Choosing the Right Concrete Footings for Different Soil Types Across Perth Metro Area
When building any outdoor structure—whether it’s a retaining wall, granny flat, garden shed, or patio—laying the right foundation is absolutely crucial. The footings of a structure are responsible for transferring load to the ground, and if they’re not suited to the soil beneath them, structural integrity can quickly be compromised. That’s why choosing the right concrete footings based on local soil conditions is key to successful construction—especially across the varied terrain of the Perth Metro Area.At Sid and Jazz Concrete Landscaping, we bring years of experience delivering tailored concrete landscaping services in Australia, including precise concrete footing installation based on professional soil assessments. In this blog, we’ll explore how to match the right type of concrete footings to the unique soil types across Perth and why this is an essential part of landscaping design and construction.
Why Soil Type Matters in Concrete Footing Design
Soil conditions vary drastically throughout Western Australia. In the Perth Metro Area, soil ranges from sandy coastal soil to reactive clay, and even gravelly layers in elevated locations. These different types of soil behave in unique ways—some expand and contract with moisture changes, while others drain too rapidly or offer poor load-bearing capacity.Choosing the wrong type of concrete footings for a given soil type can lead to:
- Structural movement and cracking
- Uneven settling of buildings
- Long-term safety risks
- Costly repairs down the track
This is why, as part of our Australian landscaping services, we always begin every project with an in-depth site and soil inspection to ensure your concrete landscaping starts on the right foot.
Soil Types Across Perth Metro Area & Recommended Concrete Footings
Sandy Soils (Common in Coastal Perth)
Sandy soils such as Spearwood and Bassendean sands are extremely common along the coast. They drain well but lack structure and compaction strength.
Recommended footings:
- Wider Strip Footings or Slab-on-Ground systems
- Reinforced Concrete Footings with compacted base
- Add moisture retention treatments to prevent washout.
At Sid and Jazz, we ensure footing designs for sandy soils are stable and reinforced for long-term performance, as part of our concrete landscaping service Australia.
Clay Soils (Guildford Clay Basin)
Clay soils are found inland and are often highly reactive. These soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, which can place enormous stress on footings.
Recommended footings:
- Deepened Structural Concrete Footings
- Pier and Beam Footings to reach stable layers
- Stiffened Raft Slabs
We’re often asked about the best concrete footings for clay soil in Perth. Our answer: go deep and reinforce. Our team uses footings designed to withstand seasonal changes, keeping your structures safe and level all year round.
Gravelly or Rocky Soils (Darling Scarp)
While less common in suburban Perth, rocky or gravel-based soils are excellent for building. They are naturally stable but may be difficult to excavate.
Recommended footings:
- Spread Footings or Pad Footings
- Shallow foundations with levelling adjustments.
Thanks to our expertise in landscaping design and construction, we can offer practical solutions for challenging rocky terrain.
Loam and Mixed Soils (Swan River Plains)
Loamy soil is ideal for gardening but must be compacted thoroughly for construction purposes. These soils can contain a mix of silt, sand and clay.
Recommended footings:
- Standard Concrete Pad Footings
Include soil compaction and reinforcement
The Sid and Jazz Difference
What sets Sid and Jazz Concrete Landscaping apart from other Perth Metro Area landscaping companies is our attention to soil compatibility, precision installation, and complete project integration. We don’t just install concrete footings—we consider how they fit into your larger landscaping vision.As part of our concrete landscaping services in Australia, we handle everything from residential concrete footings to full landscaping design and construction, offering:
Site analysis and soil classification
Customised footing design for residential and outdoor structures
Professional concrete pouring and finishing
Integration with artificial grass, paving, slabs, and walls
Fully compliant practices with WA building codes
Common Types of Concrete Footings We Install
- Strip Footings: Long, narrow footings ideal for walls and slab edges
- Pad Footings: Square footings used for isolated posts or columns
- Raft Slabs: Used in clay soils to reduce differential movement
- Concrete Piers: Deep cylindrical footings used to bypass weak upper soils
- Combined Footing Systems: Customised combinations for complex structures.
Whether you need structural concrete footings for a pergola or residential concrete footings for a granny flat, we’ve got you covered.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right concrete footings for your Perth property isn’t just about structural safety—it’s about long-term durability, compliance, and enhancing your overall landscape. Whether you’re working with sandy coastlines or reactive clay inland, Sid and Jazz Concrete Landscaping offers custom footing solutions through expert concrete landscaping services in Australia.
FAQs
How do I know which type of footing I need for my soil?
We conduct a site-specific soil assessment before recommending a footing type. Soil type, structure weight, and local drainage all play a role.
What’s the typical depth for concrete footings in Perth?
It varies, but footings typically range from 300mm to over 900mm deep. In clay areas, deeper footings are required to reach stable soil.
Are permits required for concrete footing installation?
Yes, for most structures. We help navigate local council approvals as part of our Australian landscaping services.
Can concrete footings be integrated with other landscaping features?
Absolutely. We specialise in projects where footings are needed for retaining walls, fences, patios, or outdoor rooms.
How long do concrete footings last?
Properly installed structural concrete footings can last several decades, especially when tailored to local soil conditions.