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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.