I'm planning a mini-deck 4'x 8' off a small porch (which is the primary entrance to the house). I'm thinking I could make the PT structure using 2x6s. Comments?

I'm going to use composite for the decking. Seeing as there will not be more than one person at time (on the right side 4x4 in front of the door) on the mini-deck I'm thinking I do not need 4'deep concrete footings as I would on a full size deck here in NY and I would just dig down a foot or so and rest the short posts on gravel. Comments?

My concern is that I've built a small 2x3 planter with legs that will sit on the left side that will have about 18" of dirt in it and wondering if that will be problem. Comments?

thanks, jerry