Ground Screw Foundations
From the ground up
When it comes to building a garden room or annex, the foundation isn’t the most glamorous part of the process but it is one of the most important. You’ll never see it once the room is complete, but it plays a crucial role in the structural integrity, longevity and overall finish of your building. The right foundation doesn’t just support the building, it protects your investment.
Why do foundations matter?
A poor foundation leads to long-term issues: movement, uneven floors, doors that don’t shut properly, damp problems, and in the worst cases, structural failure. No matter how beautiful the design or how premium the finish, if the base isn’t solid and engineered correctly, the entire building is compromised.
Why we choose Ground Screws
At InFrame we use ground screws that are engineered specifically for garden buildings, and our team calculates the structural load to match the exact size and spec of each project.
Every screw pile is installed to a measured torque, meaning we know it’s been placed to the correct depth and is fully secure. There is no guesswork, simply precision engineering.
We use a steel frame floor system, so the foundation has to be exact. When combined with FirstBase ground screws, the result is a completely level, rock-solid base that ensures our buildings perform to the highest standards.
Ground Screws vs Concrete: What is the Difference?
1. Installation Speed
Concrete bases can take several days to complete. It involves excavation and removal of the earth, shuttering, pouring, setting, and often curing time before you can even begin the build.
Ground screws, on the other hand, are installed in a matter of hours. No mess, no drying time, no delays.
2. Impact on Your Garden
Concrete foundations require digging, which can damage lawns, disrupt tree roots, and leave a mess that needs reinstating.
Screw piles are drilled directly into the ground with minimal disruption. They are ideal for landscaped gardens, uneven ground, or areas with limited access.
3. Structural Integrity
While concrete may seem solid, it can shift over time especially if not done properly. Ground screws are engineered to remain stable even in poor soil conditions. They provide a level, load-bearing base that doesn’t move or sink.
4. Sustainability
Screw pile foundations are a more sustainable solution than concrete. They use less material, produce less waste, and have a much smaller carbon footprint. No need for heavy machinery or lorry-loads of cement.
Building on Slopes and Waterlogged Land
One of the key advantages of ground screw foundations is their versatility. Traditional concrete bases struggle on challenging terrain such as uneven slopes or waterlogged ground and can require expensive excavation, drainage works, and extensive groundwork.
With screw piles, we can build confidently on slopes and problematic soil. Each screw pile can be installed to a precise depth and adjusted individually to create a perfectly level platform, no matter how uneven the terrain. This minimises the need for heavy groundworks or soil replacement.
For waterlogged or poorly drained sites, screw piles elevate the structure above the saturated ground, reducing risks of damp, flooding, or movement. This ensures your garden room remains stable and dry for years to come, even in challenging conditions.
A Hidden Detail with Long-Term Benefits
It is easy to focus on the design, layout, and finish of your garden room. And that’s the part most people see. But when you invest in a high-end garden building, the foundation should not be an afterthought.
With our screw pile system beneath every Garden Room, you are getting the best possible base, designed for strength, engineered for longevity, and installed with absolute care.
Our Expert Advice
We are always happy to talk through the process in detail, including how we tailor the foundation to suit your space. Every part of your project, visible or not, is done to a high standard. Give us a call today.