FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Tools & Materials

A New Approach to Foundations

Discover a concrete-free foundation option that doesn't require any digging.

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      What if you could build a strong, stable foundation without ever lifting a shovel or mixing a batch of concrete? Stop Digging’s ground screws have made this a reality. The oversized steel screws twist directly into the earth, providing serious load-bearing power with minimal site disruption. Watch the video above or keep reading to learn more about these ground screws from Josh Salinger, CEO and founder of Birdsmouth Design Build.

      Here’s the Transcript

      If you’re thinking about an alternative foundation, you are not screwed! I’m here at IBS 2025 at the Stop Digging booth, and these are ground screws. They’re something you can use to support a lot of weight. You basically just show up on site, screw these things into the ground, and then set your foundation on top of that.

      Oftentimes they’re used for decks, so you don’t have to mix concrete, dig the holes, or do all that extra work. Not to mention that concrete has really high embodied carbon; these things are completely recyclable and can be unscrewed in the future.

      You can hook up any connector that you like on the top of these things, and then you can set your deck beam or foundation on it. In fact, there are a lot of off-the-shelf connectors that will connect to this.

      The cool thing about this particular product is the Stop Digging proprietary motor that you can hook up to the screw. Once it’s hooked up, the motor then screws it into the ground. It can even tell you the torque that you need. Your engineer will spec that and give you the torque. Then you can read it off the device.

      You can do this with just one person, which is kind of cool. Essentially you just show up on site, drill a starter hole, and then drive the screw into the ground before setting the machine on top. The machine plugs into a 110V outlet and drives the screw down into the ground. It’s a really cool system and a really interesting way to do some alternative foundations.

      RELATED STORIES

      • The Right Footings for Strong Foundations
      • Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House: Foundation Fundamentals
      • Three Types of Footings to Support Foundation Walls

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Videos in the Series

      • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems

        This device will help ensure you never get surprised by a high water bill again.

      • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump

        This impressive window unit can heat and cool a space, all without condensate.

      • Simple and Discreet Countertop Power

        A new code-compliant, spill-safe outlet from Legrand offers a sleek solution for a kitchen island plug.

      • A New Approach to Foundations

        Discover a concrete-free foundation option that doesn't require any digging.

      • An Impressive Air-to-Water Heat Pump

        See why air-to-water heat pumps might become the new industry standard.

      • Insulation for Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface

        Noncombustible insulation gives homes a stronger chance of surviving a wildfire.

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      About This Video Series

      This year at the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, we checked out tons of incredible booths. These clever accessories, noteworthy upgrades, and innovative products made us stop and take a closer look. Follow along as Ben Bogie, Brian Pontolilo, and Josh Salinger show off some of our favorite finds from IBS 2025. More about this Video Series

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh

      The Titan Impact X 440 offers great coverage with minimal overspray.

      Featured Video

      Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

      No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

      Related Stories

      • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
      • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips
      • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Video

      View All Videos
      • A New Approach to Foundations
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Advice for an Efficient and Affordable New Build
      • Podcast 608: Members-only Aftershow—High-performance Building with Mainstream Methods and Materials
      • Podcast 605: Members-only Aftershow — 3D Printed Houses
      View All

      New Construction

      View All New Construction Articles
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Advice for an Efficient and Affordable New Build
      • Money Matters for Owner-Builders
      • The Pros and Cons of a Panelized House
      View All New Construction Articles

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 332 - July 2025
        • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
        • Fight House Fires Through Design
        • Making the Move to Multifamily
      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work
      • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
        • How a Pro Replaces Columns
        • Passive House 3.0
        • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

      Subscribe

      This is your last free article.

      Don't miss another expert tip or technique from building pros. Start your free trial today.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data