On Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 11:00:01 AM UTC-5, Greg Guarino wrote:

Are there
perhaps plastic "cups" that are designed to protect the bottoms of (say)
4x4s where they would touch the ground?

Cast aluminum Simpson post supports: https://www.google.com/search?q=cast... UIBygA&dpr=1

Apply (make your own) trim along the bottom, 1/4" above the "floor", to conceal the metal supports. You don't want your trim touching the "floor". https://www.diyhomecenter.com/deckor...FdU6gQodWOoAmg

Sonny