Toronto, Canada I'm super novice DIY-er. I want to rebuild my porch/ deck in the front yard. The landing is very small 6 ft W x 6 ft L, the posts would be 4ft H above ground.
How deep should I dig the post holes? I googled and it said 1/3 to 1/2 hole depth (of the height above ground), so that would be 1/3 x 4ft = 14.4''. I also saw something about frost line and I can't quite understand if I need to dig 14.4'' below the frost line?
The existing posts have a very sturdy concrete base/ footing that I am unable to dig deeper than 16''. I dig all four holes down 14-15'' already and haven't set the posts yet because I want to ask this community for more input. If I can't dig more than 15'' deep (mostly shovel and hand...painful experience), what else can I do to make the posts more secure and not heave after a few harsh winter?
Thank you very much