Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

General

1.   What is Square Foot®?

Square Foot® is a pre-formed plastic footing form that enables contractors and do-it-yourselfers to excavate, backfill and place concrete in one step.

2.   Why use Square Foot® instead of a conventional lumber footing?

The old saying “Time is Money” is very true. When you use Square Foot® footing forms you can save up to two days of labor resulting in substantial savings. Additionally, you save money on materials. With Square Foot® you have everything you need. With the conventional method you need a shopping list of materials. See Square Foot® vs. Conventional footings.

3.  How many sizes/models of Square Foot® are there?

Square Foot® is offered in 3 models: the SF 22” fits all 8”/10” construction tubes; the SF 28” fits all 8”/10”/12” construction tubes; the SF 32” fits all 12”/14”/16”/18” construction tubes. See Quick Installation Instructions.

4.  What are the benefits of using Square Foot®?

Square Foot® provides significant cost savings in labor, time and materials versus framing in wood and Square Foot® installation is a simple, 3-step process. Square Foot® also creates a structurally stronger footing by increasing stability, increasing capacity, resisting uplift, accommodating rebar and allowing a continuous concrete pour. Square Foot® fits any 8” through 18” construction tube and protects the footing form from intrusion of water, increasing the quality of the footing. See Cost Savings Calculator, See Quick Installation Instructions.

5.  Is there a warranty offered with Square Foot®?

Yes. See Product Warranty.

6.  What is Square Foot® used for?

Square Foot® footing forms can be used in many residential, commercial and industrial projects including: additions, barns, pole barns, basketball net poles, clothes lines, decks, fences, flag poles, gazebos, lights, boat moorings, porches, satellite dishes, storage sheds, signage, sun rooms, swing-sets, volleyball nets, bollards, bus stops, car ports, columns, house protection, supports, lamp posts, lolly columns, sculpture, boat houses, electrical towers, greenhouses, oil/gas pipelines, overhangs, ramps, stone wall supports, water towers and wharfs. See Product Applications.

7.  Why is the Square Foot® form better than a round footing form?

Square Foot®'s square design minimizes the potential of the form moving/lifting during pour, makes leveling for the pier and column easier than a concentric base and enables you to place footing flush against a square surface area/wall which does not leave pockets on either side of the space. Plus, square footings have a much greater bearing capacity than round footings. See Quick Installation Instructions, Facts.

8.  Is Square Foot® safe for the environment?

Yes. All of our Square Foot® models are made of 100% recycled plastic and can be recycled.

9.  How long has Square Foot® been available?

Square Foot®,also known as Tubebase®, came to the market in 2001.

10.  Why is Square Foot® orange?

Square Foot®; footings are orange to help facilitate inspection for code compliance and because orange is such a fun color!

Installation

11.  How do I install the Square Foot®?

Installation of the Square Foot® is just 3 easy steps: 1. Cut off excess plastic to construction tube size at wedges. Saw tube to desired length. 2. Attach construction tube to Square Foot® with a minimum of four, one-inch (2.5cm) screws. 3. Place Square Foot® in excavated hole and backfill. Ensure that tube remains level(plumbed). See Quick Installation Instructions.

12.  How do I determine which size Square Foot® to use?

There are two factors that determine whether to use the SF 22, SF 28 or SF 32. These factors are the size and type of construction which determines the load of the footings will be able carry and the soil bearing capacity of your site. Consult the Building Code Inspector in your area for specifics on pier construction, See Load Tables.

13.  How much concrete will I need with the Square Foot®?

We provide an online calculator for you to determine the amount of concrete necessary for your specific project. See Concrete Calculator and pdf download for concrete use table.

14.  How do I know Square Foot® will fit with the construction tube I'm using?

Square Foot® fits any 8” through 18” construction tube with its unique wedge system.

15.  Is Square Foot® code approved?

Yes, Square Foot® is ICBO Code Approved and meets or exceeds building codes throughout North America. See ICBO Legacy Report

16.  Is the use of rebar or steel reinforcement required with the Square Foot®?

We recommend the use of rebar or steel reinforcement when you install any Square Foot footing model. Use of structural steel should be approved and designed by a qualified engineer. Rebar

17.  Can I dig the hole myself or do I need to hire an excavator?

We advise hiring an excavator for any hole beyond 3 feet deep or in projects where there are more than 3 to 4 columns.

18.  I am thinking of adding a deck and sunroom to my home. How deep should my footing be?

The really quick and easy answer to your questions is to ask your local building inspector. You are going to need to contact them anyway to get your building permits. They will also be able to tell you what depth you need to dig your post hole and footing.

19.  What is the easiest way for me to determine where the frost line is in my geographical area? How deep should I dig the holes below the frost line?

The really quick and easy answer to your questions is to ask your local building inspector. You are going to need to contact them anyway to get your building permits. They will also be able to tell you what depth you need to dig your post hole and footing. See Frost Depths Map

20.  How long does it take to install Square Foot®?

It takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to install Square Foot®; footings. Compare that to the 3 day installation using the old method of installing concrete footings!

21.  Where can I get Square Foot Guide/Product Specifications in CSI format along with CAD Drawings?

See CSI Product Specs, also see Resource Center.

Purchasing Information

22.  How much savings is there when I use Square Foot® footing forms for my project?

You can calculate the approximate savings for your unique project by using our online Cost Savings Calculator.

23.  Where can I buy Square Foot® footing forms?

Square Foot® is available at your local lumberyard, Home Depot or concrete supply store. Call us at 1-802-764-2323 or email us at karenwells@soundfootings.com and we'll help you locate the store closest to you. See Store Locator

24.  Why does Square Foot® cost so much less than the competition?

Our unique patented design allows for less plastic to be utilized due to the strength of our footing form design. There can be up to 30% - 50% unit cost savings.