You're lucky....frost is not a major problem where I live either....Pacific Northwest.
The only time we place posts into the ground is for fencing. For a deck where support is needed for a structure above, I recommend proper footings.
So we still should get down to hard pan in most cases for a secure footing for the posts.
There are a number of ways to do this and a lot depends on how far down hard pan is. In our area we are lucky because that often can mean no more than a couple feet.
The size of the footing depends on the size of the deck in most cases but some soil conditions require larger than usual footings. Check with your local regulations on footings sizes.
You can form the footing and peer together. We usually pour the footing and peer at the same time and place a post saddle into the concrete at that time. There are cases where precast peers are very useful.
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Bart Blainey, B.E.R.
Consultant/Journeyman Carpenter
Building Envelope Specialist
Master Renovator
provip@prodeck.org
http://www.prodeck.org
Barton Blainey (provip) specifically assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information or process disclosed. The above further expressly advises that any use of or reliance upon the information and or opinion disclosed is at your risk .
_________________________
Bart Blainey, B.E.R.
Consultant/Journeyman Carpenter
Building Envelope Specialist
Master Renovator
provip@prodeck.org
http://www.prodeck.orgBarton Blainey (provip) specifically assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information or process disclosed. The above further expressly advises that any use of or reliance upon the information and or opinion disclosed is at your risk .
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