Deck footings - sub base

[Scabutz]

Im building a small deck 4.5 x 3.8 m I plan on using those plastic adjustable footings to support the frame. The ground is soil, but been there for years and heavily compacted. Should I dig it out and put some hardcore down and compact it or will the footings be ok straight on the soil? Will lay weed membrane down first.

[Carlososos]

Yes put down a proper pad for each support. I wouldn’t bother with that though. I’ve just built a similar deck 6 m by 3.3. I did mine on slabs. The best way in my opinion is to dig out and post for each support. Probably cheaper and much more secure. It also means it’s not floating so less likely to move and more likely to stay level.

[hellorent]

I've used concrete blocks sunken to ground level on their side's, never had a problem with movement/sinking

[Scabutz]

Problem at the minute with posts is you cant get concrete for love nor money

[Carlososos]

Scabutz said:

Problem at the minute with posts is you cant get concrete for love nor money

Yeah that’s a pain. Hardcore compacted down should be alright on its own but it’s not ideal.

Is postmix short on supply as well?

[Scabutz]

Carlososos said:

Scabutz said:

Problem at the minute with posts is you cant get concrete for love nor money

Yeah that’s a pain. Hardcore compacted down should be alright on its own but it’s not ideal.

Is postmix short on supply as well?

Yeah. Wicks, B&Q, Toolstation, all the builders yards, none of them local have any postcrete. Tell a lie one of the stores in Hitchin 40 miles away has 1 bag.

Looking again the drop from the patio door is quite far and I think posts probably are needed to raise the height a bit.

[eatontrifles]

I’ve just built a smal 2.5 x 2.5 deck and used these genius things with great success;
https://www.shedbase.com/quickjackpro/

[Scabutz]

Bizarrely some builders merchants have bulk postmix in stock and even reduced. Just ordered 80 x 20kg bags for just over 300 notes delivered. Probably more than I need but can sell the rest and at a massive mark up.