Timber Frame and LEDs

[Stuart Caruk]

So, I'm getting set to erect a timber frame for our swim SPA using beams cut off our property. I'm a fan of the Timberlinx connector, and am planning on using them for most of the joints. For the concrete slab to post joints I was planning on using one of their connectors imbedded in the concrete, with a 1/2" thick acrylic plastic sheet cut out on our laser as a moisture barrier.

My darling wife looked at my drawing and asked if I could stuff some LEDS into the plastic so the plates will light up and glow. There's no reason not to, and it's doable, so why not. Then it dawns on me that I could cut a similar plate in the housed joints between the frames and plates and illuminate those as well. I'm still not sold on the idea... or not. Any idea why (other than it's just not traditional) to add an plastic sheet 1/2" thick between the post and plates? I can oversize the post to accommodate it if needed.

[Brad_bb]

Hmmm....So you want plastic in compression between your post and sill plate or tie beam?  Definitely non traditional.  If it's just a spa cover then probably not too much weight on it?

You'd be the first one I know of to try it.

[Stuart Caruk]

Not quite.... this would be in a pavilion style timber frame covering a 23' x 25' long slab. I plan on 6 x 10" square posts supporting the plates and ties, with a couple more 8" square posts in the center on each end supporting the ridge beam. I see a lot of people slap shingles under the posts where they sit on the concrete. I figured why not run some direct burial wire through the slab to power up some LED's in a hunk of clear acrylic mounted between the post and beam as a moisture barrier. Edge lit LED's give off a really cool glow, and it's child's play to program them for different colors or effects. Strength shouldn't be an issue. Extruded acrylic supports 10,000 PSI, Cast acrylic supports around 14,000 PSI. The posts on plastic don't concern me. I'm more curious about the connection between the posts and the tie plates in a housed connection... only slapping a 1/2" hunk of acrylic between the timbers. My wife thinks it would look cool. Who am I to argue. I may try a mock up first just to see the effect.

[Stuart Caruk]

I've done this before, but can't seem to find a picture. This is the effect I'm trying to achieve, only think of it from under the post or between timber connections...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkhvBk3agw8

[Brad_bb]

I use lexan plates under my posts, so no concern there.  Just unique to use them between post and tie/plate.

[Crusarius]

I love it. That would be a really sweet detail and act as ambient lighting for a late night excursion to the hot tub. Would love to see you do it and mostly pictures