Steel Piers vs. Concrete Piers: Which Is Better?
The biggest decision in foundation repair is the pier. In Central Texas clay, depth-to-refusal is everything — and that’s where steel piers separate from pressed concrete.
How deep each reaches
Steel piers are driven section by section until they hit refusal in load-bearing strata — often 12 to 30+ feet. Pressed-concrete piers stop at a preset depth that, in expansive clay, frequently sits inside the still-moving zone.
Why depth wins
A foundation only stays put if its support is below the soil that moves. That’s why GroundLock installs steel piers exclusively for slab repair — and never concrete, pressed, or hybrid piers.
Verifiability
Steel piers log drive force at every location and the lift is re-surveyed, so support is measured, not assumed. Compare options on our cost guide.
- Steel piers reach refusal; pressed concrete stops short.
- Support must sit below the active clay to last.
- Steel piers are measured and verifiable.
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