Screw Piles vs Bored Piers: Which Foundation Suits Your Melbourne Build?
When planning a new build in Melbourne, or the Mornington Peninsula, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the right footing system. Two of the most reliable and widely used options are screw piles and bored piers.
Both are proven foundation methods used across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. The right choice comes down to site conditions, access, soil type, and overall build requirements.
What’s the Difference Between Screw Piles and Bored Piers?
Bored piers involve drilling a hole into the ground, placing steel reinforcement, and filling it with concrete. This system works well across a wide range of ground conditions and is commonly used in traditional construction methods.
Screw piles, also known as helical piles, are steel shafts that are mechanically installed by rotating them into the ground. They offer a fast, clean alternative and can be used in similar settings to bored piers, particularly where access or weather may be a concern.
Comparing the Two Methods
| Feature | Screw Piles | Bored Piers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Speed | Fast, ready for slab prep immediately | Requires curing before building can continue |
| Machinery Required | Compact, suitable for tight or built-up sites | Larger rigs typically required |
| Spoil Removal | Minimal excavation and waste | Generates more spoil that must be removed |
| Weather Sensitivity | Can be installed in wet conditions | May require dry conditions for concrete work |
| Engineering Options | Customisable design and load-rated install | Long-standing, highly engineered solution |
Both systems are supported by engineers and suited to a wide variety of site types across Victoria. The best option often depends on your soil report, access conditions, and construction timeline.
Why Many Builders Choose Screw Piles
In areas like Clyde North, Hastings, and Frankston, soil conditions such as reactive clay or sandy fill can make ground movement more likely. On the Mornington Peninsula, suburbs like Mount Martha, Red Hill, and Dromana often experience highly reactive clay, while areas closer to the coast such as Rosebud, Rye, and Blairgowrie are known for sandy soils.
In both cases, screw piles provide a reliable footing solution by anchoring into deeper, more stable ground layers. They reduce the risk of movement, settlement, and long-term damage to slabs or structures.
Builders also appreciate the faster turnaround time. With no curing required, slab preparation can begin immediately after pile installation. This helps keep projects on schedule and limits delays caused by wet weather or site access issues.
Built for Local Conditions
At Melbourne Screw Piles, we install Australian-made steel screw piles across Carrum Downs, South East Melbourne, and the Mornington Peninsula. Every pile is load-rated, site-verified, and installed by experienced crews who understand local ground conditions.
We work alongside builders, concreters, and engineers to make sure the installation suits your project’s needs, whether it’s a new home, extension, or commercial build.
Need Advice from a Trusted Piling Contractor in Melbourne?
Melbourne Screw Piles provides professional screw piling services across Carrum Downs, the Mornington Peninsula, and throughout South East Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for fast installation, engineered screw pile footings, or a solution for reactive soil, we deliver strong, compliant foundations for residential and commercial builds across Victoria.
