Installing a garden shed is often a really quick and easy DIY project. If you’re working on a hard stand, or aren’t overly concerned about longevity, you can sometimes erect a shed with very little groundwork. But if you’re dealing with sandy soil, uneven ground, or a location prone to flooding, it can be a really good idea to consider laying foundations. Likewise, if you’re investing in a higher quality shed or summer house that you intend to use for a prolonged period. Foundations will provide additional stability, and help with loadbearing, and settlement. But while traditional cement-based foundations can require a lot of work, screw piles can present a quick and easy alternative.

Screw Piles for Sheds: What Do You Need to Know?

Are screw piles any good for sheds?

Screw piles are an excellent solution for creating foundations for sheds. Firstly, they can be installed almost anywhere. It’s a good idea to check your soil conditions before you begin, that way you’ll find out what types of screw pile you need.  If you are unsure about your ground conditions, you can always contact the team at UKHelix to discuss the topic further. Additionally, screw piles can require much less work than standard foundations. They’re also removable, and more sustainable than concrete.

How many screw piles would I need for a shed?

In order to work out how many screw piles you will need to support a shed, you first need to know its weight. Luckily, in most instances, your supplier should be able to tell you this. You will also need to take into account the weight of any equipment that will be installed in the shed – a full carpentry bench or pottery wheel will be heavier than your typical gardening implements. So, factor this into your calculations. For most sheds however, you will need to install a screw pile at a distance of every 8 to 10 feet (2.4-3 meters).

How do I know which screw piles to buy?

If you know your soil type and the load of your intended project, your screw pile supplier should be able to help you find the right piles for the job. At UK Helix, we can also advise on the best installation techniques, the tools you’ll need, and any precautions you may need to take.

How should I install screw piles for sheds?

Most sheds only require a small number of screw piles for secure installation. And because the typical UK garden can’t easily accommodate groundworks vehicles without damaging the borders, most screw piles for sheds can be installed by hand. With a screw pile installation kit and two people, you can usually get the job done quickly and easily. If you have a large amount of screw piles to install or you don’t fancy too much physical labour, you may also want to consider an electric “hand held” installation machine which makes installation quicker and easier. You can contact UKHelix to inquire about hiring the electric install machine here.

On the whole, screw piles make a fantastic choice for shed installation. Made from construction grade steel, with integrated rust tolerance, screw piles will outlast most sheds by decades. Some screw piles can last as long as 100 years… But if you don’t want them to stick around that long, they’re as easy to remove as they are to install. They’re better for the environment than concrete. And they require much less work. So, should you use screw piles for your shed foundation? We’d say a resounding, ‘yes!’

If you need advice about selecting the best screw piles for your next DIY project, get in touch with UK Helix. 

Disclaimer –Information in this blog does not in any way constitute building advice or guidance for private or commercial building projects.