- Thorneydown Farm, Woodcutts, Salisbury, SP5 5RX
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- 01722672008
At USP, we have introduced a new addition to our foundation range: Mini Screw Piles.
These are not ground screws. They are a smaller version of our proven, engineered screw piles — designed to offer greater performance, strength, and versatility on smaller-scale projects.
As part of our continued investment into better solutions, we have taken our standard 76mm diameter, 6mm thick walled, 2-metre screw pile sections, and developed a scaled-down version. The result is a 50mm diameter tube with a 5mm wall thickness, manufactured with the same attention to strength and structural reliability.
These are currently the only Mini Screw Piles of this type available in the UK, setting a new benchmark for lighter foundation systems without sacrificing quality or load-bearing capacity.
Ground screws have become a popular option in the garden building and leisure markets because they offer fast and simple installation. However, they are limited when it comes to structural strength, durability, and load capacity.
Recognising this gap, we developed our Mini Screw Piles to provide a genuine alternative — a product that combines the easy installation benefits associated with ground screws, but with far superior engineering integrity.
Mini Screw Piles allow designers, contractors, and homeowners to complete lighter structures without compromising foundation performance.
Fewer piles are needed to achieve the same or better results compared to standard ground screws, which reduces material and labour costs, while improving the structural resilience of the finished base.
Despite their smaller size, our Mini Screw Piles are capable of supporting unfactored loads up to 44kN per pile, provided ground conditions are suitable and full geotechnical checks are completed ahead of installation.
This loading capacity is achieved using a configuration of a starter pile combined with three single-helix extension sections, allowing installation to depths of up to 4.8 metres where required.
Mini Screw Piles and ground screws both offer fast, low-impact alternatives to traditional concrete foundations. The key difference lies in their design and intended use. While ground screws are well-suited to lightweight, temporary, or non-structural applications, Mini Screw Piles are engineered for higher loads and permanent installations.
| Feature | Mini Screw Piles | Ground Screws |
|---|---|---|
| Design Purpose | Structural foundations for permanent works | Light-duty bases for garden buildings and similar |
| Material Specification | 50mm diameter, 5mm thick wall steel | Typically thinner-walled steel or alloy |
| Load Capacity | Up to 44kN per pile (unfactored) | Lower capacity, project dependent |
| Typical Use Cases | House extensions, solar frames, signage | Garden offices, decking, fencing |
| Installation Equipment | Installed with torque-controlled drivers | Often installed with handheld or light machinery |
| Soil Compatibility | Wider range, including clay and mixed soils | Best suited to softer, consistent soils |
| Structural Longevity | Long-term permanent use | Often used for semi-permanent or removable setups |
Mini screw piles aren’t just compact — they’re also highly versatile. In many cases, they can be installed entirely by hand using handheld equipment, with no need for large machinery.
This makes them ideal for:
Tight or restricted access areas
Urban or landscaped environments
Low-impact or remote installations
Our 50HTs (50mm Helical Tubes) are a perfect example — lightweight and engineered for stability, they’re designed to be driven in manually with the right torque gear, offering a fast and efficient solution where machinery isn’t practical.
Whether you’re working on decking, small structures, or temporary foundations, hand-held installation offers a cost-effective and mess-free option.
Mini Screw Piles are a flexible foundation solution that can be used across a wide range of sectors.Designed for strength and durability, they are ideal for both small-scale projects and lighter industrial applications where access, ground conditions, or environmental sensitivity are important factors.
Mini Screw Piles provide solid, long-lasting support for home extensions, conservatories, and outbuildings, without the need for traditional concrete foundations.
Perfect for renewable energy projects, Mini Screw Piles can quickly support ground-mounted solar systems, lightweight steel structures, and similar installations.
When building near protected trees, Mini Screw Piles minimise root disturbance and comply with ecological and arboricultural requirements, making them ideal for sensitive sites.
From timber studios to modular holiday cabins, Mini Screw Piles offer a stable base with fast installation and minimal ground impact — even on sites with limited access.
By combining the right product with the right expertise, we help ensure that every foundation we install is built for lasting performance — whether using our full-size piles, Mini Screw Piles, or a combination of both.
If you’re planning a project where access, ground conditions, or structural requirements make foundations a challenge, USP’s Mini Screw Piles provide a smarter, stronger, and more flexible solution.
They are ideal for light to medium structural applications, including house extensions, conservatories, and steel frame buildings. For very heavy structures, our full-size piles may be recommended.
They are suitable for a wide range of soils. However, a ground assessment is always required to confirm suitability and correct installation depth.
Installation is typically very quick. Smaller projects can often be completed in a day, depending on the number of piles and site access.
No. In most cases, Mini Screw Piles eliminate the need for poured concrete foundations, saving time, cost, and reducing site disruption.
Yes. Mini Screw Piles are ideal for use in sensitive ecological areas where traditional excavation would damage tree roots.
The number of piles needed depends on the size and load requirements of your structure. Our team will assess your project and provide full design advice.
Our team of experts will be happy to help you with any questions you may have, and to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for your project.
