Why Driven Timber Piles Are Ideal for Relocatable Homes in Challenging Soils

When it comes to placing relocatable homes on difficult ground, ensuring a solid foundation is paramount. Whether you're dealing with soft soils, high water tables, or contaminated ground, driven timber piles are a smart and cost-effective solution that offers minimal site disruption.

What Are Driven Timber Piles?

A driven pile is a type of deep foundation element made of timber, installed by driving, vibrating, or pushing it deep into the ground. Unlike traditional shallow foundations, which rely on surface stability, driven piles transfer the load of the home to deeper, more stable layers of soil or rock. This is particularly important in relocatable house projects to create a safe foundation, even on challenging sites.

Why Use Driven Piles for Relocatable Homes?

  1. Minimal Site Disruption
     One of the main advantages is the reduced impact on the building site. For established neighbourhoods or environmentally sensitive zones, this is a huge win. No deep digging means less mess and faster progress.

  2. Great for Soft or Contaminated Soils
     Areas with soft ground or historic contamination—like those found in older urban zones—can make traditional foundations risky or impossible. Driven piles allow us to avoid digging through this material altogether.

  3. High Water Table? No Problem.
     In locations like coastal or riverside communities, where the water table sits high, driven timber piles offer a stable solution without the complications of waterlogged excavations.

  4. Cost-Effective and Fast
     Compared to other deep foundation methods, driven piles are often faster and more affordable. That means a more efficient turn around time for your relocatable house  project, and less time spent on groundwork.

  5. Environmentally Friendly Option
     Because these piles generate little to no spoil, they’re perfect for sites where removing soil is difficult or undesirable. Fewer truckloads, less disruption, and less waste.

Case Study: Hastings Development Over Historic Rubble

A recent Houses On The Move-relocatable house installation in Hastings put our driven timber piles to the test. In this development the ground was filled with rubble from the 1931 earthquake—layers of old brick and concrete extending more than three metres below the surface. The original house on the site was in poor condition and had sunken 300mm because of the soil.
Using our specialized equipment, we drove timber piles to a depth of approximately four metres, reaching solid ground capable of bearing the weight of two relocatable homes safely and securely. Now the site will have two solid homes with strong foundations and create more housing for the growing Hawke’s Bay population.

Built to Last, Wherever You Go

At Houses On The Move, we know every site is different. That’s why we use the best techniques and equipment to ensure every home relocation project sits on a solid foundation—no matter the ground conditions. Our expertise in house relocation, along with tried-and-true methods like driven timber piles, means your next move is built on something dependable.



Shannyn Labuschagne