Screw Piling (Helical Piles)

Engineered screw pile foundations for residential and commercial projects, providing a controlled, low-impact solution across London and the South East.
No obligation. Early-stage advice available.
Stacked metal helical ground screws with wide flat circular plates under clear blue sky.

Screw Piling

Screw piling is a versatile and efficient foundation solution that provides reliable support where traditional concrete foundations may not be suitable. Also known as helical piles, screw piles are installed quickly, minimise disruption and are ideal for both residential and commercial projects.

At Capital Piling, we supply and install screw piling systems across London and the South East. Our team works closely with clients, engineers and contractors to deliver a dependable foundation solution tailored to your project requirements.

Construction site showing wooden formwork with steel rebar grid laid in preparation for pouring a concrete slab foundation beside a residential building.

Fast Installation

Minimal Ground Disturbance

Immediate Load Bearing

Typical Applications for Screw Piles:

Screw piling is used across a wide range of foundation projects where a precise, engineered solution is required. It provides dependable load-bearing support for both temporary and permanent structures.

Residential extensions and new-build homes

Commercial and mixed-use developments

Basement and underpinning projects

Modular and prefabricated buildings

Projects near existing structures requiring controlled installation

Is Screw Piling Right for Your Project?

Screw piling is often specified where traditional foundations are not suitable due to access restrictions, Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or third party wall constraints. Because installation involves minimal excavation and significantly reduced vibration, it is well suited to projects close to neighbouring properties or within protected root zones.

The process also produces very little spoil, making it a more environmentally considerate foundation option. Suitability will depend on ground conditions and structural requirements. Our team can review your project details and advise whether screw piling is the most appropriate solution.
Mini Pile Foundations

What Is Screw Piling?

Screw piling uses steel piles with one or more helical plates welded to a central shaft. These are rotated into the ground using hydraulic equipment, advancing through soil layers until they reach the required depth and load-bearing capacity.

The helical plates transfer load into competent soils, making them suitable for a wide range of ground conditions. Because installation does not require excavation or concrete pouring, screw piles can be installed quickly, with minimal spoil and reduced site disturbance.

As the piles are loaded immediately once installed, follow-on trades can continue without delay

Construction worker operating an orange mini excavator in a backyard with brick walls and metal posts installed in the ground.
We install structural screw piles in 60mm, 76mm and 89mm shaft diameters, commonly specified for residential developments, new build properties and light commercial structures.

These pile sizes are suitable for engineered foundation solutions where controlled installation and verified load capacity are required.
Installation Equipment

Depending on site access and structural requirements, piles are installed using:

Handheld hydraulic drive units for restricted or internal access locations

Excavator-mounted hydraulic torque heads for higher load capacities and deeper installations

We coordinate with structural engineers and Building Control where required to ensure compliance and approval.
Illustration showing a tree supported by four large metal screw piles anchored into the ground beneath a concrete slab foundation.
Screw piling is commonly specified for extension and infill projects across London where planning constraints, neighbouring properties and protected areas influence foundation design.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) - Provides a low-impact foundation solution within protected root zones where excavation must be carefully controlled

Party Wall Situations - Offers a controlled, low-vibration installation method suited to projects close to adjoining properties

Environmental Considerations - Reduces excavation and concrete usage compared to traditional trench foundations

Why Engineers Specify Them - Allows load capacity to be verified during installation, providing confidence in constrained urban ground conditions.


This makes Screw Piling a Reliable Choice for many London piling projects, it offers a straight forward solution where traditional foundations are simply not suitable.

Do you need assistance?

Speak to one of our engineers today and get the advice you need to take the next step in your project.
Speak to a Piling Specialist

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Screw piling image
Screw Piling

Why Choose Screw Piling?

Screw piling offers a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional foundation methods. Its controlled installation process and adaptable design make it suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial projects.

Screw Piling offers several practical and technical advantages:

Engineered and Verified Installation

Minimal Disruption

Immediate Structural Support

Adaptable to Project Requirements

Suitable for Protected and Sensitive Areas

How Screw Piling Is Installed

Site Review & Design Input

Ground information and structural load requirements are reviewed to confirm the appropriate pile specification, diameter and installation criteria.

Positioning & Setup

Specialist hydraulic equipment is positioned over the pile location, ensuring accurate alignment in accordance with the foundation layout.

Mechanical Installation

The pile is rotated into the ground using calibrated machinery. Installation torque is continuously monitored to verify that the required load capacity is achieved.

Final Depth & Connection

Once the design depth and resistance are met, the pile head is prepared and fitted with the appropriate bracket or connection detail, ready for immediate construction to commence.

View our recent projects

We have delivered mini piling solutions on a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects, adapting pile design and installation methods to suit site-specific requirements.

View Recent Projects
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Useful Information for Screw Piling

Helpful information to support your project, whether you’re a developer, contractor or homeowner. Here you’ll find guidance, technical details and practical considerations to help you understand how screw piles are specified, installed and integrated into your foundation design.

Construction worker in high-visibility jacket and white hard hat handling soil near an auger drill on muddy ground.

What Are Screw Piles?

Explore our full technical resource library, including detailed guidance, specifications and project support information.
Read More
Construction worker in high-visibility jacket and white hard hat handling soil near an auger drill on muddy ground.

When Screw Piling Is Used

Explore our full technical resource library, including detailed guidance, specifications and project support information.
Read More
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Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

Explore our full technical resource library, including detailed guidance, specifications and project support information.
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Let’s Talk About Your Project

Whether you’re ready to proceed or still exploring options, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.

Are you ready to proceed, or looking for pricing?
Request a free, no-obligation quote, and our team will review your project details and advise on the most suitable next steps.
Are you still exploring, or need advice first?
Speak to a technical specialist to confirm whether piling is required and which solution is right for your site.

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Drawings and site details can be shared now or later.

Why contact us

No obligation — just clear, honest advice

Reviewed by an experienced piling specialist

Suitable for domestic and commercial projects

No obligation. Your enquiry will be reviewed by an experienced piling specialist.