Type of screw pile. Which one should I choose?

The type of screw pile is one of the parameters that sellers and craftsmen of screw foundations receive the most questions about. Those planning to install a terrace or another structure on screw foundations often ask, “Which type of screw pile should I choose?”

As we started working with the installation of screw foundations, and with this innovation in the construction field gaining popularity, we created an informational video that you will find at the end of the article. But first, let’s review the types of screw piles and their applications.

Type U Screw Pile

The U type is the most commonly used screw pile type. The U shape at the top of the pile provides a clear understanding of how to use it—by placing the structure into the profile gap, it’s very easy to create a strong joint.
If you can’t screw the U type piles into a straight line and the structure is thinner, you can adjust the direction during installation by screwing the structure to one or the other “ear” of the pile with two wood screws.

It’s easy to attach a frame to a U type screw pile in two ways:
To one U profile plate, tightening with 2 screws. This method is more suitable for cases with harder wood and when a protective strip is used for the wood. By attaching the frame this way to softwood, it may not withstand the load over time.
The classic method is to use a long screw, tightening through both profile plates.

Cons of the U type pile—limited width of the mounted structure. Of course, you can adjust the direction during installation if the U type piles are not screwed in a straight line and the structure is thinner. It’s also important to precisely adjust their height when screwing them in, as this cannot be adjusted later.

Type F Screw Pile

Screw pile type with a round, flat top. The pile has a 12 mm hole at the top for a long screw.
Before installing the structure, you can adjust the height with the help of a long screw, washer, and nut.

Cons of the F type screw pile—you need to screw it into a precise, straight line. This can be more challenging for those less experienced in construction, but for this reason, the F type piles allow you to adjust the height with the help of a long screw, washer, and nut before installing the structure.

Type M Screw Pile

The M type pile is recognized by the hexagonal top plate. Compared to the U and F types, it is much bulkier and thicker from the base up. For this reason, M type screw foundations are used where there are larger, heavier structures.

M type screw piles have a 12 mm diameter hole for a long screw. As with the F type pile, once screwed into the ground before installing the structure, you can adjust the height with the help of a washer and nut. Taip pat prie M tipo sraigtinio polio konstrukciją galima montuoti kampu, naudojant šonines angas šešiakampėje plokštelėje.
M pro type screw foundations are designed with a thicker wall, making them significantly more durable.

Con—without special tools, you can’t screw these piles in.

Still have questions about choosing screw piles? Contact us.