scratches on pins with a Rust-Oleum 222644 paint pen for a polished finish.

  • Square Your Timber: Use a SKILSAW SawSquatch Carpentry Chainsaw for clean, square cross-cuts on large timbers. Its factory bar and chain are narrow kerf and are not currently recommended for cutting the Connext connector slot.

  • Clean Your Slots: After slotting, run a 12” square through the cut to remove debris, especially in rough-sawn timber that may hold moisture.

  • Protect Your Tools: Avoid overheating drill jig bushings, as excessive heat can melt the HDPE.

  • Add Lift: Elevate your posts with a 1” HDPE Riser for added height and moisture protection. Recess standard connectors into 10” x 10” or 12” x 12” risers for large beams.