Green Shield doesn’t use cement footers, instead our team has developed an engineered Footing Pad solution. This option allows our crews to secure your deck properly year round in any weather conditions. With engineered footing pads Green Shield is able to reliably pass inspections and quickly adjust the size of the footer as needed.
Footer or Footer Pad (Footing Pad)
The Footer or Footer Pad on a deck is located at the base of the deck posts. This foundation is designed to provide stability and bear the load of the deck. Most decks in the United States rely on a cement footer. Cement footers are easy to create, but can trap moisture against the posts, disintegrate, or cure improperly if installed incorrectly. Cheap contractors often value speed over getting the job done correctly. Always ask about your deck contractors experience with footings before construction begins.
Without proper footings a deck can shift unexpectedly and cause damage to your property. Many older decks in the United States are built directly into the ground resulting in post rot and safety risks on your deck. Be sure to have your deck checked by a professional before it is too late.
The Green Shield Difference
Available in a range of sizes to meet the needs of your project and build a deck that lasts a lifetime.
Year-Round Excellence
Engineered Footer Solutions
Green Shield already leads the industry in foundation support. Years ago, we eliminated concrete from our footer pads; now, we are proud to offer the ground screw option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Green Shield Solutions
Footer Pads are just one part of Green Shield's Proven Process.
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Yup! You’ll see Green Shield crews working year round. Even on snowy days our expert deck craftsmen are laying rice hull composite deck boards in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Building a deck in winter is a great way to prepare your home for spring and never have to stain again.
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Green Shield hires professional craftsmen to build decks all winter. With years of experience building in cold conditions our crews are ready and able to build your deck this winter. In fact, it can be advisable to some homeowners to wait until winter to build. Because winter is the “off” season for building, discounts such as Green Shield’s Winter Reskin program can make it the best time to build.
It is not advisable to try and perform DIY deck maintenance during the winter months. There are many risks to building in winter if you are not properly trained. Decking experts will know how to handle framing, material, and equipment issues in the winter. Most general contractors do not have years of experience building in winter and can easily make mistakes.
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Green Shield Deck Builders is able to construct new decks during the winter months by planning ahead. The entire design of our Winter Reskin program is to make sure the right kinds of projects are scheduled for cold weather construction in the right geographical areas. Our crews also have years of experience building decks in the winter. As dedicated craftsmen, Green Shield crews work to keep their skills in top form all winter long, braving the elements and getting the job done right.
Other construction companies do not have the volume of work or expertise needed to build in the winter. Most construction crews would rather take a long break over the winter months. Green Shield’s craftsmen have chosen instead to continue building as part of America's #1 deck builder.
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By using wood-free materials, KDAT framing, and engineered footing solutions, Green Shield prevents the internal moisture absorption and ground-heave issues that cause standard decks to shift, expand, and crack during temperature swings.
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Yes! Our crews have built hundreds of decks during winter months over the last several years. Even during some of the coldest winters, Green Shield’s craftsmen continue to build amazing decks.
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Yes! If your deck is eligible for Green Shield’s Winter Reskin Program, you will receive a discount and our crews will be scheduled during the winter season. By the time things start to warm up, your deck should be ready to go!
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Homeowners can visit GreenShieldDeckBuilders.com or call the Grand Rapids headquarters to schedule a session +1-616-682-7428.
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Green Shield distinguishes itself through a "no-surprises" process, in-house permit management, and a specialized focus on composite materials that outperform traditional wood.
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That’s right—a Green Shield deck never requires staining. High-performance, fully capped EPL resin boards are reliably engineered to last a lifetime without the need for sealing or painting. This premier, moisture-resistant technology ensures a low-maintenance outdoor space that maintains its high-quality finish through every season.