base for Timber decking frame

[iShaun]

I'm preparing the groundwork for a timber decking frame but I don't have much height as I'm keeping it level with my newly installed patio.
The ground has already been dug off and filled with MOT so is compact.
I have started to channel out small trenches so I can concrete in 3x2 treated timber.
To save me time, could I get away with 2x2 treated timber concreted directly onto the hardcore as there will be no flex to worry about?

 

[Dereekoo]

I'm preparing the groundwork for a timber decking frame but I don't have much height as I'm keeping it level with my newly installed patio.
The ground has already been dug off and filled with MOT so is compact.
I have started to channel out small trenches so I can concrete in 3x2 treated timber.
To save me time, could I get away with 2x2 treated timber concreted directly onto the hardcore as there will be no flex to worry about?

It will rot anyway so it doesn't really matter what you use

 

[cwhaley]

Much better resting the frame off the ground on blocks or slabs so there's no direct contact with the ground. I did this a couple of years ago with a large decking frame made for a gazebo. With it being off the ground there's airflow underneath -- periodic checking proves there's no rot and all timber is solid (treated with linseed oil before hand).

 

[JohnD]

if you give it a slight fall (along the direction of the decking boards) it will help rainwater to run off so the ground under the deck will be drier.

try to plan it so that you can sweep along the boards and off the end, otherwise it is quite difficult to get dirt out of the grooves, for example if they run towards a balustrade

 

[iShaun]

Would painting them in black bitumen paint help with longevity, or would it not make much difference as they're already pressure treated?

 

[JohnD]

it will prevent them drying out.