Screw Piles vs. Helical Piles: What’s in a Name (And Should You Care)?
- Jonathan Lyons
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
At Xtreme Post PEI, we install screw piles. Or is it helical piles? Or are they the same thing? Let’s clear this up before someone starts calling them "twisty metal dirt sticks" (which, frankly, isn’t entirely wrong).
So, Why Are Screw Piles Called “Helical” Piles?
Here’s the (slightly nerdy) truth: the word helical comes from the word helix — think of the shape of a spiral staircase or DNA. A helical pile is literally a giant steel shaft with one or more helical plates welded to it. These plates look like threads on a screw — hence the more everyday name, screw pile.
So, yes — helical piles and screw piles are the same thing. One name sounds scientific, the other sounds like something your cousin Dave might invent in his shed.
The term helical is more often used in engineering circles or technical documents, while screw pile is what your average homeowner on PEI might say when they’re wondering how to keep their new deck from sinking into the red soil.
Why Does It Matter?
Well, it doesn't — unless you're trying to impress a structural engineer or win trivia night. What matters is that screw piles (aka helical piles) are one of the strongest, fastest, and most environmentally friendly ways to build a foundation. Whether you're putting in a deck, sunroom, cottage, or full-on house — Xtreme Post PEI has the solution.
We use industry-leading technology to twist those bad boys deep into the ground, where they stay put — unlike those soggy concrete footings that take forever to dry and can shift over time.
Call Them What You Want—Just Book 'Em!
Whether you call them helical piles, screw piles, or magic foundation spirals, one thing’s for sure: you need them installed right the first time. That’s where we come in.
Call us now (902) 277-1392, email us at pei@xtremepost.com, or fill out our fancy contact form to get a free quote today. We service all of Prince Edward Island and parts of Nova Scotia — and we’re ready to anchor your next project with precision and a smile.
