Piling construction has been an effective method to offer optimal support for structures. This method is chosen over others if the building site’s surface substrate is weak or the structure to be constructed is quite heavy. A pile and beam foundation depends on sturdy, often cylindrical piles to be driven down to low depths. Wood pilings are traditional options but they remain a great choice for pile and beam foundations these days. Below are the major benefits of wood piles and poles:
Superior Performance
Treated pilings such as wood have a rooted history and proven to be a high-performance material. Despite the introduction of steel and concrete pile construction, wood pile and beam foundations are still a great choice because of a mix of its performance.
Ease and Speed of Installation
For any construction project, the aim is to do the best job possible in the least amount of time. Steel and concrete piles are heavy in nature so they require plenty of preparations and special equipment. But, wood piles are lighter in weight and do not require the same equipment to be installed safely. Because of the easiness in installing wood pilings, builders are less like to make mistakes than when building steel or concrete.
Moreover, installing wood piles is fairly quicker than installing other types of pilings. This has to do with its lighter weight which makes wood piles easier to maneuver. Projects that involve the use of concrete or steel can be harder and take more time than those being constructed with wood piling. Also, concrete needs more time to cure after it has been poured.
Cost Effectiveness
Pile and beam foundations are ideal for projects which require affordability and strength. As a natural material, wood does not go through the complicated process other materials have to undergo. After wood is harvested, it is cut and pressure-treated and then delivered.
Making steel pilings requires a significant amount of manufacturing and machining which makes the cost significantly high. Also, concrete piling requires caissons can getting the quality to create a strong foundation is very costly.
Renewability
Wood piles are a renewable resource which is usually made from fast-growing wood species harvested in responsibly managed forests. Thus, wood pilings are more eco-friendly than both steel and concrete.
Less Dependence on Weather
Building a pile or beam foundation is not usually ideal on cold weather, however, if the situation demands, wood piles can be more useful than concrete or steel. Wood piling tends to be flexible and can be installed when the ground is still frozen by pre-drilling holes.
