On Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:18:11 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:

Spennomort writes:

Hi - I am looking to install some decking to replace old unsightly
concrete and part of my lawn. I have removed the concrete and turf for
the intended area but am finding that the ground beneath is a little
soft and not draining particularly well.
I never had any problems with the previous concrete so am a little
concerned about how to achieve a firm base for the decking.
My plan is to put down a layer of pea gravel as a base and also mount
the decking on paving slabs (400mm square). However, is there anything
else anyone can recommend to give my decking a solid foundation.
Thanks in anticipation

Where are you?

If your ground freezes you need to dig holes below the frost line and
pour cement into sonotubes.

By using floating pier construction that's no longer true.