Because they provide a strong, predictable foundation with less excavation than traditional concrete deck footings, helical piers are the smart choice for residential decks, gazebos, and screened porches.
Helical piers (screw piles) are preferred over concrete footings because they install in minutes, require zero digging, and can be built upon immediately without waiting for concrete to cure. While traditional concrete footings are time-consuming and labor-intensive, helical piers are steel foundation supports that act like giant screws mechanically driven deep into the ground, bypassing unstable soil, and providing a stronger foundation.
The main reasons homeowners and contractors choose them:
Fast installation
Helical piles are screwed into the ground using hydraulic equipment, so there’s usually:
- No large excavation Small, often hand-held machinery is used
- Minimal soil disturbance Doesn’t tear up your turf
- Less mess in the yard No need to remove displaced dirt
- No digging and pouring concrete No need to wait for drying
- Not weather dependent Can be installed in freezing winter temperatures and in pouring rain
- No additional inspection required
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Many deck projects can have piers installed in a single day.
Immediate load-bearing
Installers measure installation torque, which correlates to load capacity. That gives engineers and inspectors the confidence that the foundation can support the weight of your outdoor living space.
Unlike poured concrete footings, helical piers don’t need time to dry & cure. Once installed to the required torque/depth, their high-load capacity engineered plates pull the pier deep into competent, load-bearing soil, allowing framing to begin immediately.
Better performance in weak or shifting soils
They work especially well in:
- Expansive clay
- Loose fill or topsoil
- Wet (water-saturated ground) or soft soils
- Areas with frost heave concerns
- In cold climates like Minnesota, deck footings must extend below frost depth. Helical piers reach stable depths more efficiently than digging concrete footings, helping reduce seasonal movement and deck shifting.
The helix plates transfer load deeper (nearly twice as deep) into stable soil layers, reducing settlement risk.
Useful on difficult sites
Helical piers are popular for:
- Sloped lots
- Tight-access backyards
- Areas near trees or existing structures
- Lakeshore or erosion-prone properties
Easier to remove or modify
If a homeowner later decides to expand or remove the deck:
- Piers can often be reused or extracted
- Less permanent site disruption compared with large concrete pads
Ready to build and support your outdoor living space with security & longevity? Hire an experienced deck contractor!
We’re here for you! Contact Close to Home Construction to schedule a consultation and quote.