Everything to Know About Pier and Beam Foundations
You’ll beam with pride at all your new knowledge about this foundation type
Highlights
Pier and beam foundations offer an alternative to slab foundations.
This style foundation uses concrete piers and wood beams to support the house’s weight.
Pier and beam foundations create a crawl space underneath the home.
When you’re building or remodeling your home, you may be overwhelmed with the variety of foundation styles available. A pier and beam foundation is an elevated foundation style that’s a popular choice in areas prone to flooding or with uneven ground and is often found in older construction homes. Learn what sets pier and beam foundations apart from other foundation types and how to decide if this foundation is the right choice for your home.
What is a Pier and Beam Foundation?
Unlike slab foundations that sit directly on the ground, pier and beam foundations are elevated about 24 inches off the ground using a series of concrete, brick, or stone piers placed at strategic intervals underneath the house to support the weight of the house. Wooden beams extend between the piers to add additional support and structure.
When comparing slab foundations vs. pier and beam, the main difference is that slab foundations have no space underneath the home, while pier and beam foundations offer a crawl space underneath.
Pros and Cons of a Pier and Beam Foundation
If you’re trying to decide if a pier and beam foundation is the right choice for your home, it’s a good idea to know the benefits and drawbacks of this foundation style.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less Expensive to Either Build or Repair | Floors are Colder on Your Feet |
| Easier Access Under the Structure | Susceptible to Bugs and Rodents |
| Better Ventilation Under the Home | Moisture Can be a Problem |
| Easily Isolate a Problem Area | A Damaged Pier Can Spread Throughout the Structure |
Pier and Beam Foundation Advantages
Building a home with a pier and beam foundation (or any other major home project) offers plenty of advantages for a homeowner. While this type of foundation is commonly found in areas where soil is unstable, it’s a versatile option you can use in multiple places. Advantages include:
Less expensive: A pier and beam foundation typically costs less than slab or other foundations because it doesn’t require heavy machinery during the building process.
Easier repairs: When you have a pier and beam foundation, repairs are easier (such as plumbing, mechanical, or electrical) because it’s easier to access the foundation. Unlike other foundation types, such as slab, you don’t have to bust up a major concrete slab to access an area underneath the home.
Better ventilation: This type of foundation allows for greater ventilation, which results in lower amounts of moisture in a home, especially for areas prone to flooding.
Can isolate a problem: When you’re working with a pier and beam foundation, and you have a problem in your home, such as a leak, it’s easier to isolate the problem area, thanks to the space underneath.
Pier and Beam Foundation Disadvantages
Crawl spaces are often part of a pier and beam foundation, so many of the disadvantages often relate to this. But before you have your contractor change your foundation plans to pier and beam, consider some of the other disadvantages.
Creates a draft: Your floors aren’t as warm with a pier and beam foundation because there is an open area beneath the floors.
Susceptible to bugs and rodents: Yes, it’s true – there is a greater opportunity for creepy crawlers and other critters to make a home in the pier and beam foundation if it’s not sealed correctly.
Moisture problems may still occur: Unless it’s properly ventilated, this type of foundation lends itself to moisture build-up, including mold and mildew.
Damage can spread: If you have damage to one pier, it can create issues with flooring, such as sagging or creaking.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or taking on a major home renovation, you can work with a concrete foundation company near you and find the best solution for your homebuilding needs.
How Much Do Pier and Beam Foundations Cost?
Pier and beam foundations cost an average of $8,000 to $15,000, or around $6 to $12 per square foot. They’re pricier than slab foundations but significantly less expensive than basement foundations.
When it comes to repairs, the average pier and beam foundation repair cost is about $10,000. Common repairs include replacing or adding piers, replacing beams, and waterproofing.
How Can You Maintain a Pier and Beam Foundation?
Keeping your pier and beam foundation in good condition requires keeping an eye out for potential problems or signs of damage and taking some proactive maintenance steps:
Inspect your crawl space regularly for signs of pests, moisture damage, gaps, or holes.
Maintain your home’s drainage system by keeping gutters clean and ensuring all water drains away from the foundation.
Ensure plants and shrubs are planted several feet away from the foundation to avoid root damage.
Get an annual foundation inspection to identify potential problems.
If you notice early signs of damage, hire a foundation repair contractor to fix the problem before the damage gets worse.
Is a Pier and Beam Foundation Worth It?
A pier and beam foundation can be a great choice for homes in areas that are prone to flooding since the raised construction prevents pooling water and damage from soil erosion. They’re also useful in areas with a low frost line because the piers can be sunk below the frost line, unlike slabs, which sit on the ground’s surface.
Those advantages come with a few trade-offs, however. You’ll need to regularly maintain your crawl space to prevent pests and moisture problems and repair any minor damage as soon as possible. Pier and beam foundations are also more expensive to construct than slab foundations, but depending on your home’s location, size, and lot conditions, pier and beam might be the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pier and beam foundations last an average of around 75 years. Factors that affect the life span include soil preparation and conditions, moisture exposure, material quality, and poor construction. The concrete piers will last the longest, but the wooden beams will deteriorate faster and may need repair or replacement over the course of the foundation’s life.
Houses built on pier and beam foundations will be elevated off the ground, will have a crawl space, and will most likely have stairs at the main entrance. Pier and beam foundations will also have vents spaced out along the foundation to allow for airflow and moisture control in the crawl space.
Although the two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably, pier and beam foundations and crawl spaces are different things. A pier and beam foundation is made up of concrete piers and wooden beams and creates a space under the home known as a crawl space. There are several types of foundations that create crawl spaces, often collectively known as “crawl space foundations,” but the crawl space itself is separate from the foundation.