Rather than pour concrete piers to support my deck framing, I prefer to embed PT support posts in the ground. Installation is quicker and easier, and I like the lateral stability that the embedded posts have. However, I have never liked the idea of exposed wood being in direct contact with the soil. To address this, I slip composite post sleeves – which are readily available and long enough to reach down to frost depth in my area – over the posts before installing them.

I also add galvanized steel hardware, like USP’s PA44E post anchors or Simpson Strong-Tie’s AB series of standoff post bases, to the bottom to lift the post up off the footing and allow for drainage. After backfilling around the post, I finish off the top with a couple of inches of gravel so that soil doesn’t come in contact with the post. Even though the PT posts I use are treated for ground contact, I feel better having the added protection against the elements.