There are a range of materials that piles can be made from in order to provide stability to a structure, and a construction team will select the most appropriate depending on the particular needs of a project. Although it may not seem like the strongest material, wooden piles are a popular route for many foundational projects as they are able to provide benefits that concrete and steel cannot. Read on as we go over some of the different pros and cons of using wooden piles…
Pro: Timber piles are cheap and affordable to manufacture
Many projects lean towards wooden piling because of the economical benefits. After all, timber is widely available and is therefore much cheaper than alternative materials like concrete and steel, which often come with a hefty price tag. As such, foundations made from timber piles tend to be a lot cheaper to construct.
Con: Wooden piling has a very low load bearing capacity
On the other hand, there is a limitation on the type of projects that wooden piles are deemed suitable for because the material has a significantly lower weight bearing capacity in comparison. As such, foundations that utilise timber piling are predominantly piers or small bridges made for pedestrians.
Pro: There is no need for heavy machinery or experienced labourers
Wooden piles are not only cheap to manufacture, but they are also a lot lighter and easier to transport. This means that there is no need for bulky machinery, like the pile drivers that are utilised in traditional steel piling, or experienced workmen because the piles should slot into the soil with ease. With this said, care is still required in order to prevent timber piles from breaking as they are driven into the ground.
Con: Wood is susceptible to damage from insects and salt water
Timber is a popular material used in the piling foundations of many water-based projects as these foundations do not typically rely on a high weight-bearing capacity. With this said, everybody knows that wood is vulnerable to damage from insect invasions and this can weaken a foundation over time. As such, wooden foundations often require a lot more maintenance.
Here at Rhino Piling, we conduct a full on-site evaluation prior to the commencement of every piling project as we recognise the importance of having a thorough understanding of the soil. Wooden piles are often made specifically from timber and can be a suitable option for foundations that do not need to withstand a huge weight capacity. To find out our stance on wooden piles, get in contact with the best piling Manchester has to offer today.
