How Much Do Helical Piers Cost In 2024?

Average Cost of Helical Piers
Average Cost	$2,375
Highest Cost	$3,000
Lowest Cost	$1,750

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A helical pier can cost from $15 to $30 per foot and are typically 20 feet long, which pushes the cost to $300 to $600 per pier alone. Installation costs, however, drive helical piers prices between $2,000 and $3,000. Most homes require between five and 10 piers, depending on the square footage. Installing five can cost around $15,000 installed, and 10 can cost around $30,000.

Helical piers typically get used to repair foundations. They are steel poles driven into the ground to extend below the frost line. The piers resemble screws because they have helices—the circular fin that extends out on the pier. The piers get hydraulically driven into the ground and anchored to a footing with a bracket to support and stabilize a structure.

Helical pier installation varies based on the application. Adding them under an existing structure requires excavation of the area. Once excavated, the helical piers get driven into the ground hydraulically. A pressure gauge helps determine the depth the piers need to reach.

The number of piers needed for a project will vary and the piers can get cut to necessary lengths. The piers get attached to the structure with brackets. Some will need interior installation. Once the piers get secured, jacking can begin. Finally, when the structure has reached the desired height, the installation crew will restore the site.

Some installers say they can install up to 40 helical piers in one day with a single machine, so most homes will only need a day or less for installation. The number of piers that can get installed in one day depends on the condition of the soil and material needs. Some installers will use multiple machines at a site which can speed things up. Other installations will need an augured hole to place concrete caps, and that can slow installation down.

Helical piers typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for parts and materials. Costs can fluctuate based on additional needs, like concrete. As mentioned, piers can cost $15 to $30 per foot, but the length and size of the piers can impact the cost. Those with brackets will increase the cost while those piers with beam caps can cost less.

Labor to install helical piers can cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per pier. They vary based on soil conditions, ease of access to the foundation, weight of the structure, size of the crew and the amount getting installed. Larger piles can require bigger equipment to create the necessary torque to install the piles.

Several things can affect the price of helical piers because of the nature of the project. Frost depths vary in geographic regions, as does soil quality. Frost depth and soil quality help determine the depth needed for the piers.

The size of the structure and the project will impact costs because bigger, heavier structures can need more piers and unique designs can mean unique solutions to support the structure. In addition to the size, accessing the foundation affects the cost because some projects can require more work or the need to install piers on the interior of a structure.
Obtaining the proper permits and any engineering needed for the project will add to the cost of the project.

Access

Where the excavation has to take place can significantly impact the cost of the project. Things like a deck, patio or other outdoor features might need to be taken down to install helical piers. A contractor will inspect the situation when they prepare a quote and will include any additional costs associated with dissembling any of those items.

Type of Project

Structures come in various shapes and sizes, both of which will impact the cost of helical pier installation. Larger projects can need more piers, which will drive the cost of the project up. A home’s design can also influence the cost of the project because a unique design can present special considerations.

Geographic Location

The location of the structure makes a difference because soil varies across regions. Softer or sandy soil can mean piers have to get driven farther into the ground and contractors charge extra for deeper depths. Areas with a high water table will also need deeper depths and areas at different altitudes require additional consideration.

Installation Depth

Soil composition and water table levels decide the needed depth for helical piers. Areas with consistent soil composition can use standard depths, which makes installation easier and likely less expensive. Spots that need piles driven deeper will incur additional costs. The need for extra depth can cost $25 to $35 per foot.

Extent of Damage

How much your home has shifted or settled can determine the cost of the repair. More extensive damage will cost more to repair. Structures that need more repairs will likely need more helical piers installed to stabilize the structure.

Number of Piers Needed

As each pier costs around $3,000 installed, the price will rise with each additional pier. A contractor will include the estimated number needed in their quote so there are are few surprises. The depth those piers need to reach will impact the price, but the depth isn’t always clear until after contractors begin installation.

Soil Condition

Soil conditions, more specifically, soil compaction can impact helical pier installation costs. Helical piers don’t work well in rocky soil. If they can be installed, expect higher costs due to tougher circumstances. Sandy soil and soil with uniform compaction can make helical installation easier and cheaper.

Landscaping

If you have any landscaping, like shrubs or plants, near the foundation area, it can add cost to your pier installation project. Those items need removal and replacement. Depending on how much shrubbery you have and whether it’s salvageable, you maay spend thousands of additional dollars.

	Helical Piers	Steel Piers	Concrete Piers	Straight Shaft End-Bearing Piers
Average Installation Cost Per Pier	$2,375	$1,500	$1,000	$2,000
Average Total Installation Cost	$17,800	$13,500	$5,000	$20,000
Types of Soil to Install In	Sandy, dirt, clay	Rocky, clay	Most since concrete piers don’t need much depth	Unstable soil

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Helical Piers vs. Concrete Piers

Concrete piers mostly appear in smaller projects, like decks or patios. When installed in poor soil conditions, they need steel cage reinforcing to provide appropriate support. Concrete piers are affordable and often get used in pier and beam foundation constructions. Concrete piers installed on homes with crawl spaces can face exposure to weather events.

Helical piers can have a load capacity rating of 500 tons or more, but they won’t degrade over time if exposed to weather. Helical piers have more cost than concrete piers but can last around 150 years. Helical piers can repair foundation issues quickly and without much interruption to a structure. The drilling process can take as little as 10 minutes to complete.

Helical Piers vs. Steel Piers

Steel piers have the advantage of working in rocky soil while helical piers can’t. Steel push piers often get installed in areas where bedrock resides close to the surface. Steel push piers can have a length of up to 200 feet. Both pier systems appear in rocky soil, but steel piers have to extend down to bedrock to work properly. Steel piers have a slightly lower cost than helical piers.

Helical piers require little maintenance. It’s important to keep an eye on your foundation and if you feel it settling or think it’s no longer level, get it inspected. Repairing helical piers can mean excavation to repair the issue but since they’re made of steel, there is rarely any repairs needed.

Helical piers have several pros and few cons outside of the price. Installers can prefer helical piers because of their versatility, easy installation and load capacity. They also provide a permanent repair to a sagging foundation.

Helical Pier Pros

• Quick to install: Drilling can take as little as 10 minutes.
• Long-lasting: Helical piers have an estimated lifespan of up to 150 years.
• Permanent fix: Since helical piers have a long lifespan, they’re considered a permanent fix and a fix that requires little to no maintenance.

Helical Pier Cons

• Expensive: Helical piers have a higher cost than concrete piers and steel piers.
• Trouble in rocky soil: Helical piers resemble a screw, and trying to install them in rocky soil is like trying to get a screw to go into a rock. It doesn’t work well.
• Need excavation: Like other foundations, helical piers need some excavation to be installed. You may have to remove some structures like decks and patios or landscaping to do so

Unless you’re a structural engineer who knows how to operate a drilling rig, installing helical piers is best left to a pro. Some installers offer a course so you can become certified to install helical piers, but it’s still not a project for someone with little or no DIY experience. The installation is going to have to meet local building codes and you want assurance that it’s done right so you don’t have to possibly re-do it. A professional can provide that assurance.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.