When to Use Piers vs. Strip Footings in Landscaping

In the world of landscaping and construction, establishing a strong foundation is crucial for the longevity and stability of structures such as patios, decks, retaining walls, pergolas, and garden sheds. Two common types of foundations used are piers and strip footings. Understanding when to use piers versus strip footings can save you time, money, and effort while ensuring your landscaping project stands the test of time.

This article explores the differences between piers and strip footings, their respective applications, advantages and disadvantages, and factors to consider when choosing one over the other in landscaping projects.

What Are Piers and Strip Footings?

Before diving into their uses, it’s important to understand what piers and strip footings are.

Piers

Piers are vertical columns made from concrete, masonry, or wood that are poured or built into the ground at specific intervals to support a structure. They transfer the load of a structure directly down to the soil beneath. Typically, piers are cylindrical or rectangular and are spaced out to correspond with load-bearing points like posts or beams.

Strip Footings

Strip footings (also called continuous footings) are long, continuous strips of concrete that run beneath load-bearing walls or fences. They distribute the weight of a structure evenly along its length. Compared to piers, strip footings offer a more continuous base and are often wider than piers to spread the load over a larger area.

Key Differences Between Piers and Strip Footings

When to Use Piers in Landscaping

Piers are ideal when your project requires support at specific points rather than along a continuous line. Below are common scenarios where piers excel:

1. Decks and Raised Structures

Decks often utilize pier foundations because they consist of discrete posts that support beams. Piers allow for minimal excavation and help elevate the deck off the ground, which improves drainage and reduces wood rot risks.

2. Pergolas and Gazebos

These open structures require sturdy vertical supports without extensive wall systems. Pier foundations provide isolated support that is easy to install and maintain.

3. Garden Sheds on Elevated Platforms

If you want your shed raised slightly above ground level for moisture control or uneven terrain, piers placed under each corner and along structural lines provide adequate support.

4. Uneven or Rocky Terrain

When the ground is uneven or rocky, strip footings would require excessive excavation. Piers can be drilled deep into stable soil layers or bedrock with less disturbance.

5. Temporary Structures

For structures intended to be removed or relocated easily (such as temporary event stages), piers offer simpler installation with less material use.

Advantages of Using Piers

Reduced material use: Only concrete needed at point supports.
Less excavation: Saves labor costs compared to continuous trenches.
Flexibility: Easier to adapt foundation depth according to soil conditions.
Ventilation: Elevating decks allows airflow beneath structures.
Cost-effective: Generally cheaper for small footprint projects.

When to Use Strip Footings in Landscaping

Strip footings are essential when you need continuous linear support for weight distribution along walls or fences.

1. Retaining Walls

Retaining walls hold back soil pressure exerted laterally. A continuous footing prevents soil movement beneath the wall by distributing loads evenly across its length.

2. Garden Walls and Boundary Fences

Strip footings prevent settlement by supporting entire wall lengths uniformly rather than at discrete points.

3. Heavy Structures with Load-Bearing Walls

Sheds or outbuildings with masonry or timber load-bearing walls require strip footings for steady support along their base.

4. Areas with Poor Soil Bearing Capacity

If soils have low bearing capacity, wider strip footings spread out structural loads reducing settlement risks.

5. Frost-Prone Regions

In cold climates where frost action can shift soils during freeze/thaw cycles, strip footings below frost lines ensure stability by anchoring structures deep enough.

Advantages of Using Strip Footings

Continuous support: Eliminates point load concentrations.
Improved stability: Reduces differential settlement risks.
Resistance to soil movement: Better suited for retaining lateral earth pressure.
Load distribution: Spreads heavy loads evenly over larger surface areas.
Durability: Often more robust under challenging soil conditions.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Piers and Strip Footings

Selecting between piers and strip footings depends on several key variables related to your landscaping project:

1. Type of Structure Being Supported

Identify whether your structure is supported by posts (piers) or continuous walls (strip footings). For example:

Post-supported decks → piers
Masonry garden walls → strip footings

2. Soil Characteristics

The bearing capacity and type of soil influence foundation choice:

Sandy or rocky soils → piers drilled deep may be better
Clay soils prone to shrinking/swelling → wide strip footings reduce risk

A geotechnical survey helps determine required footing depth and size.

3. Load Requirements

Heavier structures with continuous load paths require strip footings:

Light-frame decks → piers sufficient
Heavy masonry retaining walls → strip footings necessary

4. Climate Conditions

In frost-prone regions:

Both foundation types must extend below frost line
Strip footings offer better protection against frost heave for linear constructions

5. Project Budget & Timeline

Piers generally cost less in materials but may require specialized drilling equipment if deep installation is needed. Strip footings demand more concrete but provide lasting stability.

6. Site Accessibility & Excavation Impact

If site access is limited or minimizing ground disturbance is important:

Piers allow selective excavation
Strip footing installation requires trenching across entire wall length

Installation Overview: Piers vs Strip Footing in Landscaping

Understanding installation procedures highlights practical differences that impact project planning.

Pier Installation Steps

Mark pier locations according to design
Drill holes or excavate postholes to specified depth
Insert rebar reinforcement if needed
Pour concrete into holes forming cylindrical columns
Allow curing before attaching structure

Strip Footing Installation Steps

Excavate continuous trench along planned wall/fence line
Install formwork along trench sides for shaping
Place steel reinforcement bars inside trench
Pour concrete continuously along trench
Allow curing before building wall on top

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Both foundations have pitfalls if not executed properly:

For piers:
Placing too few piers causing sagging
Not digging deep enough below frost line
Ignoring local building codes
For strip footings:
Insufficient width leading to settlement
Poor drainage causing water pooling around footing
Not reinforcing adequately for soil pressure

Hiring experienced contractors familiar with local conditions ensures correct foundation installation.

Conclusion

Choosing between piers and strip footings in landscaping projects depends heavily on your specific application, soil conditions, structure type, climate considerations, and budget constraints.

Use piers when supporting discrete points such as deck posts, pergola columns, or elevated sheds—especially on uneven terrain or when minimal excavation is desired. They offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for lightweight structures requiring elevation off the ground.

Use strip footings when constructing linear elements like retaining walls, garden walls, fences, or any heavy structure needing continuous load distribution over poor soils or frost-prone regions. Although more material-intensive and labor-intensive during installation, they provide superior stability against settlement and lateral forces.

By carefully assessing your project needs alongside local site conditions—and consulting professionals when necessary—you can choose the right footing type that ensures your landscaping structure remains safe, durable, and visually appealing for years to come.