The Difference Between Shallow and Deep Foundations in Utah

🧱 What Is a Shallow Foundation?

A shallow foundation is placed near the surface—typically 3 to 5 feet deep—and spreads the building load across a wide area.

Common shallow foundation types include:

• Spread footings

• Slab-on-grade

• Mat foundations

These are ideal for:

• Residential homes

• Garages

• Small commercial buildings

• Sites with strong, stable surface soils

In many areas of Utah County, Salt Lake County, and Wasatch County, shallow foundations are the norm—as long as the soil is well-compacted and frost depth is respected.

⛏️ What Is a Deep Foundation?

A deep foundation transfers loads further below the surface—sometimes 10 feet or more—into more stable ground.

These are typically used when:

• Surface soils are weak or expansive (like heavy clay)

• The structure is multi-story or unusually heavy

• The site is on a slope or unstable terrain

Deep foundation systems include:

• Drilled piers

• Caissons

• Pile foundations

They’re more expensive but essential in parts of Utah with problematic soils, steep grades, or high load-bearing requirements (like Summit County mountain builds).

🏗️ How Do You Know Which Foundation You Need?

Here’s what determines foundation depth in Utah:

• Soil composition & compaction

• Frost line depth (varies by region — typically 30–36 inches)

• Water table height

• Building weight & footprint

• Slope or hillside construction

We often work with engineers to determine load requirements and soil reports—especially on larger custom home builds or retaining wall systems.

👷 Our Process at Sandstone Concrete Design

Whether shallow or deep, we handle every foundation project with:

• Proper base prep and compaction

• Reinforced footings per code

• Concrete poured to correct PSI and cure time

• Footing and wall forms set to exact elevation and dimensions

We’ve completed reliable foundation work across Utah—from flat suburban lots in Saratoga Springs to mountain builds near Park City.

📍 Build With Confidence in Utah

Need help choosing the right foundation for your build?

We’ll evaluate your site, handle the excavation, and pour a code-compliant foundation that’s built to last—no guesswork involved.

📞 Contact Sandstone Concrete Design today for a free quote or foundation consultation anywhere in Utah.