Wood Foundation

Q: I’m thinking of buying a fairly new “used’ house with an all-wood foundation. There is no concrete at all. Is this okay? Will it last?

A: Yes, pressure-treated wood foundations are a viable option and recognized by building code authorities in every place that I know of in Canada. The system typically uses plywood and studs that are impregnated with a higher concentration of preservatives than you’ll find in regular outdoor lumber. I'm not entirely convinced that a wood foundation is the way to go, but that's probably just my own prejudice at work. I’ve seen several build over the last 15 years, and they seem to be doing just fine. The main thing to consider -- and this applies to any foundation -- is how dry it is. Ask lots of questions to make sure you’re not buying a wet basement headache. Despite some implied claims, I don’t believe that conventional preserved wood foundations are inherently drier or more comfortable than masonry.