Understanding Screw Piles: A Complete Guide

Looking for a modern foundation solution that doesn’t involve concrete, mess, or lengthy installation times? 

Screw pile foundations, also known as ground screws or helical piles, could be the answer. 

These innovative foundation systems have become increasingly popular among builders, developers, and DIY enthusiasts alike. 

They’re suitable for everything from garden rooms and fencing to commercial projects, offering a blend of practical benefits and environmental advantages that traditional concrete foundations can’t always match.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes ground screws such an effective foundation choice, how they work, where you can use them, and the key benefits they offer over traditional foundations.

Defining Screw Piles

Think of a screw pile foundation as a giant corkscrew that’s driven into the ground. 

They’re made from strong, galvanised steel and work similarly to any screw you might use in woodworking, DIY, etc, – except this one creates a foundation anchor point when it’s screwed into the soil. 

Rather than being called a thread like on a screw, the thread or corkscrew element is actually called a “helical plane.” 

They’re impressively long (up to around 2m for ground shorter ground screws, used for home and light commercial use, or much longer for commercial screw piles), allowing them to reach deep into stable ground if required. 

This means they can provide solid foundations even in challenging soil conditions or on sloping sites.

Screw Pile Foundations Parts

A screw pile foundation system has three parts:

• The shaft: The main body of the screw that goes into the ground
• The screw thread (helical plane): The spiral part that helps drive it into the soil and keeps it firmly anchored
• The bracket: The top part that connects your building to the foundation

Each part works together to create a strong, stable base for your project. The screw thread helps drive the foundation into place and keeps it secure, while the bracket on top lets you attach and level whatever you’re building.

How Do Screw Piles Support Your Building?

Simply put, ground piles are screwed into the ground, penetrating deep below the surface, bypassing soft soil top layers to anchor into firm ground below. Each pile transfers the weight of your building safely into the ground. 

The helical plane does more than just anchor the pile – it spreads the load across a wider area of soil, preventing sinking or movement over time.

Your building sits securely on top of these piles using specially designed brackets, creating a stable, elevated foundation that protects it from ground moisture and movement. 

How Screw Piles Compare to Concrete Foundations

Both concrete and ground piles serve the same essential purpose – creating a solid foundation that safely transfers the weight of your building into the ground. 

While concrete does this through a solid mass that spreads the load across a wide area, ground piles work by anchoring deep into stable soil.

This difference in approach means ground piles can be ideal in situations where concrete might struggle. They’re particularly useful when you need:

• Quick installation with no drying time
• Minimal ground disruption
• To work around tree roots or services
• To build on sloping ground
• To avoid bringing heavy machinery on site
• The option to remove or adjust foundations later

With these advantages, it’s easy to see why more builders are choosing ground piles over traditional concrete foundations for their projects.

Where You Can Use Screw Pile Foundations

Screw piles have found their way into all sorts of building projects, from small home improvements to major commercial installations. 

Here are some of their most common uses:

Perfect for Home and Garden

Screw pile foundations are hugely popular for home and garden uses, e.g. laying foundations for sheds, garden rooms, and decking. 

Their quick installation and minimal disruption make them ideal for projects where you want to keep your garden intact. They excel at supporting:

• Garden rooms and home offices
• Timber decking
• Sheds and workshops
• Annexes and extensions
• Greenhouses and polytunnels
• Fencing and pergolas

Commercial Use

Ground piles are a proven choice for commercial projects where speed and site cleanliness are essential. 

Their immediate load-bearing capacity and minimal groundwork mean faster builds and tidier sites. As such, they’re widely used for:

• Portable classrooms and temporary buildings
• Event structures and marquees
• Solar panel installations
• Advertising boards and signage
• Equipment platforms
• Storage facilities
• Raised walkways and roads

Screw Pile Foundations Are Great for Tricky Sites

Screw pile foundations are particularly valuable when you’re dealing with complex sites. 

Because they need minimal groundwork, you can use them on slopes, in tight spaces, or in areas where concrete mixing and pouring would be impractical. They also work well in areas where you need to protect tree roots or avoid underground services.

Whether you’re planning a compact garden project or a large commercial installation, screw pile foundations are well worth considering. 

What Are the Benefits of Screw Pile Foundations?

Switching from traditional concrete foundations to screw piles brings several advantages that save time, money, and hassle. 

Let’s evaluate their benefits and the advantages they lend to typical construction projects:

A Much Faster Way to Build

Time is an essential commodity in construction projects, and waiting for concrete to cure can add days or weeks to build schedules. 

Screw pile foundations eliminate these delays and speed up your whole project:

• No need to dig trenches or wait for concrete to cure
• Most installations take hours rather than days
• You can build on them immediately after installation
• Weather delays become much less of an issue
• One team can complete the entire foundation in a single visit

A Money-Saving Solution

Traditional foundations come with many hidden costs beyond just the materials. 

When you add up all the expenses involved in a foundation project, screw piles often provide substantial savings:

• No need to hire skips or remove waste
• No expensive groundwork or excavation
• Fewer labour costs with quicker installation
• No need for multiple site visits
• Less risk of weather delays adding costs
• Lower machinery and equipment costs

A Cleaner Option for Your Space

Concrete foundations can turn your garden into a building site for weeks, with mess and disruption affecting your whole outdoor space. Screw pile installation is different, offering cleanliness and tidiness for the site:

• No heavy machinery churning up your lawn
• Existing plants and trees can be worked around
• Natural drainage patterns stay intact
• No concrete spillage to clean up
• Easy to remove if needed in future

Better for the Environment

While concrete production accounts for around 8% of global carbon emissions, screw pile foundations offer a more sustainable alternative. Their environmental benefits extend well beyond just carbon reduction:

• No cement production means lower carbon emissions
• Zero waste to landfill
• Natural water drainage preserved
• Can be removed and reused
• Minimal impact on local wildlife
• No chemicals or pollutants involved

Together, these practical and environmental advantages make screw pile foundations a smart choice for modern building projects. 

Whether you’re looking to save time and money, protect your garden, or reduce environmental impact, they offer clear benefits over traditional concrete foundations.

How to Get Started with Screw Pile Foundations

Setting up a ground pile foundation project is straightforward, whether you plan to install them or have them professionally fitted. 

Here’s a guide to the screw pile preparation and installation process:

Working Out What You Need

Before you begin any foundation work, you’ll need to understand your project’s specific requirements, including the number and size of screw piles you’ll need.

You’ll need to consider the size and weight of your planned structure, soil type and ground conditions, slopes or uneven terrain, planning considerations (including building regulations), and budget and timeline.

Choosing Between DIY and Professional Installation

While screw piles are more straightforward to install than concrete foundations, you’ll need to decide whether to tackle the job yourself or bring in the experts. 

The right choice often depends on your experience with similar work, the scale of your project, and whether you have access to the right tools. 

Professional installation can save time and ensure everything is aligned correctly, which can be tricky without prior experience. 

Understanding the Installation Process

Installing screw piles is a relatively straightforward process once you have the right equipment. 

You’ll need a torque head attachment for installation, which can be manual for smaller projects or machine-powered for larger ones. The piles are carefully screwed into the ground at marked points until they reach the required depth and resistance. 

Each pile is then levelled and fitted with the appropriate bracket ready for your structure to be attached.

The whole process usually takes just a few hours from start to finish. Unlike concrete, there’s no waiting around for materials to cure – you can start building on your new foundations right away.

Ready to Get Started with Screw Pile & Ground Screw Foundations?

Ground screws have transformed how people build foundations. Whether you’re planning a garden room, laying decking, installing fencing or working on a commercial build, they offer a faster, cleaner and more eco-friendly solution than concrete.

At the Ground Screw Centre, we have one of the UK’s largest stocks of ground screws, available with next-day delivery and first-class support. Our complete range includes everything you need for your project, from the screws themselves to brackets and installation tools.

Our hot-dip galvanised ground screws come with a 20-year guarantee, and we’re known for our reliable service and technical support throughout your project.

We’ve already helped thousands of installers and DIY enthusiasts get better results from their projects. 

View our range of ground screws here or contact us for more information about starting your project.

Common Questions About Ground Screws & Screw Piles

How Long Do Ground Screws Last?

Made from hot-dip galvanised steel and built for durability, the Ground Screw Centre’s ground screws deliver long-lasting performance. They’re resistant to rust, frost damage, and ground movement and come with a 20-year guarantee. When properly installed, they’ll provide reliable support for decades.

Will They Work in My Soil Type?

Ground screws are remarkably versatile and work well in most soil conditions. They can handle nearly any soil type, from clay and sand to peat and rocky ground. In softer soils, we might recommend longer screws to reach more stable ground – but that’s something our team can advise on for your specific site.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Most domestic projects using ground screws don’t need planning permission. However, if you’re building a structure that would normally require permission – like a large garden room or annex – the type of foundation won’t change those requirements. We always recommend checking your local planning guidelines.

What About Weight-Bearing Capacity?

Ground screws can handle substantial loads when properly installed. The exact capacity depends on the screw size and your ground conditions –  that’s why we help you calculate the right specification for your project. We’ve supplied ground screws for everything from simple decking to multi-story buildings.

Can I Install Them Myself?

Yes – many of our customers successfully install their own ground screws. We offer a complete DIY supply service with all the necessary guidance to help install your own ground screws. We offer trial kits to help you make sure its ground screws are right for your project. If you prefer, we can also recommend professional installers.

What Happens If I Need to Remove Them?

Unlike concrete foundations, ground screws can be easily removed without damaging your garden or leaving waste behind. They can even be reused for another project. This makes them ideal for temporary structures or if you might want to change your garden layout in the future.