When it comes to deep foundation systems, the terms helical pier and helical pile are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a similar type of foundation solution that uses steel shafts with helical (screw-like) plates to transfer structural loads into competent soil. But depending on who you’re talking to — whether it’s an engineer, a general contractor, or a manufacturer — the language may vary slightly. So what’s the real difference between a helical pier and a helical pile?
What Is a Helical Pier?
A helical pier is a steel foundation element designed to support vertical and lateral loads by anchoring into stable subsurface layers. The pier is screwed into the ground using hydraulic equipment, and the helical plates welded to the shaft help it advance with minimal soil displacement. Once installed, the pier transfers loads from the structure above to deeper, more stable strata.
Helical piers are often used in:
- Residential foundation repairs
- Light commercial applications
- Retrofitting existing structures
- Projects where minimal site disturbance is required
In many residential construction contexts, the term helical pier is preferred. Home foundation contractors and real estate professionals frequently use “pier” to describe deep foundation components meant to stabilize or lift homes.
What Is a Helical Pile?
A helical pile refers to the same core concept: a steel shaft with helical plates that is rotated into the ground to support axial and lateral loads. The term pile, however, is more common in commercial and industrial construction, where foundation systems must often support higher loads, comply with stringent engineering requirements, and integrate into large-scale infrastructure.
Helical piles are widely used in:
- Industrial facility foundations
- Utility and power infrastructure
- Oil, gas, and energy sector foundations
- Bridge abutments and boardwalks
The word pile also tends to appear more frequently in engineering specifications, geotechnical reports, and building codes, particularly in international and U.S. standards that govern deep foundation systems.
Is There a Technical Difference Between Helical Piers and Helical Piles?
From an engineering standpoint, no major technical distinction exists between a helical pier and a helical pile. Both systems rely on the same fundamental mechanics:
- A central shaft (round or square)
- One or more helical bearing plates
- Installation via rotary torque
- Load transfer to competent soil or bedrock
In some cases, manufacturers or suppliers may label specific products as piers or piles based on design parameters, such as shaft diameter or intended use, but these are often branding or marketing decisions rather than formal engineering classifications.
The more important distinctions come down to:
- Project scale
- Load requirements
- Industry language
- Regional terminology
To help clarify, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Helical Pier | Helical Pile |
| Common in residential work | Common in industrial and commercial work |
| Popular term among homeowners and contractors | Preferred in engineering and specification documents |
| Often used for foundation repairs or additions | Often used in new construction or heavy load projects |
| Typically smaller shaft diameters (e.g., 1.5-2.875”) | May include larger diameter for more load-bearing capacity |
| Term more common in the U.S. Southeast and Midwest | Term more common in Northeast, Canada, and internationally |
Regional and Industry Variations in Terminology
Regional language and industry-specific jargon can influence which term is used. For example:
- In the Midwestern United States, foundation repair contractors often use helical pier.
- In Canada and the UK, helical pile is the dominant term across both residential and industrial applications.
- Utility and oil & gas industries typically refer to piles in technical documentation and bids.
These variations don’t signal a performance difference but do emphasize the importance of using shared language when specifying foundation systems.
Elite Helical: Trusted Support No Matter What You Call It
Whether your team prefers to say helical piers or helical piles, Elite Helical delivers the same result: high-performance, precision-installed deep foundations backed by engineering expertise.
We offer:
- Site-specific engineering and load calculations
- Torque monitoring and documentation
- In-house installation crews for quality control
- Custom solutions for challenging soils and access conditions
Want to learn more? Contact us online.
