Slip bracket connector for rigid members

A method of attaching a first wood member to a second member so that natural dimensional fluctuations of the first wood member are not restricted, the method comprising:

• placing a bracket connector around the first wood member, the bracket connector comprising:
• a brace that fits around the first wood member and allows for natural dimensional fluctuations in the first wood member by being non-attached to the first wood member and leaving a clearance gap between the brace and the first wood member;
• and
• a plurality of tabs attached to the brace such that the tabs make flush contact with the second member, each tab having at least one aperture disposed through the tab;
• and
• driving a fastener through each aperture into the second member, each fastener securing the bracket connector to the second member so that the brace remains non-attached to the first wood member and maintains the clearance gap.

A method for providing vertical tension relief of a baluster in a wood deck, the baluster being rigidly secured to an upper rail spaced vertically away from a lower rail, the method comprising:

• placing a bracket connector around the baluster and adjacent the lower rail, the bracket connector comprising:
• a brace that fits around three sides of the first wood member, allows the first wood member to project vertically out of a top and a bottom of the brace, and leaves a clearance gap between the brace and at least two of the sides of the first wood member;
• and
• a plurality of tabs attached to the brace such that the tabs make flush contact with the lower rail, each tab having at least one aperture disposed through the tab;
• and
• driving a fastener through at least one aperture of each tab into the lower rail, the fasteners securing the bracket connector to the lower rail so that the baluster is secured laterally and the brace is not attached to the baluster and is separated from the baluster by the clearance gap.