wood or concrete piers at bay?

[bayhome]

I am building a home on the Chesapeake Bay and need guidance on pier foundation design. The water table is about 3 feet below grade, but there is plenty of solid sand in the soil. The winds can easily get to 30 mph sustained on any given day, and during hurricane season who knows, maybe 100 mph.

There will be approximately 20 posts under my 34 x 38 two-story house elevated at 9' above grade. What are the pros and cons of say 10" wood posts vs. concrete piers? The cost is substantially different! I am a bit concerned about the "new" pressure treated wood since Jan. 2004 because there is no history on performance as a foundation component.

thanks!

[Rich]

Off the cuff I would say wood would be better. That comment is only based off wood being more flexible than concrete - therefore more able to withstand a large wind. Again - only an assumption.