Setting deck post's question

[Beef6]

Way off topic but we need some life around here.

I Built a 8x8 platform to set a resin shed on in my yard. Each corner has a post sunk 15-17", my question is should I have put gravel in each hole and also back filled with gravel and top off with dirt? Or for something like this is just dirt fine to fill in the holes? I have it in place and leveled but didn't back fill yet so I could easily fill with gravel. If it's not necessary I rather not put the entire thing back out.

Thanks
Josh

[j2k4]

Where do you live?

Is frost a consideration?

[Beef6]

Western PA so yes, that's why I didn't set them in concrete (didn't want to have to go 24" deep for such a small platform) Also it will probably be moved sooner or later so I wanted to be able to remove it fairly easily.

I was just going to lay the framing on 4x4 skids but though setting the posts would be less likely to
Shift.

[j2k4]

Well, around here, the recipe is to get down just beyond the frost line, dump in a quarter-bag or so of mixed ready-crete, and set your post on that.

I'd follow that, adapting for your local climate - shouldn't be a huge pain as long as you have a post-hole digger.

Get around the frost, it oughta stay put forever.

[futurevr4man]

I have set posts without concrete, but they were closer to the 24" mark... in KY. I think you're awful shallow to not be using any quickcrete or anything... just my opinion. You're right that the platform isn't very big, but at the same time, those posts aren't very deep... better stamp the crap outta them, and let them settle pretty well prior to making them bear load

[Beef6]

Well ended up setting them in gravel and beating them in place with a sledge, then filling the top and tamping the dirt Sheathing is down and everything stained, giving it the day to dry and will assemble the shed tomorrow. .

Luckily the shed only weights a few hindred pounds and will not have much more than a walk behind mower, shovels and other random yard equipment. It's only 7x7 so it won't store much. Just enough to clear the yard shit out of the garage.

Realistically I know I should have sunk deeper posts in concrete but this shed will hopefully be moved to build a detached garage sooner than later. I just read through the book and the manufacturer user said a tamped gravel base is more than adequate so I think I'll be ok

[sublime_whatigo]

No need to put them in concrete, just buy a 8"x8" cement paver and set the 4x4 on it. I've been told by builders to only put dirt around the poles, apparently gravel will make them rot faster, I don't know how that logic works but I trust them.

[Beef6]

I've heard it both ways. Well what's done is done so I'm not (trying to not haha) worry about it.

Just glad I finally get to clean up the garage, going to seal/paint the walls and looking into coatings for the floor. Hopefully get it done before winter so at least one of the Stealth's has a nice place to live. Single car garages are miserable. Bought my house two years ago and haven't brought any of my tools/car stuff here yet.

[TLVDoghouse]

Code in Maryland was 30", but I was building to code. Used rebar and a 8" dia cardboard tube to get to ground level. Added U clip to column and held in place with rebar. Bolted 4x4 to clip and then leveled for platform. Never moved, never rotted

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[j2k4]

Didn't mean for anyone to get the idea of setting the post in concrete, just getting it beyond the frostline. Matt's idea is perfect, you just have to be able to get the paver into the hole properly - a typical post-hole digger makes a hole about 8" diameter.