Skip to main content
Anteprima. Sito in manutenzione per il pubblico. Stai vedendo la versione completa con il tuo cookie di anteprima.
Row of T-Block ground screws just screwed into the sand of an equestrian arena: no excavation and no concrete around the shafts.

Ground screws vs concrete

A fair comparison, based on real data. On 9 criteria out of 10, the screw foundation comes out ahead. But it is not the right choice for every situation, and we say so clearly.

If you are starting from scratch, first read what ground screws are and how they work.

−50/85%

Lower CO₂ emissions

−30/50%

Foundation cost

Hours

of installation, not weeks

Removable

leaves no trace

Ground screw or concrete footing: the comparison point by point

Criterion Screw foundation Concrete footing
Installation time ✓ A few hours (for example a 4x4 m deck) 3-5 days + up to 28 days of curing
Total cost ✓ Generally lower (−30% / −50%) Excavation + reinforcement + concrete + labour
Environmental impact (CO₂) ✓ 50% to 85% less than concrete ~0.9 kg CO₂ per kg of cement produced
Removability ✓ Yes: unscrewed and taken away, it leaves no trace No: demolition needed
Building permits ✓ Removable works: often a simpler procedure* Permanent works: often needs planning permission
Weather dependence ✓ None: installed all year round High: not below 5°C, not in rain
Ground disturbance ✓ Minimal: no excavation Extensive: excavation and spoil disposal
Reusability ✓ Yes: several cycles of use Never: it becomes waste
Service life Hot-dip galvanized to ISO 1461: depends on the zinc thickness and on how aggressive the soil is; for aggressive soils stainless steel is considered Depends on design, exposure and maintenance
Extreme loads (>100 kN) Requires special design ✓ Footing sized for the job

* How the works are classified for planning purposes depends on the project, on the structure above and on local regulations: always check with your local authority or with the engineer in charge.

Environmental impact: the figures

CO₂ emissions compared

Producing cement generates about 0.9 kg of CO₂ per kg of product. Galvanized steel has a much lower carbon footprint; the difference depends on the size of the footing it replaces.

Concrete foundation 100%
T-Block® screw foundation 15–50%

Estimated reduction: 50% to 85% less CO₂

−50/85%

less CO₂

Every screw foundation installed instead of a concrete footing is a real contribution to cutting emissions.

When concrete is still the better choice

We believe in being straightforward. These are the cases where a conventional foundation may be more suitable:

Solid rock

If the ground is mostly solid rock, screwing in may be difficult or impossible without pre-drilling.

Extreme loads (>100 kN per point)

For very heavy structures (multi-storey buildings, bridges), reinforced concrete footings can be sized for higher loads.

Waterproofed foundations

If you need a waterproofed basement, a reinforced concrete foundation is the only option.

Specific regulatory requirements

Some local building regulations may specifically require concrete foundations for certain types of structure.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, a ground screw or a concrete footing?
In most applications, the ground screw: fences, decks, garden sheds, carports, solar, signage, temporary structures. It goes in in hours instead of days, with no digging and no pouring, generally costs 30-50% less, and it unscrews and leaves no trace. A concrete footing is still the better choice on solid rock, for extreme loads above 100 kN per point, and when a waterproofed basement is needed.
How much do ground screws cost compared with concrete?
On average 30-50% less than traditional concrete foundations, looking at the total cost: materials, labour and time. The saving comes mainly from the shorter installation time and from having no excavation and no spoil to dispose of. Prices are given on request with a quote.
How much CO₂ does a ground screw save?
From 50% to 85% less than a concrete foundation; the difference depends on the size of the footing it replaces. Producing cement generates about 0.9 kg of CO₂ per kg of product.
Can ground screws be installed in winter or in the rain?
Yes. Concrete cannot be poured below 5 °C and needs days to cure; a ground screw can be installed all year round, even in rain or frost, and takes the load straight away.
Do you need a permit for a ground screw foundation?
It depends on the structure built on top, not on the foundation. A ground screw is a removable work and for light structures the procedure is often simpler, but how the works are classified under building regulations must always be checked with the local council or with the professional in charge. The foundation is calculated to the Italian NTC 2018 standards.

More answers on service life, soils and permits in the FAQ.

Compare for your project

Use our configurator to estimate the ground screws you need and the CO₂ you save.

Configure online