Where are you located? That would be the determing factor for me. This is for decks under 24-30" high, and small like you described.

If it's north I'd sink footings below frost level.

If it's west/nothwest I'd sink "ground treat" posts for such a small deck, below frost.

If it's south I'd look into floating it with pier blocks and a termite cap.

If it's hurricane country then sink post & use the proper ties.

If it's earthquake #4 then proper footings & piers then post bases & saddles (sesmic connections).

This is very very general, always talk to your local building dept. and or a structural engineer if you are in any doubt.

Alter Eagle Construction & Design

http://www.altereagle.com/ | Construction & Design | http://decks-ca.com/ | Decks, California outdoor living | http://kingofcrown.com/ | Molding and finishing | http://installcrown.com/ | Crown tutorial

We are definitely in earthquake country... So. CAL. Are there any footings that you recommend... (pre-cast, redi-footing...) and hmmn, saddles?

Sorry, I am new to this game. :) I really appreciate your input. Many thanks again!

I laugh in the face of danger... then I hide until it goes away.

Saddles, are the post caps. Here on a deck in Petaluma we did 5 yrs ago you can see those connections.

http://www.altereagle.com/Petbeam.html

Click on the images the description is written there. The whole project is here:

http://www.altereagle.com/Petaluma.html

For the footings and piers here in No. CA, I explain a bit about that here:

http://decks-ca.com/Deck_Footing_and_Piers_in_CA.html

Alter Eagle Construction & Design

http://www.altereagle.com/ | Construction & Design | http://decks-ca.com/ | Decks, California outdoor living | http://kingofcrown.com/ | Molding and finishing | http://installcrown.com/ | Crown tutorial