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What Are Screw Piles and How Do They Work?
- Frank Leigh
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
When it comes to building foundations, many people immediately think of concrete. But there’s an increasingly popular alternative making waves across the UK construction and self-build sectors: screw piles.
At ABC Anchors, we specialise in designing and manufacturing screw piles that are quick to install, incredibly strong, and ideal for a wide range of ground conditions. But what exactly are they, and how do they work?
What Is a Screw Pile?
A screw pile, sometimes called a helical pile, is a steel shaft with one or more helical plates welded to the bottom. Think of it as a giant screw that’s twisted into the ground to support structures – without the need for digging, pouring, or waiting for concrete to cure.
Once installed, the pile acts as a deep foundation, transferring loads from the structure above down into stable ground layers below.
How Do Screw Piles Work?
Screw piles are installed by rotating them into the ground using torque heads – either mounted to machines or handheld. As the helical plates cut into the soil, the pile gains vertical and lateral load capacity, making it stable and secure even in challenging ground conditions.
Installation torque, which directly correlates with the pile’s load-bearing capacity can be monitored. This means you know exactly how strong the pile is as it is installed – providing peace of mind.
What Are the Benefits of Screw Piles?
✅ No excavation or spoil removal
✅ Quick installation – often in a single day
✅ No curing time – ready to build on immediately
✅ Environmentally friendly – less disturbance to ground and roots
✅ Removable and reusable
Whether you're building a log cabin, home extension, modular building, or even working in root protection areas or on a slope, screw piles offer a modern, flexible foundation solution.
Why Choose ABC Anchors?
All our screw piles are manufactured in Wiltshire and engineered for long life – with galvanisation to protect against corrosion. We offer a range of sizes and load capacities to suit any project, and our modular base system means you can build quickly without compromise.
If you're interested in an alternative to concrete that’s faster, cleaner, and more sustainable, screw piles might be exactly what your project needs.
🔩 Want to know more? Contact us for advice, pricing, or to book a demo. We also offer screw piling training and equipment hire to support your installation.
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