Foundation Pier Types Explained: Push, Helical, Concrete and Drilled
This guide explains the four common foundation pier types used in Oklahoma City (steel push, helical, pressed concrete and drilled piers), how each works and cited cost ranges where published.
Piers support a settled foundation by transferring the home's weight past unstable surface clay to deeper, firmer soil or rock.
Steel Push Piers
Steel pipe sections are hydraulically driven into the ground using the weight of the house as resistance, until they reach a firm bearing layer. They are common for heavier homes and slabs. Published OKC estimates: $1,100–$2,000 per pier[2] or $1,500–$3,000[3].
Helical Piers
Steel shafts with screw-like helix plates are turned into the soil and checked by installation torque. Because they don't rely on the home's weight, they suit lighter structures, porches and new additions. Published OKC estimates: $1,200–$2,100 per pier[2] or $2,000–$4,000[3].
Pressed Concrete Pilings
Precast concrete cylinders are stacked and pressed into the ground beneath the foundation. They are usually cheaper per unit but generally don't reach as deep as steel piers. Published estimate: $350–$650 per pile[2].
Drilled Piers
A hole is drilled beneath or beside the foundation, often with a belled bottom, then filled with reinforced concrete. They are more often designed in by an engineer for new construction or specific conditions. We found no published Oklahoma City cost figure for drilled piers, so get a written quote.
| Type | How installed | Published OKC range |
|---|---|---|
| Steel push | Hydraulically driven | $1,100–$3,000/pier[2][3] |
| Helical | Screwed in | $1,200–$4,000/pier[2][3] |
| Pressed concrete | Pressed segments | $350–$650/pile[2] |
| Drilled | Drilled and poured | No published figure found |
Which type fits depends on the house, the soil and the engineering. See pier installation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between steel push piers and helical piers?
Both carry the home's weight past unstable clay to firmer soil. Push piers are driven using the structure's weight, and helical piers are screwed in. Published OKC estimates are about $1,100–$2,000 per steel push pier and $1,200–$2,100 per helical pier[2].
Which pier type is best?
There is no single best type. Weight of the structure, soil, depth to firm bearing, access and the engineer's or contractor's design decide it. Ask why a specific type is recommended.
How much do drilled piers cost in Oklahoma City?
We didn't find a published Oklahoma City figure for drilled piers. Ask for an itemized written quote.
How does your free quote service work?
OKC Foundation Repair Experts is a free quote and referral service that connects Oklahoma City-area homeowners with local foundation repair companies. You fill out the short form, and a local foundation repair company serving your area contacts you to schedule an inspection and give a written quote. The request is free, and you are never obligated to hire anyone.
Last updated 2026-10-29.
Sources
Figures are third-party published estimates, not quotes. Retrieved 2026-10-29.