Any structure that you want to be in place for any length of time will need foundations to stand on, and the best material to make them out of for long-lasting strength will nearly always be concrete.

But you may also have heard the term ‘footings’ when applied to the part of a building that goes under the ground to provide a stable base, and be wondering whether footings and foundations are one and the same thing.

Read our handy guide to concrete footings and foundations to discover all you need to know about this aspect of concrete’s role in everyday construction.

What are footings and foundations?

Footings form part of the foundations, but not all foundations are footings. That may sound confusing, but it’s actually relatively straightforward.

As the name suggests, footings are at the very base – or foot – of a structure, being the part of it that is directly in contact with the soil below. Their role is essentially to spread the load of the structure above and prevent the whole thing from sinking into the ground. 

When differentiating between footings and foundations, the latter refers to the part that stands directly on the footings and is directly in contact with, as well as supporting, the actual building.

Common types of foundations and footings in the UK

There are four main types of foundations and footings commonly used to support buildings and structures. Which is used will depend on a number of factors, including the soil type, the weight of the building and how that weight is distributed across the overall structure.

• Strip –  A shallow type of foundation made up of a continuous strip of concrete that supports walls or closely spaced columns.
• Pad – Also set fairly close to the surface, pad foundations are used to support concentrated loads on square or circular ‘pads’ that spread the weight across a wider area.
• Raft – These large foundations span the whole footprint of a structure to spread and support its entire load.
• Pile – Deep foundations comprising long piles – usually made of concrete, but can be steel or timber as well – that support a structure on more stable soil or rock further down when the soil nearer the surface is weak.

Common concrete grades for footings and foundations

When creating ready-mix concrete for footings and foundations, you’ll need at least GEN3, reinforced with horizontal and vertical rebars. Steel or fibre reinforced concrete foundations will be better able to withstand those heavy loads without bending or cracking. 

Although using large or coarse aggregates can increase the strength of your concrete, it can also lead to an effect known as honeycombing, where you get gaps between the aggregates and the rebar. Your aggregates should ideally be about 10mm – 20mm in size.

As with the type of foundations or footings used, the grade will depend on the soil conditions and the nature of the structure or building being supported. If you’re not sure of the best mix for your particular project, it’s always best to get the advice of an experienced concrete expert, such as the team at Stewart Brothers Concrete.

With over 35 years of concrete experience providing reliable foundation materials for projects across Kent and East Sussex, we have the knowledge and expertise required to provide the perfect mix for your construction project. And with depots in Ashford, Dover and Sittingbourne, we can also provide rapid turnaround on any job of any size, too.

Get in touch with us today to find out more or ask for a competitive quote.