Short answer: both helical piles and sonotube concrete footings can support a deck for decades. In Toronto backyards with heavy clay, a high water table or a tight schedule, helical piles are usually faster and less messy. In firm, dry soil with no rush, sonotubes are a proven, simple option.
Every deck sits on footings, and the footing you choose affects how long the deck stays level. As a Toronto-area post hole digging and footing contractor, Citywide installs both, so here is a plain comparison to help you decide.
What is a sonotube footing?
A sonotube footing is a hole dug below the frost line, lined with a round cardboard form and filled with concrete. In the Toronto area, deck footings are typically taken down to about 4 feet (1.2 m) so frost cannot lift them. Once the concrete cures, a post bracket is fixed on top.
What is a helical pile?
A helical pile is a steel shaft with screw-shaped plates that is turned into the ground with a machine until it reaches the required depth and torque. There is no large hole and no concrete to cure, so the deck frame can go on right away. Learn more on our helical piles Toronto page.
Helical piles vs sonotubes at a glance
- Ready to build on: helical piles the same day; sonotubes after the concrete cures.
- Winter work: helical piles can go in during winter; pouring concrete in frozen ground is harder.
- Digging and mess: sonotubes mean digging and hauling soil; helical piles leave very little disturbance.
- Clay or wet soil: sonotube holes can collapse or fill with water; helical piles handle these conditions well.
- Access: both work in most yards; helical piles need compact equipment to reach the footing spots.
Which should you choose for a Toronto deck?
Choose sonotubes if your soil is firm and dry, the yard is easy to dig and you are not in a rush. Choose helical piles if you have clay, wet ground, limited access or want to build in winter. Many GTA lots have dense clay that stays wet in spring, which is where helical piles save the most time and trouble.
Frequently asked questions
Are helical piles stronger than concrete footings?
Both can be designed to carry a deck safely. Strength depends on the pile or footing size, depth and soil. Helical piles are installed to a measured torque, which gives a direct indication of capacity.
Do helical piles need a permit in Toronto?
The permit is for the deck itself, not the footing type. If your deck needs a permit, the footings, whether concrete or helical, must meet the approved plans. See our guide on deck permits in Toronto.
What affects the cost?
Number of piles or footings, depth, soil and access. Read our helical pile cost guide for the main factors.
Get the right footing for your deck
Citywide installs concrete deck posts and footings and helical piles across Toronto and the GTA, so we can recommend what suits your soil.
Planning a new deck? Get a free helical pile quote from Citywide or call 416-721-9971.