Hi Folks - question here...I will be doing a DIY freestanding deck project (8'x12', about 6 feet elevated, 6x6 posts, 4x8 beams, 2x8 joists). The project is actually a "play deck" for my daughter, but it is essentially a deck project.

I was planning on using a standard post base/standoff, set in the concrete piers to set the posts (such as the ones available from simpson or USP - simpsons ABA, CBSQZ for example). It occurred to me though that those type of post bases may not be suited for freestanding deck structures though? I am worried about lateral force and movement. Just wondering if there is a more specialized post base or approach to use for freestanding decks? Or is it a matter of having good diagonal bracing between the posts and the joists/rim structure? The other thing I have seen is having the post set on top of a pier "below" grade, and having the fill provide some of the lateral stability, but wasn't sure if that was a good idea either.

I know freestanding decks are built all the time, so there must be some common best practices that apply here. Interestingly enough, most of diy books/guides gloss over this type of thing...

On a somewhat related note - is it a bad idea to place joists on top of the beams (with copious cross bracing and using hurricane ties) on a frestanding deck, rather than hanging them from the beams? Again, I am wondering about the lateral movement thing.

Thanks for your thoughts in advance...

--Dave