Helical Piers vs Push Piers: Which Is Right for Your Foundation?

When a foundation is settling and piering is the recommended solution, contractors typically offer two main options: helical piers or push piers (also called resistance piers or steel push piers). Both can stabilize and sometimes lift a settling foundation, but they work on different principles and have meaningfully different appropriate use cases.

How Push Piers Work

A push pier is a steel pipe section driven into the ground under hydraulic pressure. The driving force is the weight of the structure itself — the hydraulic ram pushes the pier sections down until the soil resistance equals the structure’s load, or until bedrock is reached. Multiple sections are added until the required depth.

Once all piers are installed, they’re locked off and in some cases the structure can be lifted to original elevation.

Advantages:

• Generally less expensive per pier than helical
• Installation is faster
• Works in most soil conditions, including dense clay

Disadvantages:

• Requires adequate structure weight to drive the piers — lightweight structures may not provide enough load
• Can’t be tested before installation (you don’t know the final depth until they’re driven)
• Less reliable in loose or very soft soils (may not find stable bearing depth reliably)

How Helical Piers Work

Helical piers have spiral steel blades (helices) welded to a central shaft. A hydraulic motor rotates the pier into the ground, like a screw into wood, until the helices reach load-bearing soil. The installation torque is monitored continuously, and a consistent torque reading indicates the pier has reached its design capacity.

Because helical piers are screwed in rather than driven, they can be installed in virtually any access situation and don’t require the structure’s weight to advance the pier.

Advantages:

• Can be installed under very light structures (decks, porches, additions)
• Torque monitoring provides real-time confirmation of bearing capacity
• Can be installed at angles for tight access situations
• Less vibration during installation (better for unstable structures)
• Can be used for new construction (installed before the structure is built)

Disadvantages:

• Generally more expensive per pier
• Helices can encounter obstructions (old concrete, dense cobbles) that interrupt installation
• Installation is slower than push piers in some conditions

Which Is Right for Your Situation?

Choose push piers when:

• The settling area has significant structure weight (main house, not a lightweight addition)
• Soil conditions are relatively uniform (no large boulders or debris layers)
• Budget is a consideration (push piers typically cost 15-30% less per pier)
• Depth to bearing soil is well established in the area from nearby projects

Choose helical piers when:

• The affected area has limited load (deck, porch, garage, addition)
• You’re dealing with new construction and need to pre-support before building
• Soil conditions are variable or have loose zones that push piers may not penetrate reliably
• Access is tight (interior locations, narrow equipment clearances)
• You want real-time torque confirmation of bearing depth

Either can work when:

• Full settlement of the main house structure is the issue and soil is reasonably consistent
• In this case, your contractor’s preference, pricing, and experience should guide the choice

What Both Systems Have in Common

Both helical and push pier systems:

• Are installed from the exterior around the foundation perimeter in most cases
• Require hydraulic equipment to operate
• Are bracketed to the foundation footing to transfer load
• Can potentially lift the structure once installed, depending on the severity of settlement
• Come with manufacturer warranties on materials and contractor warranties on installation

Cost Comparison

On a per-pier basis:

• Push piers: $800-$1,800 per pier installed
• Helical piers: $1,200-$2,500 per pier installed

A typical residential foundation stabilization project uses 8-20 piers. The total cost difference between the systems on a full project can be $3,000-$8,000. For most homeowners, the right system is the one that’s technically appropriate — overspending on helical where push piers would perform equally well wastes money. Under-spending on push piers for a lightweight structure creates an installation that may not achieve design load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix helical and push piers on the same project? Yes, though it’s unusual. Some situations — like a main house with an attached lightweight addition that’s settled differently — might call for push piers under the heavier section and helical piers under the lighter addition.

How long do steel piers last? Steel piers are typically galvanized or powder-coated and installed well below the active frost and oxidation zone. Properly installed piers have a service life of 50+ years. Most pier manufacturers back their products with 25-50 year material warranties.

Will my foundation actually lift back to original level? Sometimes, but it depends on how long the settlement has been occurring and how the structure has adapted. Contractors can often lift a settled foundation partially, but attempting a full return to original elevation risks cracking the structure that has already moved. Most responsible contractors target “stabilization” rather than “lifting to original position.”

How do I know which type my contractor is recommending and why? Ask directly: “Why are you recommending helical vs. push piers for my specific situation?” The answer should reference soil conditions, structural load, and site access — not just preference or pricing.

Find licensed foundation repair contractors in your area who can evaluate your specific settlement pattern and recommend the appropriate pier system.

For more information, see our foundation repair cost guide, signs of foundation problems, and how to choose a foundation contractor.