As the Greater Toronto Area continues to grow, the demand for high-quality foundations is growing. A reliable base is of utmost importance, especially given the current housing market conditions. Whether you’re building a new deck, underpinning a home, or supporting a commercial structure, helical piles offer a strong foundation and many advantages over concrete.
How much do helical piles cost in Toronto in 2025? What should you expect when requesting a quote?
- Read this article to find out how much you could pay for helical piles in Toronto, no matter the size of the construction project you have in mind. We break down the key factors affecting the price and help you understand what goes into a fair quote.
Screw piles remain relatively unknown, despite offering many advantages for homeowners.
What Are Helical Piles?
Helical piles, also known as screw piles, are just like giant screws! They are long steel shafts with helical plates at the bottom. They are drilled into the ground using specialized machinery, such as an excavator and hydraulic drive head.
Helical piles are perfect to support new construction or stabilize existing structures. They can be dug really deep into the ground, sometimes deeper than 10 feet, in order to reach load-bearing soil below the frost line. This helps the house, garage or other construction to stay stable across all seasons.
This system is especially appreciated for its speed of installation and adaptability to different soil conditions. Here’s a full list of the advantages of screw piles:
- Quick installation (most residential projects are done in only 1 day; there’s no curing time like concrete)
- Minimal or no excavation, which is good for the environment
- Can be installed year-round, even in winter
- Works well in poor soil conditions (such as clay or rocky soil)
- Lasts for 75 to 100 years, with corrosion protection in place
- Removable and reusable in some cases
These benefits have made helical piles increasingly popular in both residential and commercial projects throughout Toronto and everywhere else in Canada.
Wondering if your project is a good candidate for helical piles? They can be used for all types of structures, including decks, additions, garages, fences, and even large commercial buildings.
What Is the Cost of Helical Piles in Toronto?
In 2025, the average price of helical pile installation in Toronto ranges from:
- $300 to $700 per pile for typical residential projects.
- $250 to $500 per pile for commercial projects.
Below is a table of the cost breakdown you can expect.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Total per installed pile | $300–$700 |
|---|---|
| Helical piles (material only) | $100–$250 per pile |
| Installation (labor + machinery) | $150–$350 per pile |
| Engineering or permits (if needed) | $100–$500 |
Prices are always subject to market conditions and can vary depending on demand. In order to lock in a price soon, ask for quotes from local entrepreneurs now.
Key Factors That Affect the Price of Helical Screw Piles
Helical screw piles prices can vary depending on several critical factors.
Soil Conditions
Soil type has a huge impact on cost. Toronto has a mix of clay, sand, and silty soils, and some neighborhoods near the lake have higher water tables or fill materials. The type of soil has a huge impact on the price of helical piles because it changes the number of piles and the length of the shaft needed. All of this also translates into increased labor time and the workers may need to use specialized (more expensive) equipment.
Load Requirements and Project Type
Helical piles that support a house are more expensive than those used for fences or small decks due to higher load requirements. A higher load may require larger diameter shafts or additional piles, increasing the total cost.
Moreover, while a standard pile may go down 10 to 15 feet, some projects require depths of 20+ feet to reach load-bearing soil. You may have to pay for extensions. This increases the material and labor cost.
That’s why the purpose of the piles matters and it’s the first question contractors are going to ask you:
- Decks and porches: Lower cost, $300–$500 per installed pile.
- Home additions or sunrooms: $400–$700 per installed pile.
- Underpinning/foundation repair: Can exceed $800 per pile depending on complexity.
Site Access and Equipment Needs
Urban lots in downtown Toronto can pose access issues for installation machinery. Often, there’s not enough space for standard excavators, for example if your backyard is tight or has limited entry points. Smaller machinery may be required, but it is more expensive. Otherwise, manual methods may be needed but then labor costs might skyrocket.
Permit and Engineering Costs
Depending on the project and specifically where you reside within the GTA, you may be required to get permits or stamped engineering drawings to install helical piles. Usually, you need a permit for structural additions or foundation work. However, for decks and small structures, it depends on size and height. Permits may add a couple hundred dollars to the total cost of the project.
How Many Piles Do You Need to Buy?
The number of piles needed depends on your project, including the load requirements depending on the structure’s size, weight, and layout. Here’s a quick estimate for common projects:
- A small deck of 10 x 10 feet typically requires 4 piles. If these piles cost $300 each (installed), you’ll pay $1,200 for your new deck.
- A terrace of 12 x 16 feet may require 5 to 6 piles.
- Adding a sunroom or another room to your house may require 8 to 12 piles, sometimes more.
- Foundation repairs are harder to assess but you can plan for at least 10 to 30 helical screw piles.
When you request a quote, contractors usually conduct a site visit. This helps them assess the number of screw piles needed. Alternatively, they can use engineering specifications to determine the correct number.
Helical Piles vs. Concrete Foundation: Price Comparison
At first glance, concrete footings may seem cheaper than helical piles. However, when factoring in excavation, forming, curing time, and inspection delays, helical piles often match or beat the price of concrete. And remember, no matter how much they cost, helical piles can be better for projects requiring speed or with difficult soil conditions.
The table below helps you compare helical piles to concrete. Please note that excavation costs are not included.
| Project | Helical Piles | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace 10 x 10 ft | $1,200 + | $2,500 + |
| Garage 12 x 22 ft | $5,000 + | $6,600 + |
| Shed 5 x 5 ft | $650 + | $625 + |
| Home addition | $5,000-$12,000 | $4,900-$10,000 |
What to Look For When Receiving Quotes for Helical Piles?
In 2025, the Toronto market includes both specialized helical pile companies and general contractors offering installation as part of a larger service. When requesting quotes from helical pile contractors in Toronto, make sure the estimate includes:
- Site visit and soil evaluation by an engineer
- Pile specs (model, depth, size, load capacity)
- Detailed scope of work
- Warranty or guarantee
- Contingency pricing for unforeseen soil issues
Prices vary between contractors based on equipment, experience, and business models. You should not accept the first quote you get, whether you think it’s a good price or not. Getting multiple quotes helps you compare fairly. The cheapest bid may not include as much as another quote. Also, it never hurts to check Google reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and ask for references before signing a contract.
Can I Install Helical Piles Myself?
No, you should not install helical piles yourself. Improper installation can lead to structural failure. Instead, look for companies that have a certification, offer in-house engineering, and provide proof of insurance or guarantees.
Helical piles are not a DIY project. Even small decks require precise torque settings and verification of load-bearing capacity!
Find Out About the Best Cost-Saving Tips
If you cannot install them yourself, how can you save money? There’s a few tips you should be aware of:
- Plan in advance: Last-minute projects may cost more due to scheduling constraints.
- Combine work: If your neighbour also needs to install helical piles, try to join forces and hire the same contractor.
- Simplify access: Clear the way for machinery to reduce labor time.
- Avoid peak season (late Spring and Summer): Off-season installs usually offer better pricing.
Helical Screw Piles Are Definitely Worth It! Get Your Quotes Now!
In Toronto, as in other Canadian cities, helical piles may cost more upfront than basic concrete footings. However, their durability, installation speed, and adaptability make them an excellent long-term investment.
- If you are ready to get up to 3 quotes for your specific project, use our short online form and we will connect you with trusted professionals in the Toronto area.
Getting quotes early in the process is important because you will need time to compare services and prices, and choose YOUR contractor that offers peace of mind, a fast timeline, and a high-quality foundation for years to come.
