Bretski,
I put cedar 6x6x16' long posts on top of 24" round concrete footing (using sonna tube) and used one extra large stainless steel timber bolt for each horizontal beam to post attachment. I like the design - its only a couple years old - I hope it will last for at least 20 years. Joists and rafters are treated - everything else is cedar. See attached pictures.
http://photobucket.com/albums/v216/gainesjs/
