What’s the difference, and why does it matter?
Two sheds. Two footing types. One big decision.
In New Zealand, most sheds are built on one of two footing systems: timber poles concreted directly into deep holes (like Alpine uses), or steel portals bolted onto square concrete footings. Both work. Both hold a shed up. But how they’re installed, and what it costs to get them in, can vary significantly.
Here’s what often catches people out: The cheaper upfront cost of a rolled steel kitset. While a rolled steel shed kit might look cheaper upfront, the footing work can cost significantly more: More labour. More concrete. More time.
In this article, we’ll break down the real differences between Alpine shed footings and rolled steel shed footings to help you make an informed decision on your next project.
Quick Links:
- What Are Shed Footings?
- Pole Shed vs Steel Shed Footings: Key Differences, Pros and Cons
- Why Shed Footings Matter
What Are Shed Footings?
Shed footings are the foundation on which your shed is built, and what keeps your shed firmly anchored to the ground. They stop it from moving, help it handle wind and seismic loads, and ensure it’s built to last.
In New Zealand, there are two main types of shed footings: Pole shed footings and rolled steel shed footings.
Pole Shed Footings:
With the Alpine system, 1.5m deep holes are augered, the poles are then lifted in and braced in place, and concrete is then poured around them.
Because this method doesn’t require steel reinforcing cages, it’s both faster and more cost-effective to complete. The poles themselves form part of the shed’s structure, meaning the footing and frame are installed in one step, speeding up the entire build process.
Rolled Steel Shed Footings:
These typically involve digging large square holes, inserting large steel reinforcing cages, then pouring concrete, and setting in hold-down bolts. These foundations often require perimeter thickenings around the slab, which means more boxing and more concrete is required. It’s a slower, more involved process, and this can add significant cost to the project.
Structurally, both systems are sound. But when it comes to cost, steel footings can easily add thousands to your project - not because they’re better, but because they require more concrete and are more time-consuming to install.
Pole Shed vs Steel Shed Footings: Key Differences, Pros and Cons
The footing type for your shed is determined by the structure you choose. Alpine sheds are built using timber poles, so the footing design is simple. The poles are simply concreted into an augered hole, about 1.5m deep. On the other hand, rolled steel sheds must be bolted to engineered concrete pads. You can’t swap one for the other.
Here’s how they compare in terms of construction, cost, and site work:
Alpine Pole Footings
How it works: H5-treated timber poles are set into augered holes and concreted in place. These poles are part of the shed’s main frame.
Pros:
- Faster and simpler to install
- Minimal excavation
- Lower labour and machinery costs
- Often it only takes one day to auger the holes and concrete the poles in for a shed. (Depending on the shed size).
- No complex and costly reinforcing cages are required.
Cons:
- If you have very soft ground, the pole footing may not be your best option, as it can be difficult to auger the holes to the required depth.
- Pole footings don't work very well for urban projects, as there are often underground pipes and wires that can be struck.
Rolled Steel Footings
How it works: Steel sheds are built on reinforced concrete pads. These pads include complex steel reinforcing designs, hold-down bolts, and perimeter slab thickenings. The frame is bolted down once the concrete has cured and hardened.
Pros:
- Can work well in areas where there is soft ground, as it spreads the weight of the building over a larger footprint.
- Often used in large-scale commercial buildings.
- Can work well for residential/urban projects to avoid pipes and wires.
Cons:
- Higher concrete volume: Each steel portal must sit on its own reinforced concrete pad, which is much larger than a standard pole hole. The entire floor slab also requires perimeter thickening (extra concrete poured along the slab edges). This increases the total volume of concrete needed.
- Labour-intensive setup: Steel sheds need precise timber formwork built around each footing area. Once that’s done, hold-down bolts must be positioned accurately using templates so they align with the steel frame. This adds extra hours on site and often requires more experienced labour.
- Complex reinforcing cages: Beneath each steel portal, a reinforced concrete pad is built with a steel cage made from rebar (reinforcing steel). These cages must be measured, cut, tied together, and placed correctly to meet engineering specs. It’s time-consuming and adds both material and labour costs, especially when compared to a standard pole footing.
Both options are strong, durable, and compliant. But if you're building on rural land and want to keep things simple, Alpine’s pole footings are usually the faster and more cost-effective choice.
Why Shed Footings Matter
When people compare shed prices, the focus is often on the kitset. But that alone isn't the real cost of your shed project.
Alpine’s pole footing system is fast to install, uses less concrete, and keeps labour costs down. It’s designed to suit rural builds where efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity matter. Rolled steel footings, on the other hand, are more complex. They use more concrete, incorporate costly reinforcing cages and take longer to construct. That extra work can add thousands to your project.
Both systems are strong and reliable. The key is understanding how each one affects your build costs, so you can plan for the full picture, not just the shed kitset price.
Ready to take the next step? Talk to our team today about designing a shed that fits your site, your budget, and is built to last for generations.
