Helical Piers vs. Concrete Footings: Best Foundation for Decks?

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Helical Piers vs. Concrete Footings: Which Is Better for Deck Construction?

If you’re building a deck in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you’ve likely heard of two main foundation options: traditional concrete footings and helical piers. But which one is better?

Let’s break it down by what matters most — time, cost, stability, and long-term performance.

⏱️ Speed of Installation

• Concrete Footings: Require digging, setting forms, pouring concrete, and waiting several days for the concrete to cure before you can build.

• Helical Piers: Can be installed in less than an hour with no curing time. In most cases, you can build your deck the same day the piers are installed.

✅ Winner: Helical Piers

🧱 Soil Conditions

• Concrete Footings: Can shift or crack over time in poor soil or areas with frost heave.

• Helical Piers: Mechanically screwed deep below the frost line into stable soil — ideal for Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.

✅ Winner: Helical Piers

💵 Cost Comparison

• Concrete Footings: Lower material cost, but higher labor and potential rework costs if conditions are poor or footings fail.

• Helical Piers: Higher up-front cost per pier, but reduced labor and faster timelines often lower the total project cost.

✅ Winner: Tie — depends on the job site.

🔧 Precision and Load Capacity

• Concrete Footings: Placement can be imprecise, especially with shifting soil.

• Helical Piers: Installed with torque-monitoring equipment, giving you verified load capacity and pinpoint placement.

✅ Winner: Helical Piers

♻️ Environmental Impact

• Concrete Footings: Require excavation, disposal of soil, and contribute to runoff.

• Helical Piers: Minimal disruption to the ground — no digging, no concrete, no mess.

✅ Winner: Helical Piers

Final Verdict

If you want speed, precision, and long-term performance, helical piers are the clear winner for most deck projects. Especially in northern climates, they’re quickly becoming the preferred choice for both contractors and homeowners.

Bonus: Install Faster with SPTech

SPTech supplies ICC-Certified PierTech® helical piers and brackets — with quick pickup from our Loretto, MN facility. Work with our team or become a certified installer and get fast access, engineering support, and premium materials.

➡️ Learn more about helical piers for decks