Helical Piers vs. Push Piers: How They Compare

The basic distinction

Both helical piers and push piers (sometimes called resistance piers) are steel foundation elements installed to transfer a structure's load down to deeper, more stable soil or bedrock. Where they differ is in how they're installed and how the engineer or contractor determines that they've reached sufficient bearing capacity.

How each pier is installed

• Helical piers: a steel shaft with one or more helical plates is mechanically rotated into the soil, similar in principle to a large screw, until it reaches a specified installation torque that correlates with bearing capacity.
• Push piers: steel sections are hydraulically driven straight down into the soil in segments, using the weight of the existing structure as the reaction force needed to push the pier deeper.

Load path and how capacity is verified

• Helical piers develop capacity through the bearing surface of their helical plates and don't rely on the structure's weight during installation, which means capacity can be estimated in real time from installation torque readings.
• Push piers develop capacity primarily through skin friction and end bearing along the driven pier, and because the structure's own weight is used to drive them, capacity is generally confirmed once the pier reaches refusal or a required depth relative to the structure's load.
• Both approaches are typically installed under engineering guidance so that the load transferred matches what the specific structure requires.

When each type tends to suit a project

Helical piers are often favored for lighter structures, additions, or situations where the structure's own weight isn't sufficient or reliable to use as installation resistance — they can also typically be installed with less disturbance and in tighter access conditions.

Push piers are often used on heavier structures where the building's weight is a reliable, sufficient reaction force, and in situations where reaching very deep, more consistent bearing strata is expected to be necessary.

The right choice depends on structure weight, soil conditions found during installation, access constraints, and the specific engineering requirements of the project — it isn't a matter of one type being universally better.

Installation experience and site disturbance

• Helical piers are generally installed with rotational equipment and tend to produce less vibration during installation.
• Push pier installation involves hydraulic driving in stages and can require different staging and access than helical installation, depending on equipment used.
• Both methods generally require excavation around the foundation footing at each pier location, with the extent depending on depth and access.

Interior vs. exterior and access considerations

Either pier type can potentially be installed from inside a crawl space or basement or from outside at the foundation footing, depending on the situation and equipment access. Interior installation can reduce landscaping disturbance but may involve different logistics for equipment and material staging than exterior installation.

Next step

Because the right pier type depends on structural loads, soil conditions, and access at your specific property, this is generally determined during an inspection rather than chosen in advance. From there, an estimate can specify the recommended pier type, approximate quantity, and layout.