If you’re planning a building project—whether it’s a deck, sunroom, home addition, or small commercial space—you’ve probably heard about helical piles, also called screw piles. Known for their strength and reliability, these modern foundations are also loved for their speed. But how long does it actually take to install helical piles?
In this post, we’ll walk you through the average installation time, what factors might affect it, and how helical piles compare to concrete footings when it comes to getting your project off the ground—fast.
Table of Contents
- How Helical Piles Are Installed
- Average Installation Time
- What Affects Installation Time?
- Helical Piles vs Concrete Footings
- When Can You Start Building?
- Get a Custom Quote
How Helical Piles Are Installed
Helical piles are installed using specialized hydraulic equipment that rotates a steel shaft into the ground like a giant screw. The helical plates at the base help the pile advance through the soil while anchoring securely into a stable load-bearing layer. This eliminates the need for traditional excavation, formwork, or curing.
Installation begins with a site evaluation to determine the correct depth and torque needed for the load. Once this is established, each pile is driven into place until it meets the required resistance. The tops are then trimmed and fitted with caps or brackets, depending on the structure being built.
This process is fast, precise, and requires minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Most importantly, there’s no downtime for curing—your build can start as soon as the piles are in the ground.
Average Installation Time
One of the biggest benefits of helical piles is speed. For most residential projects, installation takes just a few hours. A small deck or porch using 4–6 piles can often be completed in two to four hours. Mid-sized projects like sunrooms or enclosed porches using 8–12 piles may take half a day to a full day. Larger projects with more extensive load requirements may require one to two days of work.
Unlike concrete footings, there’s no waiting around for concrete to dry or cure. Once the piles are installed, you can begin building the same day. This is a major advantage for homeowners and contractors who are working on tight timelines or looking to avoid weather-related delays.
What Affects Installation Time?
While most helical pile installations are quick, several factors can influence the total time required:
Soil Conditions: Rocky, clay-heavy, or overly soft soil may require deeper installation or more torque, which can slightly extend the process—but ensures long-term stability.
Number of Piles: Larger projects that require more piles will naturally take more time to complete. However, skilled installers can still place 20–30 piles in a single day under normal conditions.
Site Access: Tight or obstructed areas—such as fenced-in yards or sloped lots—may require the use of compact machinery and a slower, more cautious approach.
Load Requirements: Heavier structures may require piles to be installed deeper or at a larger diameter. Some engineered projects also require torque monitoring or load testing, which can add to the timeline but ensures code compliance and safety.
Helical Piles vs Concrete Footings
Traditional concrete footings take more time. The process involves digging holes, setting up forms, pouring concrete, and then waiting several days for it to cure before building can begin. Weather delays—especially in colder months—can stretch this timeline even further.
Helical piles skip all of that. No digging. No mess. No waiting for concrete to set. Just install the piles, verify depth and torque, and you’re ready to build. The time savings alone often make them the preferred choice for builders and homeowners across Ontario.
When Can You Start Building?
With helical piles, you can start building the same day the piles are installed. There’s no cure time, which means no downtime for your crew and no need to reschedule other parts of the job. Whether you’re putting up a deck, framing a sunroom, or starting on a modular build, you can move forward immediately.
This fast turnaround can save you days—or even weeks—compared to traditional methods, especially during the busy building season when every delay counts.
Get a Custom Quote
At Diamond Tech Piles, we specialize in the professional installation of helical piles for residential and light commercial projects across Ontario—including Barrie, Bradford, Newmarket, and surrounding communities. Our experienced team ensures precise, code-compliant foundations tailored to your project requirements.
Every site is unique. That’s why we take the time to assess soil conditions, access limitations, and load requirements before providing a clear, accurate quote and timeline.
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and long-lasting foundation solution, we’re here to help. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team and get a detailed quote for your upcoming project.