When building decks, sheds, fences and other outdoor structures, one of the first challenges is choosing the right foundation. While concrete foundations are typical, several concrete-free foundation systems are commonly used today, including helical piers and ground screws, which require specialized equipment.

A newer, innovative option, Terra Grips Anchors, takes a different approach. Specifically designed for installations of outdoor structures and installed with a standard impact driver, Terra Grip Anchors offer an alternative for projects that eliminates the need for heavy machinery and costly specialized equipment.

While these concrete-free foundation systems may appear similar at first glance, they vary significantly in size, installation method and equipment requirements. Understanding these differences can help contractors, engineers and property owners select the right anchor system for their project.

Overview of the Three Systems

Terra Grips, helical piers and ground screws all serve the same general purpose: securely supporting structures. However, they differ significantly in their size, installation methods and equipment requirements. Understanding these differences can help determine which system is best suited for a particular project.

Terra Grips Anchors are a compact but strong footing system designed for structures like decks, sheds, fences and other similar outdoor structures. Their design is based on a tree’s root system, with a single main root supported by many smaller roots spread throughout the soil. Similarly, Tera Grips have one main anchor with four angled threaded (nano pile) rods that are secured into the ground to distribute the load effectively. One person can install them with a standard impact driver.

Helical piers and ground screws are threaded steel anchors commonly requiring deeper foundations. Installation typically requires a trained crew and specialized drive machinery. The following table highlights key differences, including their size, installation process and equipment requirements, between the three anchor types.

Table: Comparison of Terra Grips, Helical Piers and Ground Screws

Feature	Terra Grips	Helical Piers	Ground Screws
Typical length and depth	Compact: 25” main anchor 6’ threaded rods	10–30+ feet (until load-bearing soil is reached)	3–10+ feet depending on model
Installation	Fast, simple installation; minimal site prep	Slower process requiring site access and multiple steps	Moderate install time with machinery and trained installers
Crew required	One person	More than one person	More than one person
Installation equipment	High-torque impact driver	Specialized heavy machinery	Specialized heavy machinery or hydraulic drive head

Size and Load Capability

Each ground anchoring system has its own typical length and installation depth. Terra Grips come in a standard length, with a main anchor that’s approximately 25 inches long supporting angled threaded rods that extend into the surrounding soil 6 feet deep. By contrast, helical piers are installed in sections until they reach load-bearing soil, and ground screws are typically manufactured as a single piece, so their length generally corresponds to their installed depth.

These differences in size and depth allow each system to serve different installation purposes. Terra Grips are compact anchors with threaded rods that are specifically designed for small outdoor structures. Ground screws are a mid-depth anchor type, typically suited at depths of 3-10+ feet to support light to moderate structures. Helical piers are the deepest anchoring option, reaching depths of 10-30+ feet until load-bearing soil is reached, which makes them suitable for structural foundations.

Unlike ground screws and helical piles, the bulk of load is not carried in the Terra Grip main anchor but rather in the four threaded rods. While the Terra Grip is reminiscent of a ground screw or helical pile, the main anchor’s purpose is to situate the angled threaded rods, which effectively screw into the ground, carrying the load. The threaded rods may look similar to rebar, but they are actually 6-foot screws with a patented pattern that allows them to grip the earth as they screw into the soil. The result is a high load carry with minimal soil disturbance. Due to this technology, Terra Grips not only handle strong vertical loads (both compression and uplifts) but are also superior at handling lateral loads.

Installation Methods

The installation process for Terra Grips anchors is relatively simple compared to these other anchoring systems. With a much smaller main anchor at only approximately 1.5” thick by 25” long, Terra Grips are easier and quicker to install and be moved or removed. They require only one person, no specialized equipment and minimal site preparation.

In contrast, thick pipe helical piers or ground screws are larger systems that must be driven into the ground using specialized heavy machinery. Requiring a crew and site access to position and operate the machinery, the installation process is slower and involves multiple steps with trained installers.

Equipment Required

Terra Grips Anchors only require a high-torque impact driver and can be easily installed by one person. Mimicking the roots of a tree, the rods provide strong stability in most soil types with minimal risk of obstruction.

Given that helical piers and ground screws are typically used for projects that require deeper installations, they require specialized heavy machinery and a crew to operate the equipment and prepare the job site for machinery access. Equipment requirements can significantly influence project costs and feasibility, particularly in locations where heavy machinery access is limited.

Conclusion

Terra Grips Anchors, helical piers and ground screws all serve the same basic purpose, but they approach ground stabilization in very different ways. Differences in size, technology, installation methods and equipment requirements mean that each system is best suited for specific types of projects.

Understanding how these anchoring systems compare can help builders and property owners choose the right solution for their site, their structure and their installation constraints. To learn more about Terra Grips Anchors, visit our website or give us a call at +1-203-692-4900.