vast majority of decks the most appropriate method of supporting your decking framework is to lay a series of concrete pad foundations set out in a regular pattern over the footprint of your deck.For the vast majority of decks the most appropriate method of supporting your decking framework is to lay a series of concrete pad foundations set out in a regular pattern over the footprint of your deck.
The commonly held view is that wooden posts must be concreted into the ground however this is only in a small number of decks For example “high level” decks or exposed sides in areas where there is a danger of storm winds affecting the stability of the deck.
Think of it in this way. A well constructed timber deck contains a large amount of heavy timber. If your garden hut is unlikely to blow away in a storm then neither is your deck!
The u
se of concrete pad foundations provides you with two distinct advantages:-
It prolongs the life of your deck by keeping the supporting framework clear of ground contact.
Remember timber in continuous contact with water will begin to rot. By supporting your decking framework clear of any groundwater I am preventing the decking timbers from being in damp conditions and thus prolonging their life expectancy.
Concrete pad foundations provide the necessary flexibility to ensure that your decking framework is set out correctly. It allows the framework to be set out “square” while resting on the pad foundations.