Choosing between helical piers and concrete piers affects your building’s stability, your budget, and how long construction takes. Both foundation systems support structures, but they work differently and suit different situations.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how each system works, what they cost, where they perform best, and which one solves your specific foundation problem.
What Are Helical Piers and Concrete Piers?
Helical piers are steel shafts with helical plates (like large screws) welded along their length. Installers screw them into the ground using hydraulic machinery until they reach stable soil or bedrock. The helical plates grip the soil, creating a secure foundation.
Concrete piers are cylindrical columns of poured concrete that extend from the structure down to load-bearing soil or rock. Workers dig or drill holes, insert reinforcing steel (rebar), then fill them with concrete. Once cured, these piers become solid support columns.
Both systems transfer structural loads from buildings to stable ground below, but their installation methods and performance characteristics differ significantly.
How Each System Works
Helical Pier Installation Process
- A hydraulic drive head attaches to the pier shaft
- The machine rotates the pier into the ground
- Operators monitor torque readings to measure soil resistance
- Additional shaft sections connect as the pier goes deeper
- Installation stops when reaching the required torque (indicating stable soil)
- A bracket connects the pier to your foundation
Installation typically takes hours, not days. You can load helical piers immediately after installation.
Concrete Pier Installation Process
- Excavate or drill holes to the required depth
- Place cardboard forms (for drilled piers) or build wooden forms
- Insert steel reinforcement cages
- Pour concrete into the holes
- Allow concrete to cure (typically 7-28 days for full strength)
- Backfill around the piers
- Connect piers to the structure
The Concrete Society provides detailed standards for concrete foundation work, ensuring quality and safety in construction.
Cost Comparison: Breaking Down the Numbers
| Factor | Helical Piers | Concrete Piers |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost per pier | £800-£2,500 | £400-£1,200 |
| Labour cost | Lower (faster installation) | Higher (requires skilled concrete work) |
| Equipment | Specialised machinery | Standard excavation equipment |
| Total project cost | £1,500-£4,000 per pier | £800-£2,500 per pier |
| Timeline impact on cost | Minimal site disruption | Extended curing time may increase overall project costs |
Important context: Helical piers cost more per unit, but projects often finish faster with less site disruption. Concrete piers have lower material costs but require more labour, time, and site preparation.
Your actual costs depend on:
- Soil conditions and depth to stable ground
- Load requirements
- Site accessibility
- Local labour rates
- Number of piers needed
- Weather conditions during installation
When to Choose Helical Piers
Helical piers excel in specific situations:
Tight spaces or limited access: The installation equipment is compact. You can install helical piers in basements, crawl spaces, or areas where concrete trucks cannot reach.
Immediate loading requirements: No curing time means you can continue construction right away. This matters for time-sensitive projects.
Poor soil conditions: In loose, sandy, or wet soils, helical piers can be installed to greater depths without soil stabilisation. They work well in areas with high water tables.
Cold weather construction: Temperature doesn’t affect installation. Concrete, conversely, requires special cold-weather procedures and longer curing times below 10°C.
Underpinning existing structures: Helical piers cause minimal vibration and disturbance. You can stabilise foundations beneath occupied buildings without evacuation.
Removable or temporary structures: Unlike concrete, you can remove and reuse helical piers if needed.
Real-World Example
A homeowner in Manchester needed to underpin a Victorian terrace with settlement issues. The basement had only 1.8 metres of headroom, and neighbours remained in their homes during work. Helical piers installed in three days with no vibration, no noise complaints, and immediate stability. Concrete piers would have required extensive excavation and weeks of curing.
When to Choose Concrete Piers
Concrete piers suit different scenarios:
High-load applications: Concrete handles compressive loads exceptionally well. For heavy commercial buildings or multi-storey structures, concrete piers often provide the most cost-effective solution.
Rocky or hard soil conditions: In dense clay or areas with rock near the surface, drilling for concrete piers may be easier and cheaper than screwing in helical piers.
New construction with flexible timelines: When you’re building from scratch and have weeks for curing, concrete piers offer excellent value.
Building code preferences: Some local authorities or structural engineers prefer concrete for specific applications, particularly in seismic zones.
Budget constraints on materials: If your project has tight material budgets but flexible labour and time, concrete piers cost less per unit.
Permanent structures with no removal plans: Concrete creates a truly permanent foundation that will last for decades without maintenance.
Real-World Example
A warehouse construction project in Birmingham required 40 piers to support heavy racking systems. The site was accessible, the timeline allowed eight weeks for foundation work, and loads exceeded 100 tonnes per pier. Concrete piers saved approximately £35,000 compared to helical piers, and the curing time didn’t affect the overall construction schedule.
Comparing Performance Characteristics
Load Capacity
Both systems handle substantial loads, but differently:
Helical piers: Capacity depends on soil conditions and helical plate configuration. Typical residential piers handle 10-35 tonnes. Commercial-grade helical piers can support 50-90 tonnes.
Concrete piers: Capacity depends on diameter and concrete strength. A 300mm diameter pier can easily support 50-100 tonnes. Larger diameter piers handle several hundred tonnes.
For most residential applications, both systems provide adequate capacity.
Soil Suitability
Helical piers perform better in:
- Loose or sandy soils
- Areas with high water tables
- Fill material or disturbed soils
- Locations requiring deep foundation support
Concrete piers perform better in:
- Dense clay
- Areas with shallow bedrock
- Stable, undisturbed soils
- Sites where soil conditions are well-documented
Neither system works well in highly expansive clays without additional design considerations.
Longevity and Maintenance
Helical piers: Galvanised steel resists corrosion in most soil conditions. Expect 75-100+ years of service life in normal soils. In highly corrosive soils (high salt content, low pH), epoxy coating or additional protection may be needed. No maintenance required once installed.
Concrete piers: Properly designed concrete piers last 100+ years. Concrete is not affected by soil corrosion but can deteriorate in aggressive soil chemistry or if reinforcing steel corrodes. No maintenance required.
Both systems are essentially permanent when properly installed.
Installation Speed and Site Disruption
| Aspect | Helical Piers | Concrete Piers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation time per pier | 1-3 hours | 2-6 hours (plus curing) |
| Curing time | None | 7-28 days |
| Noise level | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Vibration | Minimal | Low to moderate |
| Soil spoils | Minimal | Significant excavation |
| Weather sensitivity | Low | High (temperature affects concrete) |
Helical piers reduce project timelines substantially, which can offset their higher material costs through reduced site overhead and faster project completion.
Environmental and Practical Considerations
Environmental Impact
Helical piers:
- Minimal soil disturbance
- No concrete waste or curing chemicals
- Removable and reusable
- Steel is recyclable
- Smaller carbon footprint per pier in many scenarios
Concrete piers:
- Concrete production has significant CO2 emissions
- Excavation disturbs soil and habitat
- Permanent installation (cannot be removed)
- Concrete itself can be crushed and recycled
- Larger carbon footprint per pier in most scenarios
According to research from the Institution of Structural Engineers, foundation selection significantly impacts a project’s overall environmental footprint.
Site Conditions That Complicate Each Option
Helical piers struggle with:
- Large boulders or cobbles in the soil (can deflect the pier)
- Very dense hardpan or cemented soils (excessive torque required)
- Extremely deep installations (cost increases with depth)
Concrete piers struggle with:
- High water tables (requires dewatering)
- Very loose soils (hole walls collapse during drilling)
- Contaminated soil (concrete disposal becomes expensive)
- Freezing weather (requires heated enclosures and special concrete mixes)
Design and Engineering Requirements
Both systems require professional engineering design. You cannot simply choose a pier type and start installing.
What Engineers Consider
For helical piers:
- Soil boring data to determine helical plate configuration
- Required torque calculations
- Pier spacing and layout
- Connection details to existing structure
- Load transfer mechanisms
For concrete piers:
- Soil bearing capacity
- Pier diameter and depth
- Concrete strength requirements
- Reinforcing steel specifications
- Form design for drilled shafts
Never skip the engineering. Improperly designed foundations cause settlement, structural damage, and expensive repairs.
Testing and Verification
Helical piers: Torque readings during installation provide real-time load capacity verification. Engineers can also perform load tests on individual piers.
Concrete piers: Quality control includes concrete strength testing (cylinder breaks), reinforcement inspection, and sometimes sonic or core testing after installation.
Both methods provide reliable verification when properly executed.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
The cheapest option today may not be the cheapest option long-term. Consider total project cost including timeline, site disruption, and opportunity costs.
Solution: Get detailed quotes that include all costs (engineering, permits, materials, labour, equipment, site restoration). Compare total project costs, not just per-pier prices.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Soil Conditions
Soil type dramatically affects which system works best and costs least.
Solution: Invest in proper soil testing before deciding. A geotechnical report costs £800-£2,500 but saves thousands in avoided problems.
Mistake 3: Skipping Engineering
DIY foundation work or hiring unqualified installers creates liability and structural risks.
Solution: Hire a chartered structural engineer to design your foundation system. Ensure installers are certified and experienced.
Mistake 4: Not Considering Timeline
Foundation work delays cascade through entire projects.
Solution: Factor curing time, weather delays, and site access into your decision. Sometimes paying more for helical piers saves money by reducing overall project duration.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Future Plans
If you might expand, modify, or demolish the structure, removable foundations offer flexibility.
Solution: Discuss long-term plans with your engineer. Helical piers provide options that concrete doesn’t.
Making Your Decision: A Practical Framework
Answer these questions to guide your choice:
1. What are your load requirements?
- Light to moderate loads (under 35 tonnes): Either system works
- Heavy loads (over 50 tonnes): Concrete often more economical
2. What are your soil conditions?
- Loose, sandy, or wet soils: Helical piers
- Dense clay or shallow bedrock: Concrete piers
- Unknown: Get soil testing done first
3. What is your timeline?
- Need immediate loading: Helical piers
- Flexible schedule: Concrete piers may save money
4. What is your site access?
- Limited access or tight spaces: Helical piers
- Open site with good access: Either system works
5. What is your budget structure?
- Higher material budget, lower labour budget: Helical piers
- Lower material budget, higher labour budget: Concrete piers
- Need lowest total project cost: Get quotes for both
6. What are your environmental priorities?
- Minimise carbon footprint: Helical piers typically better
- No strong preference: Both systems are acceptable
7. Is this permanent or potentially temporary?
- Permanent: Either system works
- Might need removal: Helical piers only option
Working with Contractors and Getting Quotes
Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
For helical pier installers:
- Are you certified by a helical pier manufacturer?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Can you provide references for similar projects?
- What torque monitoring equipment do you use?
- Do you provide load capacity calculations?
For concrete pier contractors:
- What is your experience with drilled piers?
- How do you handle groundwater issues?
- What quality control measures do you use?
- Can you provide concrete mix designs and strength certifications?
- What is your typical curing time before loading?
Red Flags
Avoid contractors who:
- Cannot provide insurance and certifications
- Offer prices significantly below market rates
- Pressure you to decide immediately
- Dismiss the need for engineering
- Cannot explain their installation process
- Refuse to provide written warranties
Getting Accurate Quotes
Request quotes that specify:
- Number and specifications of piers
- Total installed cost including all labour
- Engineering fees
- Permit costs
- Timeline with specific milestones
- Warranty terms
- Payment schedule
Compare at least three quotes from qualified contractors before deciding.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Helical Piers | Concrete Piers | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation speed | 1-3 hours per pier | 2-6 hours plus curing | Helical |
| Material cost | £800-£2,500 | £400-£1,200 | Concrete |
| Immediate loading | Yes | No (requires curing) | Helical |
| Maximum load capacity | 10-90 tonnes typical | 50-200+ tonnes typical | Concrete |
| Small spaces | Excellent | Poor to moderate | Helical |
| Weather sensitivity | Low | High | Helical |
| Removability | Can be removed | Permanent | Helical |
| Environmental impact | Lower | Higher | Helical |
| Longevity | 75-100+ years | 100+ years | Tie |
| Soil versatility | Excellent | Good | Helical |
Conclusion
Neither helical piers nor concrete piers is universally better. The right choice depends on your specific project requirements.
Choose helical piers when you need fast installation, have limited site access, work in poor soil conditions, or require immediate loading. They cost more per unit but reduce project timelines and site disruption.
Choose concrete piers when you need maximum load capacity, have good site access, work with stable soils, and have flexible timelines. They offer lower material costs and proven performance for heavy structures.
Always start with proper soil testing and professional engineering. The money you spend on design prevents expensive foundation failures later.
Get multiple quotes from qualified contractors. Compare total project costs, not just per-pier prices. Consider your timeline, site conditions, and long-term plans.
Both systems provide reliable, long-lasting foundation support when properly designed and installed. Your decision should balance technical requirements, budget constraints, and project-specific factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can helical piers be used for new home construction?
Yes, helical piers work excellently for new homes, particularly in areas with poor soil conditions or high water tables. Many builders now use them for new construction because they eliminate concrete curing delays. Building codes accept helical piers when properly engineered. They are particularly popular for modular and manufactured homes where fast installation matters. The key is working with a qualified engineer who can design the system for your specific loads and soil conditions.
How deep do concrete piers need to go?
Depth depends entirely on soil conditions and where stable bearing soil or bedrock exists. Residential concrete piers typically range from 2 to 6 metres deep. In areas with expansive clays or poor surface soils, piers may extend 8 to 12 metres or more. A geotechnical investigation determines the required depth for your specific site. Never guess at pier depth without proper soil testing. Insufficient depth leads to settlement and structural damage.
Will helical piers rust and fail over time?
Quality helical piers are hot-dip galvanised or epoxy-coated to resist corrosion. In normal soil conditions, properly protected steel lasts 75 to 100+ years without degradation. In highly corrosive soils (high salt content, very low pH, or industrial contamination), additional protection may be needed. Your engineer should evaluate soil chemistry and specify appropriate corrosion protection. Reputable manufacturers warranty their piers for decades. Steel corrosion becomes a concern only in extreme soil conditions or when using unprotected steel.
Can I install either system myself to save money?
No. Foundation work requires specialised equipment, engineering knowledge, and professional certification. Helical piers need hydraulic installation equipment and torque monitoring systems. Concrete piers require proper excavation, reinforcement placement, and concrete handling. Both need structural engineering design and building permits. DIY foundation work risks structural failure, personal injury, and legal liability. It also voids warranties and creates problems selling your property. Always hire qualified professionals for foundation work.
Which system works better in clay soil?
It depends on the clay type. In stable, dense clay with good bearing capacity, concrete piers often work well and cost less. In expansive clays that swell and shrink with moisture changes, helical piers typically perform better because they can be installed deeper to reach stable soil below the active zone. Highly plastic clays can make drilling difficult for concrete piers. Your geotechnical engineer should evaluate your specific clay conditions and recommend the most suitable system. Clay soil requires particularly careful engineering regardless of pier type.