Setting poles for pole frame cabin

Hi folks, I figure this is the closest forum for what I have a question about.  I am planning on building a simple pole frame cabin with 8 inch round posts as the framing (basically an enclosed pole barn).  The issue is this: because I need to use my own timber (economic reasons), I either have to figure out a way to get it pressure treated (not looking very likely or economically viable), or set the posts above ground to avoid them rotting in a few years (southern yellow pine).  All the pole framing stuff I see talks about and depicts poles actually set in the ground after pressure treatment.  Is it possible, though, from a structural/safety standpoint to instead mount the poles on concrete footings with a large bracket? It would be basically be a bigger version of the pier-and-post construction under wood decks, where the post is mounted onto the concrete pier with a bracket sunk into the pier while the concrete is still wet.  I’d of course sink the piers maybe 3 feet down (it’s north Florida so I’m not worried about frost heaving), and then mount the posts on them with appropriate termite treatment and a barrier between the bottom of the post and the pier to avoid conducting moisture.  I’ve seen some do-it-yourself treatments like paint on creosote or motor oil, but I don’t want to risk my future home on something that I can’t find much data to support.  Does anyone have thoughts on this approach or a different alternative to getting my posts professionally pressure treated or creosoted? Any experience, good or bad, is much much appreciated.

Hey Robert,

I would pour concrete piers topped with a post base bracket. Even if you messed around with treating your posts there would still be an issue with the posts rotting if you sunk them in concrete.

Finding a post base for an 8" round post might be difficult and expensive. You might consider framing a conventional sub floor on pier and beam and building your cabin on top of that. I built a timber frame using a similar method.

Here's a post  from my building blog about it.

Yup, concrete and steel is the safe way.

You can trim the post bases to fit in a regular saddle meant for a 4x4 or 6x6, or you can cut slots so the anchor fits inside the post, or you can put a chunk of beefy steel in a home-poured pier, and slot the post over that. In all cases bolting will complete the assembly.

IMO an air gap between concrete and steel is well worth it for longevity.

I agree with the above posts. If you are seeking an alternative, check with the old timers in your area.  The 80+ group may have other options.