Understanding Concrete Footings: The First Step in a Strong Foundation
Before any structure rises, a solid foundation must be in place. And that foundation starts with concrete footings.
At B&K Concrete, we specialize in foundation installation services across the Metro East and greater St. Louis area—including expertly poured footings that provide long-term strength and support for your home, addition, garage, or commercial building.
What Are Concrete Footings?
Footings are the base layer of a foundation—typically poured into trenches that are dug below the frost line. Their purpose is to:
Distribute the load of the structure evenly into the soil
Prevent settling, shifting, and structural failure over time
Support walls, piers, or slab foundations in new construction
In residential construction, footings are especially critical for projects like room additions, detached garages, sheds, and basement walls.
Why Proper Footing Installation Matters
The stability of your entire structure depends on the strength of the footings below it. If footings are too shallow, poorly poured, or not designed for the specific soil type, it can lead to cracking, shifting, or uneven settling—costly issues that compromise your investment.
That’s why we ensure each footing installation is:
Precision Dug: We follow local codes and engineer specs for proper depth and width.
Cleanly Formed: Trenches are cleared of debris and set with exact edges.
Poured with Quality Mix: We use durable concrete blends for optimal strength and cure.
Inspected and Level: Every footing is leveled and measured to ensure a reliable base.
When Do You Need Concrete Footings?
Footings are required in almost every new build. But you may also need them if you're:
Adding on to your home
Building a detached garage or pole barn
Installing a patio roof or pergola
Pouring new basement walls
Constructing retaining walls
Even small additions benefit from secure footings—ensuring the structure stands the test of time and weather.
Footing Projects in Action
Recently, our crew completed a footing pour for a residential backyard addition. As you can see in the photo, the trenches were dug, formed, and filled with concrete to meet code and support the load-bearing needs of the future structure. It's this kind of prep work that sets up every project for long-term success.
Need Foundation Work in St. Louis or the Metro East?
If you're starting a project and need foundation installation or concrete footings, we’re here to help. We work with homeowners, contractors, and developers to deliver strong, code-compliant concrete work across the region.
