Comparing traditional concrete footings to the modern helical pier system—and why the choice is clear.
When it comes to building a deck, homeowners often focus on surface details like composite decking, railings, and lighting. But the part of the project that sets the pace—and impacts everything that follows—is the foundation. And that’s where the biggest difference lies between traditional concrete footings and modern helical piers.
At Design Builders, we’ve moved away from the time-consuming, messy process of concrete footings in favor of a faster, cleaner, more efficient method: helical piers. Here’s why they’re changing the game for deck construction.
With concrete, there’s no avoiding the cure-time conundrum. The process involves:
Digging deep post holes
Setting up forms and reinforcement
Pouring concrete
Waiting 3 to 7 days (or more) for it to fully cure
That delay ties up your crew, equipment, and materials. If it rains during that window? Expect even more delays. And if inspections are required before the next phase can begin, your schedule gets pushed even further.
Helical piers are steel shafts drilled into the ground until they reach stable, load-bearing soil. The moment they’re installed and torque-verified, they’re ready to build on.
No pouring. No curing. No waiting.
We routinely install piers in the morning and start framing the deck that same afternoon. That kind of speed is a game-changer for both builders and clients.
Concrete footings mean excavation—and lots of it. That process leaves behind:
Piles of dirt (spoils) that need hauling
Muddy tracks through the yard
Damage to grass, landscaping, or hardscaping
In contrast, helical piers are installed with compact machinery that leaves minimal surface disturbance. There’s no soil removal, no mess, and no ruts across the lawn. Homeowners love that their yard stays intact, and builders appreciate the time saved on cleanup and logistics.
Installing concrete often requires large augers, mixers, or even concrete trucks. Helical piers, on the other hand, can be installed with small skid steers or handheld drives in tight spaces—even in backyards with limited access.
That makes them ideal for:
Urban builds
Sloped properties
Projects close to existing structures
Homes with established landscaping
The choice between concrete and helical piers isn’t just about speed—it’s about efficiency and precision. Helical piers provide:
Immediate load-bearing capacity
Measurable torque values for structural confidence
Year-round install capability, regardless of temperature
For homeowners, this means less waiting, less disruption, and a deck that’s done sooner. For contractors, it’s better margins and more builds completed per season.
At Design Builders, we believe in foundations that support not just the structure—but the project timeline, the budget, and the experience. Helical piers help us deliver all of that—faster and cleaner than ever.
📞 Call 301-875-2781 or 📧 email tim@designbuildersmd.com to learn how helical piers can improve your next project from the ground up.