Framing your deck? Here’s why and how to notch your 4x4s. When building your subframe, you'll often want your 2x8 joists or bearers to sit flush and securely on a vertical 4x4 post. To make that happen, we cut a notch — also called a relief cut — into the 4x4. This should be done after your vertical posts are set but before installing the joists or bearers, as part of the foundation framing. Notching allows the 2x8 to rest directly in the post, providing a strong and stable seat rather than rely