Footings must be built in conformity with the following specifications: 1.4 Soil pressure according to Table R401.2, column K. 2. A concrete footing shall be at least 9 inches wide and 6 inches thick. 3. Wood pilings shall be driven into moist soil and should be capable of withstanding a load equal to 100 percent of the expected maximum winter loading on the house. The depth of footings depends on several factors such as soil type, amount of moisture present, etc. The required depth is listed in the table below. However, footings do not have to be dug down to this depth; rather, they can be placed in shallow trenches and filled with asphalt or concrete to obtain the required bearing capacity. Table R401.2 - Required Depth of Footings by Type of Foundation Soil Type Bearing Capacity (psi) Required Depth (inches) Dry, well-drained soil 10,000 5 Dry, poorly drained soil 7,500 4 Wet soil 6,250 3 Snow and ice 12,000 4 Concrete slab 20,000 5 It is important to specify the exact type of foundation when ordering materials or hiring contractors.