Steel Pilings in Rocky Soil? Here’s What I Told Tim

Most calls I get start simple: “Got a quick question for you.” This one turned into a masterclass in barn building, frost protection, and how to make a structure last in tough conditions.

Last week, Tim from north of Dawson Creek rang me up. He’s building a chicken barn—a federally inspected one—and wanted my thoughts.

Here’s the twist…

Instead of the traditional dugout footings and frost walls, Tim’s going 20-foot steel pilings pounded into rocky northern soil, topped with precast concrete walls, insulated four feet down and four feet out, spray-foamed floors, and in-floor heating.

Why This Matters (Even If You’re Not Building a Chicken Barn)

Foundations aren’t just a “technical” choice—they’re the difference between something lasting decades and something you’re fixing every spring thaw.

Tim’s run into the same problem a lot of builders face:

• Too many “experts” pushing trendy methods that don’t work in the real world.

  
  

• Engineers who know the math but not the animals (or the climate).

  
  

• The endless debates where everyone’s got an opinion but the carpenter still has to make it work.

Here’s What I Told Him

Steel pilings in rocky soil? Solid choice—especially if engineered right and tied securely to the precast walls. Avoids frost heave. Avoids rotting posts. And in his case, avoids digging deep frost walls in.

Why I’m Sharing This With You

Whether you’re putting up a chicken barn, a hay shed, or a machine shop, the foundation decision is the most expensive mistake you’ll ever make—if you get it wrong. It’s why we talk through soil, load, and climate before we pour anything.

If you want your next build to stand the test of time (and frost), give me a call. We’ll figure out the smartest, longest-lasting foundation for your exact situation—no “one-size-fits-all” nonsense.

Tim’s barn will be 375 feet long by 80 feet wide. I told him to send pictures when it’s done. If you’ve got a project coming up—even half that size—let’s talk now so you’re not making foundation changes in year 10.