Piles, Sonotubes, Concrete Blocks

With piles, give yourself the best

Piles: get the best supports!

Piles: do you have the best supports?

Piles: for stable and durable foundations

Piles, Sonotubes, and concrete blocks: what’s the difference and what to choose?

When building a deck, constructing a garden shed, or installing a fence, you will need reliable supports. Well beyond that of your brother-in-law! Your challenge? Your structure must rest on maximum strength, stability, and durability.

Several options are on the menu. It all depends on the type of project, the nature of the soil on your property, the structural load, and the projected budget. Screw piles, Sonotubes, and concrete blocks (deck blocks) have advantages and disadvantages.

How to identify your needs? Ask specialists. This is the basis. They will explain the differences between each product, as well as inform you about the risks to consider and, above all, the pitfalls to avoid. In this regard, the mobile units of professionals from Patio Design install over 4000 piles per year, in addition to solutions with Sonotubes and concrete blocks. These experts are known for their ability to identify the most viable solutions, without compromising on quality and durability.

Screwed piles: Aim right!

Versatile and adaptable, screwed piles are highly regarded by experts. This is not surprising. Easy to install when the terrain allows, this practical solution offers superior performance to ensure perfect leveling of decks and the solidity of fences.

These manufactured products are like large screws, capable of being driven more than five feet into the ground. Below the frost line and protected from climatic fluctuations, the stability of your structure will not be affected by water or ice. With specialized equipment, these anchors can be easily adjusted in height and depth.

According to the formats (size of the fins and diameter of the pipe) and the different models, the screwed piles offer exceptional performance to support heavy loads, such as terraces and sheds.

Another advantage is that the piles withstand lateral pressures on fences brilliantly. Their design in galvanized steel ensures unmatched strength and complete resistance to corrosion. When the context allows, this solution wins in terms of value for money.

Screwed piles: solid advantages

Simple, quick installation without excavation
Minimal impact on your land
Reasonable cost (little labor and equipment)
Exact placement for maximum precision
Easy adjustments in the presence of rocks or obstacles in the ground
Installation in all seasons, without weather constraints
Reusability and ecology: easy to remove and reuse

For these reasons, screw piles are our first recommendation in most situations. Only a soil deemed too unstable could require an alternative solution.

Solid as Sonotubes

Concrete pillars or Sonotubes are proven to provide stable and solid foundations for certain types of outdoor projects. They are less frequently used due to the advantages of screw piles.

The installation of Sonotubes requires excavations that often necessitate the use of heavy machinery. This implies potential damage to your property. It involves inserting a cylindrical form (the Sonotube) into the ground, then pouring high-quality concrete into it. For a solid and durable result, the pouring, precision, and depth of the excavation must be done properly. This requires the support of true specialists. You cannot afford to make compromises.

Sonotubes remain a preferred option for projects requiring foundations capable of supporting high loads. Depending on the diameter, reinforcements, concrete strength (MPA), and installation depth, the infrastructure will benefit from exceptional robustness to support your construction project. That said, this option is generally not recommended for the development of decks or lighter structures.

Thinking about Sonotube? Consider these elements:

Higher and variable costs in case of unforeseen circumstances (rocks or obstacles)
Excavation required
Bigger equipment
Use of a concrete mixer on site
Concrete pouring requires appropriate weather

Concrete blocks: it's simple, it's flexible

As reliable as they are easy to install, concrete blocks or deck blocks deserve their popularity. Ideal for patios, small sheds, and lightweight structures, these blocks are designed to support wooden bases. Bonus: they offer excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of other options.

Their flexibility is an asset. By adding more units for support, it is possible to increase the stability and robustness of installations. The blocks also facilitate quick leveling of the surface and simplify future adjustments in case of soil elevation or lowering.

However, it is also one of their main weaknesses: these blocks are potentially susceptible to landslides caused by temperature variations. This problem arises particularly during seasonal changes. Their use is therefore not recommended for supporting heavy loads.

Patio Design: solid specialists

Consult our team of pile planning and installation, Sonotubes, and concrete to enjoy the best option in terms of stability and durability for your upcoming projects. You'll see, their ideas and suggestions will be as solid as a rock.