If you’re planning to build a deck, sunroom, home addition, or backyard structure, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is how to support it: helical piles or concrete footings?
Both have their place in construction—but with Ontario’s soil conditions and freeze-thaw cycles, the right choice can mean the difference between a long-lasting structure and expensive repairs down the line.
This post breaks down the pros and cons of each foundation type so you can make the best decision for your project.
📌 Table of Contents
- What Are Helical Piles?
- What Are Concrete Footings?
- When Helical Piles Are the Better Option
- When Concrete Footings Make Sense
- Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
- Get Expert Advice on Your Project
🔧 What Are Helical Piles?
Helical piles (also called screw piles) are steel shafts with helix-shaped plates that are drilled deep into the ground using hydraulic equipment. They’re engineered to reach load-bearing soil, offering a strong, reliable foundation without the need for excavation or concrete curing.
Helical piles are widely used for decks, porches, sunrooms, modular buildings, retaining walls, and even full home foundations. They’re especially effective in areas with unstable or unpredictable soil—something Ontario has plenty of.
🧱 What Are Concrete Footings?
Concrete footings are a traditional foundation method that involves digging holes, installing formwork, pouring concrete, and allowing it to cure. These footings distribute the load of a structure across a wider surface area and are commonly used in residential construction.
While concrete footings have been the go-to for decades, they come with certain limitations, especially in colder climates or poor soil.
🏗️ When Helical Piles Are the Better Option
Helical piles shine in Ontario’s challenging soil and seasonal weather. You’ll likely benefit from helical piles if:
- Your soil is wet, loose, or clay-heavy
- You’re building near water or on a slope
- You want fast, year-round installation
- You have limited access for excavation equipment
- You want a long-term, low-maintenance foundation
They’re ideal for projects like decks, modular buildings, sunrooms, hot tub pads, retaining walls, and even full homes on difficult terrain.
🧰 When Concrete Footings Make Sense
There are still situations where traditional concrete footings might be suitable, such as:
- Small, non-load-bearing structures on dry, compacted soil
- Projects where curing time isn’t a concern
- Budget-conscious builds in ideal soil conditions
- When excavation and concrete trucks can easily access the site
However, even in these scenarios, it’s worth considering long-term performance. Frost movement, settling, and cracks can lead to more costly repairs down the road.
✅ Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to helical piles vs concrete footings, it’s not just about upfront cost—it’s about choosing the foundation that will perform better in the long run, especially with Ontario’s unique conditions.
Helical piles offer a faster, cleaner, and more adaptable solution—especially in areas with poor soil, tight access, or winter timelines. While concrete footings may still work for small, low-risk projects, more and more homeowners and contractors are making the switch to piles.
📞 Get Expert Advice on Your Project
Not sure which foundation is right for you? Our team at Diamond Tech Piles is here to help. We provide professional guidance and helical pile installation across Bradford, Barrie, Newmarket, and the surrounding Ontario region.
Let’s make sure your project starts with a solid, future-proof foundation.
👉 Contact us today for a free quote and site assessment.