Do you have a garden DIY project? We might be bale to help.  UKhelix supply high quality DIY screw piles for structures like sheds, garden houses, man caves, decking and fencing. Maybe screw piles could be the answer for you, but where should you start?

In this article, we lay out a simple 5 step plan for your DIY success:

 

Step 1 Establish the load of your structure

The weight and use of your structure will have a big influence on the type of foundations you will require.

If you are buying a shed or a garden house from a company they should be able to let you know how heavy the structure is. If the shed or garden house is a bespoke design the engineer should let you know the weight.

The use of the structure of course will also influence the load. For example a shed with a few tools in it has a lot less load than a home gym with a weight rack and a running machine.

When using screw piles the lateral load may also be worth considering, this is the load placed on the structure by the wind.

Once all these factors have been taken into account. Move to step two.

 

Step 2 Learn what soil you are working with

If you have decided to use screw piles for your DIY project the type of soil will dictate the size and length of screw piles you’ll need.

Chalk for example, generally is stiffer than clay so a shorter pile may work. Sandy or loose ground may need a longer pile.

If your project is a DIY job for a shed, often we suggest you purchase a single screw pile and an install kit to test the ground before making a full order.

If it is a larger project it is best you make a soil investigation.

 

Step 3 Speak to a pile company

UKHelix pride’s itself on it’s friendly and approachable customer service and in supplying you with the highest quality DIY screw piles on offer in the UK today.

Once you have outlined your project to us we can inform you of the next best action to take, whether that be sending you a test pile or referring the project to our pile design consultant for your bigger projects. Our goal is to help you get your project done.

Form the clients perspective it is very reassuring that UKHelix has dozens of case studies of clients just like you who have successfully installed screw piles by themselves with excellent results.

We have the support to guide you through the process and are also here on the end of the phone or via email to inform you or our factories best practises.

 

Step 4 Install your piles

Once you have your screw piles it is time to install them.

Typically, you will have established that the site is clear of any service cables by checking building plans and by using a CAT scanner and a Genny.

With regards to the install you can do this one of three ways:

1. By hand
2. By a hand held machine
3. Using and excavator with a driver head unit

Many DIY srew pile installs are executed by hand, particularly for smaller structures. The hand held machine is suitable for bigger piles and structures and the use of an excavator and driver head unit again is typically for bigger job or jobs with many piles. 

 

Step 4 Build your base

If you are building a shed or garden house it is typical to use a timber base. The type of timbers used will have been established in the planning phase. Alternatively,  Some garden houses may use SIPS panels that sit directly on the piles.

You can attach timbers to the piles using a wide variety of brackets supplied by UKHelix. We typically have a bracket to suit your every need.

 

Step 5 Build your structure

Once the base is down, it’s time to put up the structure.

It is common, with the correct planning, that this can happen on the same day that the piles are installed, especially if the build team is familiar with pile installation.

Time will also have been saved if you’ve used piles in place of concrete footings because you won’t need to wait for concrete to set, to wait for the right weather conditions or to remove excess top soil from the excavation.

Good luck with your project!

You can a free quote for UKHelix today contact us