Post supports to keep posts above earth level

[Halo Jones]

Hi all,

I am starting a shed/workshop build which will be 12x14'. One gable faces onto the street but the other gable is garden facing and I plan on extending the roof by 4' and having an open porch area as part of the build. I was planning on making an external end truss and posts from 4x4 larch. I know larch is pretty durable but I don't want the feet of the posts in the soil. In France I have seen pretty discreet galvanised steel supports that are embedded in concrete and hold the wooden post 2 or 3" above the ground making the post almost look as if it is floating. I cannot find a similar thing in the uk with all the post spikes looking really ugly. If anyone understands the above description do they have any idea where I can source such a thing?

Cheers,

Halo

 

[barkwindjammer]

You could get a Smith to make them and find someone who regularly sends stuff for galvanising, might only cost some beer tokens :wink:

 

[Woodchips2]

Hi Halo
Are these the sort of thing you are looking for http://www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/produ ... X&timber=1

Regards Keith

 

[cambournepete]

They look like the supports used on some of the "porches" around here.

I personally don't like them - the porches (actually usually just a bit of flat roof with two uprights) look like they're floating and incomplete and basically shoddy.

 

[Halo Jones]

@ Pete. I agree if they were used for all the supports then it would look a bit weird but when it is used as part of a more substantial structure I think it looks kinda cool. The pictures in this page get at what I mean:
http://www.greenart.info/theves/week36/index.htm

@ Keith. I had seen those but I have seen more elegant designs in hardware stores in France where there is a thick metal pole which extends upwards about 4" into the post that is to be secured. In others there is a 90 degree metal plate where you have to cut a slot in the post and then bolt through.

I knew I should have picked up a few when I was on holiday :?

 

[Halo Jones]

Sorry barkwindjammer; didn't mean to ignore you. We do have a smithy in the village so that is a possiblity. I just don't know where I would get it galvanised.

 

[CNC Paul]

Halo,

How about these http://decksupply.co.uk/Products/Pre_Ca ... lock_.aspx

 

[Halo Jones]

@ CNC Paul. That wasn't quite what I was after - but thank you for looking.

I just realised the link above did not work. Hopefully this will.

http://www.greenart.info/theves/week%2036/index.htm

 

[Halo Jones]

Hi All,

I think I have just found what I am after:
http://www.strongtie.co.uk/products/family_caps.php
all I need to do now is find a supplier......