Footing Post Pads

one of the 10 inch plastic feet cost as much as 3 bags of concrete..I would rather have some concrete AROUND the post also... up above ground level.

It looks like a great spot for water to collect to help rot the posts.  I've always put rocks in the bottom for drainage, concrete on top around the posts.   If I get to build a new deck I am going to fill the hole with concrete and put a footing bracket in the wet concrete.

I have used 2-3" of clean rock to allow drainage then back tamped DRY Concrete into the hole and backfilled with the diggings, Post hole is allowed to drain off moisture and post is essentially set in slow setting concrete. Fence posts I do the same with the sackrete, stand post up in hole, fill and back tamp concrete then cover with diggings, not had a bad set post yet.

There are Post Sleeves out there for better rot strength and some have switched up to footers or piers and bolting heads above grade, posts won't then rot.

Edited by DMiller - 07 Feb 2020 at 2:44pm

don't know what their selling. posts themselves at the frostline. typ post frame const without conc round the post. frost depth kansas 34". would just use 8" sona tube with 2x6 built up treated 6x6 post. don't skimp on fdn.

I use thee same formula as DMiller.

Depends on what you're building. The keyword for me is in the title. Deck post. If putting up a shed its not likely to be listed for that. As stated already, check local codes. You may find them online for your jurisdiction. If you need/get a permit, contact the inspector for insight. Hopefully they are willing to answer questions and work with you during the project. Whether you get inspected or not, build to those codes and reduce the agony if you get busted.

    Good morning. I have not seen any notes on the 'uplift' factor. In our builing codes (Municipal, Provincial, and Federal) an uplift factor is probably required. Wind factor, remember the 'blow and suck' factor. In general, the size of the footing, concrete size, and the direct attachment of the footing to the post is required. Here, any building over 108 sq. ft. (garden size), requires a building permit. Your Building Dept. should be a friendly source of initial information.     Ross.