When homeowners compare foundation repair bids, they often notice wide price differences. One of the biggest reasons for this is the type of pier system being installed.
The truth is, not all piers are created equal. The type of pier you choose today will determine whether your foundation repair lasts a lifetime—or if you’re facing the same problem again in just a few years.
Here’s what you need to know about the three main pier types: load-centric (push) piers, offset piers, and helical piers.
Load-Centric (Push/Resistance) Piers
A load-centric pier is installed directly beneath or right at the weight-bearing portion of your foundation. It drives the load straight down into stable soil or bedrock.
Why they matter:
- Engineered to carry heavy structural loads
- Field load-tested during installation to verify capacity
- Can achieve capacities of 50 tons or more per pier in certain systems
- Designed as a permanent solution, not a short-term fix
In regions of the Ozarks, such as Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas, where soils are clay-heavy and bedrock is common, load-centric piers are often the most reliable long-term option.
Offset Piers
Offset piers are installed away from the actual footing or at an angle, so the structure’s weight isn’t transferred straight down. Many large national contractors use these because they’re cheaper and faster to install.
The trade-offs:
- Lower upfront cost
- More stress on soils and foundation over time
- Higher likelihood of settlement returning in 5–10 years
Offset piers may look like a bargain in the short run, but homeowners often end up paying for the same repair again when they fail.
Helical Piers
Helical piers look like giant screws. They’re twisted into the ground until they reach a torque resistance that indicates load capacity.
Where they work best:
- Sandy, loamy, or soft soils where bedrock is very deep
- Lighter structures like porches, decks, or small additions
- Coastal or southern regions with softer soils
Where they struggle:
- In dense clays or rocky soils, helicals often can’t develop full resistance
- For full homes in these conditions, they may not provide enough long-term stability
In the Ozarks, where clay soils dominate, helicals are not typically the best choice for supporting an entire home.
A Quick Comparison
| Pier Type | Best For | Lifespan | Cost | Risks |
| Load-Centric (Push) | Heavy homes in varied soils | Permanent (if installed correctly) | Higher upfront | Needs stable strata for depth |
| Offset | Quick, cheap installs | 5–10 years | Lower upfront | Shifting load, repeat settlement |
| Helical | Sandy/soft soils, lighter structures | Varies by soil | Moderate | Underperforms in clay/rocky regions |
Questions to Ask Any Contractor
Before signing a contract, ask:
- What type of pier system will you install?
- How much load does each pier carry?
- Will the system be field load-tested?
- How does this pier type perform in my region’s soil?
- What’s your warranty if settlement comes back?
The Bottom Line
Load-centric piers are the most dependable for long-term stability, especially for full homes.
Offset piers are cheaper upfront but are far more likely to fail, meaning you’ll pay twice.
Helical piers have their place, but mainly in sandy or loamy soils—not in heavy clays like those found in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas.
If you’re comparing foundation repair quotes, make sure you’re comparing pier systems, not just prices. Your home—and your wallet—deserves a solution built to last.
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Still Have Questions About Piers?
At Smouse Bros. Foundation Repair & Waterproofing, we only install load-centric piers because they’re engineered for long-term stability in our region’s soils. If you’ve been quoted a cheaper system and want to understand the difference, we’ll walk you through the details so you can make the best choice for your home.
📞 Contact Smouse Bros today to schedule a consultation or get answers to your pier questions.