how to support posts off the ground, help please

[happyhero]

Hi I want to fix some oak posts in the garden that are not long enough to go in the ground and I don't want in the ground anyway. They are 6"x6" posts and I have seen brackets in USA and France that do this and keep the post off the ground by an inch or two. The tops will be attached to a sort of large overhand from a shed.

Usually these brackets fix onto or into concrete and then they are bolted to the post keeping it from touching the ground and ever rotting by being an inch or so clear of the ground.

I cannot seem to find them available in the UK and do not want to cement my posts in, so any ideas where I can get these or what else I can do, they need to be strong as we may later hang a hammock from them etc?

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[holmslaw]

Will one of these do, fixed upside down.

Have a look at a unistrut catalogue, for other options.

Also unistrut is extremely rust resistant and is very very strong.

 

[Joe4542]

You mean this sort of thing?
Post base

Although the bracket is meant to be concreted in, you could if wanted, simply bolt down thru centre hole, or slide over some threaded studding stuck into ground and then secured with washer and nut.

Either way would succeed in keeping the post away from ground.

 

[pantsmachine]

Use these
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Post-Accessories/Bolt-Down-Post-Support/invt/548027

Saw end of post neatly to 4" square to sit in and set length when cutting to keep clear of bottom of socket

 

[str]

I think the OP may be refering to a different type of bracket, its like a U bracket that the post is fized into, with a vertical bar below that is concreted into the gorund - you see them used on the american fix it shows a lot - keeps the wood out of contact with the ground

haven't a clue where they can be bought though

 

[masona]

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Is there a scaffold company near you? or buy it online

I have done this by turning the base plate upside down and doesn't rust, I'm assuming this is what your're after? The picture below is 150mm x 150mm but do difference sizes as well

http://www.offshorescaffoldingsales.co.uk/products/accessories/baseplate.htm

You can also get adjustable base plate type if needed

 

[Thermo]

I think the OP may be refering to a different type of bracket, its like a U bracket that the post is fized into, with a vertical bar below that is concreted into the gorund - you see them used on the american fix it shows a lot - keeps the wood out of contact with the ground

haven't a clue where they can be bought though

yep i know the thing you mean. often seen on holmes on homes. Havent seen them over here either!

 

[juleshartley]

I know this is super old, but I've got the same issue. I found these

http://www.designadeckshop.com/pack-of-2-stainless-steel-post-feetbases-100mm-or-150mm-416-p.asp


which, although expensive, should do the job...

 

[r896neo]

I could forge them myself for that price. Completely mental.