What Is a Post and Pier Foundation?
A post and pier foundation—also sometimes called a pier and beam foundation—is one of two major types of home foundations. The other type is known as a slab foundation or slab-on-grade foundation. As the name suggests, a post and pier foundation consists of concrete piers that are set deep into the ground to bear the weight of the structure. Spanning up from the concrete piers are either concrete or wooden posts, and along the tops of the posts run horizontal wooden beams that provide the bed on which the structure will be built.
How Does a Post and Pier Foundation Work?
Unlike a slab foundation, in which a bed of concrete is poured directly onto the soil substrate, a post and pier foundation does not rest directly on the ground but rather is usually elevated about 18 inches, creating a crawlspace beneath the home. One of the best benefits of a post and pier foundation is that the crawlspace provides easy access to the underside of the home, should repairs need to be made to plumbing and electrical units or to the foundation itself.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Post and Pier Foundation?
Homebuilders often choose to use post and pier foundations because they can be easily built and are less expensive than other choices. However, this type of foundation is best suited for smaller buildings. Because post and pier foundations are not set deep into the earth, this type of foundation is less ideal for homes built in areas where earthquakes or hurricanes are common. Also, because of how post and pier foundations are constructed, homes that sit atop them are more susceptible to developing sagging and creaking floors.
Have Questions About Your Post and Pier Foundation?
For all of your foundation-related needs, turn to the experts at Engineered Solutions of Georgia. Whether you need repairs done on your existing foundation or are planning to build a home and need a foundation installed, our highly experienced team of structural engineers and geotechnical specialists are happy to lend a hand. We are based in Atlanta and proudly serve homeowners throughout all surrounding areas. Contact us today!
Post and Pier Foundation FAQs
Is a post and pier foundation the same as a pier and beam foundation?
Yes. The terms post and pier foundation and pier and beam foundation
are commonly used to describe the same type of foundation system.
Both use piers set into the ground, vertical posts, and horizontal
beams to support the structure above an elevated crawlspace.
What are the advantages of a post and pier foundation?
One advantage of a post and pier foundation is the accessible
crawlspace beneath the home, which makes it easier to reach plumbing,
electrical components, and the foundation for repairs. These
foundations can also be relatively simple and less expensive to
construct than some other foundation types.
What problems can occur with a post and pier foundation?
Post and pier foundations can be susceptible to problems such as
settling, movement, and sagging or creaking floors. Because the home
is supported by individual piers and posts rather than a continuous
slab, changes in the supporting soil or deterioration of structural
components can affect the level and stability of the floor system.
How does a post and pier foundation compare with a slab foundation?
A post and pier foundation elevates the home above the ground and
creates a crawlspace beneath it, while a slab foundation places the
structure directly on a concrete slab at ground level. The crawlspace
beneath a post and pier foundation provides easier access to plumbing,
electrical components, and the underside of the structure.
