Raised Deckings - Post Spikes?

[mozza42]

We want some quick 'n' easy decking for the Garden, to go over an almost level grassy area... Was thinking about using posts in the ground to raise the deck where needs be - are post spikes suitable for this application? The ground is not solid since it was landscaped a few Months back, so I gather we're going to have to have some fairly deep (500mm?) foundations...?

Post spikes would definitely be easier than concreting posts in - which I'm not averse to doing, should the concensus be that spikes are bodging it!

Any help much appreciated!

[robinhood21]

I would not chance using spikes as there would be a tendency to settle after completion, thus uneven decking.

[renmure]

I have a fairly substantial area of decking on different levels including a section with a hot tub on it. The area was originally mainly grassed. The guys building it only used post spikes and joists, no concrete, in the construction although the area supporting the hot tub was well particularly well posted.

[Autonotiv]

When i do decking i concrete the posts in, dig down a good 450mm +, big of concrete in the hole, put post in and concrete around.

[mgtony]

Concrete the posts in, and don't forget decking now needs planning permission, crazy but true

[Red Firecracker]

mgtony said:

and don't forget decking now needs planning permission, crazy but true

Not always.

Decking is permitted development in a lot of cases. Planning Portal link below;

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en...

Also, information from the Timber Decking Association;

Situations Requiring Planning Permission

* Where the deck is situated within 20 metres of a highway.
* Where the deck platform is more than 300mm (1 ft) from the ground (effective 1 October 2008).
* If the structure would affect the amenity value or privacy of neighbouring properties.
* If the deck is attached to a listed building or situated in a conservation area or National Park.

http://www.tda.org.uk/NetBuildPro/process/15/Plann...

[bramley]

renmure said:

I have a fairly substantial area of decking on different levels including a section with a hot tub on it. The area was originally mainly grassed. The guys building it only used post spikes and joists, no concrete, in the construction although the area supporting the hot tub was well particularly well posted.

I'm no expert by any means but that does surprise me, particularly for decking that's raised. The impression I got from the decking and timber suppliers I used was that anything over 60-100 cms high needed some very careful thought and construction. My diy book said decking on flat grass could be done by laying slabs on the lawn to rest the timber frame on, but anything raised was concreted iirc.

OP - I did a decking project in our garden last year, half of the decking was planned to sit on the old patio (to save removing it) and the other half on posts. Quickly became apparent the old patio was way too uneven to rest the frame on, so I went for the post route. It's actually quite quick and easy, and is really solid, so I'd recommend that route. I really didn't want the decking to wobble or anything so I think I made the right choice, it's rock solid.

[renmure]

bramley said:

I'm no expert by any means but that does surprise me, particularly for decking that's raised.

I'm no expert either, which is why I went with what the expert(s) said. (I had a few quotes and also some input from a structural engineer friend because of the tub) Admittedly the top part nearest the house has some solid former patio bits under there but so far... so good. It's been up for about 3 years and still doesn't wobble in the wind

[bramley]

Cool - for some reason the picture I had in my head was of it being higher than that. I'm well known for over-engineering things - looks like I've done the same on my decking

[Phoenix_830]

I know this is an old post, but there isn't any point starting a new one if this can answer my questions. Is there any chance of the links being updated with the pictures? The post itself has answered questions I had. The pictures would clarify it for me