Helical piles are used to support parts of a structure that are sinking or built on weak soil. They are often installed under porches, slabs, or retaining walls using a machine or handheld tool to screw them into the ground. Deciding how many helical piles are needed depends on the weight of the structure, soil conditions, and the size of each pile.

How Many Helical Piles Do You Need for Your Project?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The number of helical piles you need depends on how large the area is and how much the structure has settled. We measure the length of the porch, slab, or wall and decide how far apart to place each pile for the best support.

In most cases, we space helical piles every 4 to 6 feet from center to center. This means there is 4 to 6 feet of space between each pile along the structure’s base.

Here’s a simple example:

• If your porch is 24 feet wide and you place the piles 6 feet apart, then you must have 5 helical piles.
• If the soil is soft or the concrete has settled more than normal, we space them closer every 4 feet. That may mean six or more piles.

We always check the site first and adjust the spacing as needed. The right spacing ensures your structure stays level and safe for years to come.

Pro Tip: We always measure the site first and adjust based on what we find. Softer soil, more weight, or longer spans may need closer spacing and more piles.

When Are Helical Piles the Best Option?

Helical piles work best when the structure is too light to push other types of piers into the ground. This is common in areas where the soil is soft or the foundation is small. We often use them for:

• Detached porches
• Sinking concrete slabs
• Retaining walls
• Lightweight home additions

We install helical piles using a handheld tool or a small machine. Since they don’t need large equipment, they’re perfect for tight spaces or hard-to-reach places. This makes them a smart option for projects where space is limited or access is difficult.

Need expert help with helical piles? Contact Olson for a free consultation. We’ll visit your property, inspect the structure, check the soil, and give you a custom plan that’s built to last.

How to Calculate the Number of Helical Piles

Figuring out how many helical piles you need is simple when you break it down step by step. With a few easy measurements and some basic math, you can get a close estimate before the job begins.

Helical piles help support areas that are sinking, so it’s important to use the right number. Using too few may not give enough strength. Using too many can raise your cost without improving results. That’s why careful planning matters.

Steps to Estimate Your Needs:

• Measure the full length of the wall, slab, porch, or structure that needs support from end to end.
• Choose the spacing distance based on your soil type and how much the structure weighs. Most helical piles are spaced 4 to 6 feet apart.
• Divide the total length of the structure by the spacing you chose.
• Round up to the next whole number. That number is how many helical piles you will likely need.

Example:

• Let’s say you have a retaining wall that is 25 feet long
• You decide on 5-foot spacing between piles
• 25 ÷ 5 = 5 total helical piles

This means you would need five evenly spaced piles to support that wall properly.

Pro Tip: Soft soil, wide slabs, or heavy structures may need more piles. Place them closer together. A site visit helps confirm the best plan.

Why Proper Spacing Matters

If piles are too far apart, your home can develop serious problems like:

• Cracks in the concrete
• Uneven floors or walls
• More sinking over time

If the piles are too close, you may spend more money than you need without adding extra support. That’s why we take the time to plan each project the right way. We look at your soil, structure, and space to figure out the best pile layout, not just follow a general rule.

Key Takeaway: The right spacing keeps your home stable and helps you avoid costly repairs. Let trained experts choose the right number of piles.

In Summary

To know how many helical piles you need, we look at the size of the area, the spacing between piles, and the soil strength. Most jobs use piles spaced 4 to 6 feet apart. We always measure, inspect, and plan before we install. That way, your structure gets the right support the first time.

Contact Olson for a free consultation. We’ll inspect your sinking porch, slab, or wall and give you the best plan using helical piles that last.