Thread: posts on stirrups vs posts set in concrete

Timber post should be either fitted to stirrups/fishplates or placed direct in the ground and the holes back filled and rammed. Putting timber in concrete will accelerate rot. Posts in ground will give greater bracing than using brackets etc.

Mick

I'd use steel posts set in concrete or timber posts in stirrups with bracing. Setting the posts in the concrete provides extra bracing but won't last as long and provides no other benefit. Good tip is to run the bearers off the ledger and hold them off the ground with temporary timber posts. Then attach the steel posts hanging from the bearers and pour the concrete around them. Whe set, remove the temorary posts.

Cheers
Pulse

Mick.. beat me by 1 minute

I always go with stirrups.. they are easy to set and line up in concrete and they keep the posts way above the ground and clear of any infestation and water damage.

thanks.

stirrups sound like the best way to go.

I had the exact same questions on the best way to fix my posts when I recently built my deck. I ended up bricking piers for my deck instead. Granted I did get the bricks cheap but it made alot more sense to me as far as longevity goes. You do lose a bit of space underneath but it aint moving anywhere in a hurry. No need to fix bearers to posts just simply lay them down on the piers and build.
Cheers

Originally Posted by luckysack

I had the exact same questions on the best way to fix my posts when I recently built my deck. I ended up bricking piers for my deck instead. Granted I did get the bricks cheap but it made alot more sense to me as far as longevity goes. You do lose a bit of space underneath but it aint moving anywhere in a hurry. No need to fix bearers to posts just simply lay them down on the piers and build.
Cheers

Last forever but not as quiet as posts cause your floor can never be anchored to the piers as effectively as the post... Plus if you use timber posts you can run them straight through the floor and use them as a rigid handrail post that wont wobble like a bolted on handrail post

my 2c

cheers utemad

If you put timber posts directly into the ground or in concrete then you may not be able to see if termites get into the post. Whereas with stirrups you will be able to see the little buggers.