Push piers vs helical piers cost (2026)
A typical 6 to 10 push pier underpinning job runs about $9,500 in 2026. The same number of helical piers runs about $13,000 to $16,000. Push piers are cheaper, but helical piers are the only option in saturated or weak soils.
Steel push piers
- ✓Lower cost per pier (about $1,500 to $2,500 installed)
- ✓Driven to load-bearing strata using the home's own weight
- ✓Lifetime transferable warranty from most franchises
- –Need heavy enough structure to drive against
- –Can drift in saturated or weak soils
- –Slower install in expansive clay
Helical piers
- ✓Work in saturated soils where push piers can't
- ✓Calibrated torque proves bearing capacity at install
- ✓Used for new construction and additions, not just repairs
- –Higher per-pier cost ($1,800 to $3,000 installed)
- –Often need full-perimeter coverage rather than spot repair
- –Equipment access requirements can constrain tight sites
Side by side
| Push piers | Helical piers | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost | $9,500 | $22,800 |
| Cost per pier | $1,500 to $2,500 | $1,800 to $3,000 |
| Install method | Hydraulic push against structure | Torqued in like a screw |
| Works in saturated soil | Limited | Yes |
| Used for new construction | No | Yes |
Pick Push piers if
Your engineer's report shows localized settlement, soils are firm enough below the active layer, and the home weight is sufficient to drive piers.
Pick Helical piers if
Your soils are saturated, the home is a light frame, or the report calls for proven bearing capacity (often required by code for additions or major remodels).
Still deciding? Get quotes for both
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Request comparison quotesFrequently asked questions
Which is better, push piers or helical piers?+
Neither is universally better. Push piers are the default for typical settlement on standard soils. Helical piers are the default for weak or saturated soils and for any project where bearing capacity has to be proven at install.
How long does pier installation take?+
A 6 to 10 push pier job runs 2 to 5 days. Helical piers on a similar count run 3 to 6 days. Tunneling under a slab-on-grade home adds 2 to 4 days regardless of pier type.
Are pier warranties actually transferable?+
The major franchises (Foundation Supportworks, Ram Jack, Olshan) issue lifetime transferable warranties. Verify the warranty assigns to the home, not to the original owner, before closing on a repaired house.