Pier and Beam Foundations: What They Are, How They Work, and When to Use Them

When you hear pier and beam, a type of elevated foundation system that uses vertical supports (piers) and horizontal beams to lift a home off the ground. Also known as raised foundation, it's a practical solution for homes built on slopes, flood zones, or unstable soil. Unlike slab foundations that sit directly on the ground, pier and beam systems create a crawl space underneath, giving you room to access pipes, wiring, and structural elements without tearing up floors.

This system relies on concrete piers, vertical supports driven or poured into the ground to bear the weight of the structure—usually spaced 6 to 8 feet apart—and wood or steel beams, horizontal members that run between piers and support the floor joists. The floor joists then hold up the actual flooring. It’s a setup you’ll often see in older homes, especially in the southern U.S., and in areas where frost heave or soil movement is a concern. Many builders choose it because it’s easier to adjust than a slab when the ground shifts over time.

But pier and beam isn’t perfect. Moisture can get trapped under the house, leading to rot in wooden beams or mold in the crawl space. Termites love the wood, and uneven settling can cause floors to slope or doors to stick. That’s why foundation repair posts on this site focus so much on diagnosing movement, checking for dry rot, and reinforcing weak piers. If you’re buying an older home with this system, you’re not just buying the house—you’re buying the crawl space underneath, and what’s hiding there.

Some people think pier and beam means the house is old-fashioned, but modern versions use pressure-treated lumber, galvanized steel beams, and reinforced concrete piers with proper drainage. It’s still widely used in new construction in places like Texas, Louisiana, and parts of Florida because it handles wet ground better than a slab. The key is maintenance: keep the area dry, inspect the piers yearly, and don’t ignore small cracks or leaning beams. A little attention now saves a lot of money later.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on foundation repair, how to spot serious damage, what causes settlement, and how to fix cracks without making things worse. Whether you’re dealing with a 50-year-old house or planning a new build, understanding how pier and beam works helps you make smarter choices—before the floor starts tilting.