When are the metal legs under deck posts needed?

The metal leg is to prevent the wood from wicking moisture from the concrete.

G.S.

metal legs wont stop termites.

The little 1/2" things are mainly to keep the end of the wood post from wicking water up from the concrete. Concrete is a sponge, to an extent. They make a huge difference in the lifespan of the decorative wood posts on front porches. Lotsa times they are also used to position the post on the concrete- you can position the metal thing exactly, anchor it, and it holds the bottom of post against wind and aggressive kids. (When wind lifts up on a porch roof, it can unload that column almost completely.)

-- aem sends...

Dang, now I have to go back and put one of them in. Or three if you say that cinder blocks have the same problem.

Although in theory this setup is only for a year or two until I decide what I actually want.

Thanks to you and Gordon and Ransley.

Wood in contact with concrete is a no-no unless treated or a "resistant" species.

That's why is a wood framed structure the bottom plate / sill plate is treated timber.

The "metal" plate (ie post base) is what is required for a post.

I'm not a huge fan of Simpson products but unless you're inclined to design & fab your own connectors.....their stuff is generally good enough.

Alternatively.....you could shore (if necessary), shorten the post & insert a sound chunk of treated timber.

imo most the Simpson post bases barely do their job, the EPB44 is decent but hard to find sometimes, the EPB44A is a folded sheet metal POS.

cheers Bob

Hide quoted text -

Old deck? my old PT deck is 20 ft from a lake doesnt have them and is maybe 40 yrs old with not rot. They help, but they are not always "needed". Old PT is better. If you see rot, then cut off the bottom and use them.

Hide quoted text -

That sounds great. Thanks a lot.

You saved me a trip to the store today.