Piles or piers? How to choose the right foundation
Whether you’re working on a luxury home or a multi-unit development, the right foundation system depends on your site, soil, and project requirements.
For most projects, the choice comes down to screw piles or bored piers. While screw piles are gaining popularity for their speed and versatility, concrete piers remain a trusted option in specific conditions.
Let’s explore the strengths of each method and their role in modern construction.
What are screw piles?
Screw piles, also known as helical piles, are steel shafts with helical blades that are screwed into the ground.
The unique design allows them to anchor securely, even in unstable or reactive soil.
Why builders choose screw piles
- Fast installation: Often completed in hours, with no curing delays.
- Minimal disruption: No excavation or spoil removal needed.
- Versatility: Perform well in wet, reactive, or challenging soils.
- Eco-friendly: Reduce waste and site impact.
- Ideal for tight access: Perfect for urban or constrained sites.
Did you know? The helix plates on screw piles compress soil as they twist, creating a strong grip and evenly distributing load. This design makes them a great choice for tough soil conditions, including sand.
What are bored piers?
Bored piers, also called concrete piers, involve drilling a hole, inserting steel reinforcement, and pouring concrete to form the foundation. This traditional method has been a mainstay in construction for decades and remains a reliable choice for specific applications.
Why builders use concrete piers
Concrete piers have been a trusted choice for generations, particularly for builders working on stable soil and familiar techniques. Their strengths include:
- Proven reliability: A long-standing option for traditional foundations.
- Heavy-duty capacity: Handle significant loads for large-scale or high-rise projects.
- Familiarity: Builders often stick to what they know, especially when soil conditions are stable.
While concrete piers remain a reliable option, they can face challenges in poor soil conditions, wet weather, or where spoil removal adds complexity and cost. This is where screw really piles shine.
Screw piles vs. bored piers: A practical comparison
| Feature | Screw piles | Bored piers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation speed | Fast, often completed in hours | Slower, with curing and weather delays |
| Weather sensitivity | Performs in all conditions | Prone to delays from rain or waterlogging |
| Site impact | Minimal; no spoil removal needed | Excavation creates spoil to remove |
| Soil suitability | Effective in almost all soil types | Best for stable, sandy soils |
| Cost | Often lower due to reduced delays | Higher, especially with spoil removal |
Pro tip: Screw piles are becoming the preferred choice for tricky sites, wet conditions, or time-sensitive projects. However, concrete piers still have a place in projects with stable soils and familiar workflows.
Case study: Rescuing collapsed bored piers
Every winter, we help builders dealing with collapsed bored piers caused by wet or unstable soils.
These unplanned failures result in:
- Project delays: Waiting for updated engineering and rework.
- Increased costs: Additional expenses for spoil removal, new plans, and lost time.
- Urgent solutions: Builders scrambling to keep the project on track.
Screw piles often solve these issues quickly and efficiently. Builders value our ability to:
- Respond quickly: We prioritize urgent projects, often stepping in within a week.
- Adapt to conditions: Screw piles eliminate excavation, working reliably in poor soil.
- Minimise disruption: Our approach ensures projects return to schedule without further delays.
The role of concrete
Concrete remains essential to construction and plays a key role in many projects, from traditional foundations to the creation of strong, precise slabs. While screw piles are increasingly used for their speed and adaptability, concrete still provides:
- Strength and durability: Perfect for large-scale builds and high-load applications.
- Familiarity and dependability: A trusted method for stable soils and conventional workflows.
- Finishing excellence: Concrete slabs create the precise, level surfaces every project depends on.
Even as screw piles become more popular, concrete will continue to be a critical part of foundation systems. Builders, engineers, and concreters alike work together to ensure every site gets the right solution.
A future built on screw piles
The versatility and efficiency of screw piles make them the foundation of choice for many modern builders. As environmental and economic pressures grow, these systems are proving to be:
- Sustainable: Minimal site disruption and reduced spoil make screw piles an eco-friendly choice.
- Time-saving: Fast installation means fewer delays, even on challenging sites.
- Future-proof: With advancements in materials and technology, screw piles are setting new standards for durability and precision.
While concrete piers remain part of the equation, screw piles are poised to take on a larger role in the future of construction.
FAQs about screw piles and bored piers
1. Are screw piles better than bored piers?
Screw piles excel in wet, reactive, or loose soils, while bored piers are effective in stable conditions or for large-scale projects. The best choice depends on your site.
2. How do screw piles handle wet weather?
Screw piles perform exceptionally well in wet conditions, as they don’t require trenches or curing. They’re a reliable option for waterlogged or reactive soils.
3. Can screw piles and concrete be used together?
Yes! Many projects combine screw piles for the base and concrete slabs for the surface, creating a fast, stable, and reliable foundation.
Wrapping it up: The right foundation for your build
Screw piles are shaping the future of construction, offering unmatched speed, adaptability, and sustainability. While concrete piers remain a trusted choice for specific conditions, screw piles are rapidly becoming the preferred solution for modern foundation challenges.
The key is choosing the right tool for the job. By understanding the strengths of both systems, builders can ensure every project starts with a rock-solid foundation.
Need help with your foundations? Contact us today.