Helical Piles vs Concrete Footers

Building a deck is an exciting way to expand your living space and enjoy the outdoors. But before you start planning the perfect design, a crucial decision often gets overlooked: the foundation. A strong, stable foundation is essential for ensuring your deck is safe, durable, and can withstand the elements for years.

Two standard foundation options for decks are helical piles and concrete footers. Both have advantages and considerations, and choosing the right one depends on various factors, including soil conditions, budget, and the size and design of your deck.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of helical piles and concrete footers and help you decide which foundation is best suited for your dream deck project.

Related Article: What Are Helical Piles?

Understanding Helical Piles: A Modern Foundation Solution

Helical piles, also known as screw piles, are a type of deep foundation system that utilizes steel shafts with helical plates (imagine large screws) welded to them. These piles are installed by rotating them into the ground, much like screwing a screw into wood. The helical plates provide the bearing capacity, transferring the deck load to stable soil or bedrock below the surface.

Helical piles offer several distinct advantages that make them a popular choice for deck foundations:

Minimal Soil Disturbance: Unlike traditional concrete footers, which require excavation and pouring, helical piles are installed with minimal disruption to your existing landscape. This makes them an excellent option for environmentally sensitive areas or projects where preserving existing vegetation is important.
Quick Installation: Helical piles can often be installed in hours, significantly reducing construction time compared to concrete footers, which require curing time.
Versatility for Various Soil Conditions: Helical piles are engineered to perform in various soil types, including loose or unstable soils. Their design allows them to reach deeper, more stable layers, ensuring a secure foundation even in challenging conditions.
Year-Round Installation: Because they don’t rely on concrete curing, helical piles can be installed year-round, even in colder months when concrete work may be delayed.
Ideal for Limited Access Areas: Their compact installation equipment makes helical piles perfect for projects with restricted access, such as backyards with narrow gates or tight spaces.

If you’re looking for a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly foundation solution for your deck, helical piles could be the perfect choice.

Understanding Concrete Footers: The Traditional Foundation

Concrete footers are the time-tested foundation solution for many structures, including decks. They’re large blocks of concrete poured into excavated holes or trenches. These footers support the deck’s weight and distribute it evenly across the soil, preventing settling or shifting.

Construction typically involves digging holes or trenches to the required depth (determined by soil conditions and local building codes), placing steel reinforcement within the holes, and pouring concrete into the forms. The concrete can cure and harden, creating a solid base for the deck’s support posts.

Here are some key advantages of concrete footers:

Traditional and widely used: Concrete footers have been a reliable foundation method for decades. Their widespread use means most contractors are familiar with their installation, making them a readily available option.
High load-bearing capacity: Concrete is inherently strong and, when adequately reinforced, can handle substantial loads. Concrete footers suit larger decks or those built on challenging soil conditions.
Cost-effective in some situations: Concrete footers can be a more budget-friendly option than other foundation types in certain circumstances, mainly when dealing with stable soil and easily accessible sites.

Concrete footers have stood the test of time, providing a solid and dependable foundation for countless decks. However, weighing their pros and cons against other options, such as helical piles, is important to determine the best fit for your project.

Key Differences and Considerations

To help you make an informed choice for your deck project, let’s explore the key differences between helical piles and concrete footers, considering various factors that can impact your decision.

Installation Process & Time

Helical piles are installed by screwing them into the ground using specialized equipment. This process is generally quick and often completed within a day or two. On the other hand, concrete footers involve excavation, formwork, reinforcement placement, and concrete pouring. The concrete then needs time to cure and harden, adding to the overall project timeline, which can take several days or weeks.

Cost

While helical piles typically have a higher upfront cost due to the specialized equipment and materials involved, potential savings can be realized through reduced labour and construction time.

Related Article: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?

Concrete footers are often perceived as a more budget-friendly option initially, particularly for smaller decks or straightforward installations. However, remember to factor in potential additional costs associated with excavation, disposal, and possible delays due to weather or curing time.

Load-Bearing Capacity

Both helical piles and concrete footers can support substantial loads, making them suitable for most deck sizes and designs. The load capacity of helical piles can be adjusted by varying the size and number of piles used.

Concrete footers also offer high load-bearing capacity, but this mainly depends on the footers’ size and depth and the specific soil conditions on your site.

Environmental Impact

Helical piles are generally considered a more environmentally friendly option due to minimal soil disturbance and the absence of concrete waste. In contrast, concrete footers involve excavation and production, which can have a more significant environmental impact due to soil disruption and the carbon emissions associated with concrete manufacturing.

Suitability for Different Soil Types and Climates

Helical piles are engineered to perform well in various soil conditions, including loose or unstable soils. They are also less susceptible to frost heave, making them suitable for regions with challenging climates. Concrete footers are best suited for stable, well-drained soils. In areas with expansive soils or extreme temperature fluctuations, additional measures may be required to prevent frost heave and ensure long-term stability.

Longevity and Maintenance

Helical piles are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, typically requiring minimal maintenance, if any. Concrete footers, when properly installed, can also last for decades. However, they may be susceptible to cracking or settling over time, potentially necessitating repairs.

Remember, the best foundation choice for your deck hinges on various factors unique to your project. Consulting with a professional deck builder is crucial. They can assess your site conditions, understand your needs, and guide you towards the optimal foundation solution for a safe, durable, and beautiful deck.

Making the Right Choice for Your Deck

Choosing the foundation for your deck is crucial for its long-term stability, safety, and enjoyment. While both helical piles and concrete footers offer distinct advantages, the best choice ultimately depends on several factors:

Soil conditions: Consider the type and stability of the soil on your property. Helical piles are advantageous in areas with loose or unstable soil, while concrete footers may be suitable for well-drained, stable ground.
Budget: Evaluate your budget and consider both upfront and long-term costs. Helical piles may have a higher initial cost but can save labor and construction time.
Deck size and design: The size and complexity of your deck will influence the foundation requirements. Large or multi-level decks may benefit from the high load-bearing capacity of concrete footers, while smaller decks or those with limited access may be better suited for helical piles.
Environmental concerns: If minimizing ecological impact is a priority, helical piles offer a more eco-friendly solution due to reduced soil disturbance and no concrete waste.
Time constraints: If you’re looking for a quick installation, helical piles are often faster than concrete footers, which require curing time.
Local regulations and building codes: Ensure your chosen foundation method complies with local building codes and regulations.

The best way to ensure you make the right choice for your deck is to consult a professional deck builder. They have the expertise to assess your site conditions, understand your needs, and recommend the most suitable foundation solution that meets your budget and project requirements.

The Foundation for Your Dream Deck

A solid foundation is the cornerstone of any successful deck project. Whether you opt for helical piles or concrete footers, investing in a well-built base will ensure your deck remains safe, sturdy, and enjoyable for years.

At Green Side Up Contracting, we create beautiful, functional decks that perfectly complement your home and lifestyle. Our team has extensive experience with helical piles and concrete footers, and we’re dedicated to helping you choose the ideal foundation for your specific needs and site conditions.

Imagine relaxing on your new deck, enjoying warm summer evenings or crisp autumn mornings with family and friends. That vision can become a reality with the proper foundation and expert craftsmanship.

Ready to bring your dream deck to life? Contact Green Side Up Contracting today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your project, assess your property, and provide expert recommendations to ensure your deck stands the test of time.

Posted in Decking and tagged Helical Piles vs Concrete Footers

Call: 905 392 7123