Comparison · Updated Nov 5, 2026
Steel vs concrete piers: costs and trade-offs compared
Most quotes for a settling foundation come down to piers. Here's how the three common types compare on cost and trade-offs, using 2026 figures from Angi.
| Pier type | Average per pier (2026) | How it's installed | Often chosen when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segmented (pressed) concrete | ~$1,000 | Precast concrete sections pressed into the ground one on top of another | Budget matters and conditions suit shallower support |
| Steel push piers | ~$2,000 | Steel sections driven down using the home's weight as resistance | Deeper stable layers need to be reached |
| Helical piers | ~$3,000 | Steel shafts with helix plates screwed into the soil | Lighter loads or soils where screw-in anchoring works; Angi notes they suit sandy soil |
Averages: Angi, How Much Does Pier and Beam Foundation Repair Cost? (updated Sep 18, 2026). Overall per-pier range $1,000–$3,000: Angi.
Pros and cons
Segmented concrete
- Pro: lowest average cost per pier.
- Con: ask how deep they go and how they're tied together.
Steel push piers
- Pro: can be driven deeper to reach firmer layers.
- Con: about double the average cost of segmented piers.
Helical piers
- Pro: install by torque, useful where push piers don't fit.
- Con: highest average cost of the three.
5 questions to ask before you sign
- Why this pier type for my soil?
- How deep do you expect to go, and what happens if you hit refusal early?
- Did an engineer design the pier layout?
- What does the warranty cover, and is it transferable?
- Will I get before-and-after elevation readings?
Price your pier count with the foundation repair cost calculator, or check a quote's cost per pier with the quote checker.
Want a real number for your home?
Calculators and guides give ranges. A free inspection from one vetted, independent local contractor gives you a written quote. No cost, no obligation.
Get my free inspection →Frequently asked questions
Are steel piers better than concrete?
Not automatically. The right pier depends on your soil, the load and how deep stable support is. Ask the contractor why they chose a pier type for your home and how deep they expect to go.
How much does each pier type cost?
Angi's 2026 pier-and-beam guide lists average costs of about $1,000 for segmented piers, $2,000 for steel and $3,000 for helical piers. Its general guide puts piering at $1,000–$3,000 per pier.
Keep reading
- Foundation repair cost in San Antonio: the 2026 guide
- Pier and beam vs slab foundation repair: cost, pros and cons
- 7 signs you need foundation repair in San Antonio
- Foundation repair methods compared: what each costs and when it fits
- How to choose a foundation repair company in San Antonio: a checklist
- Foundation repair cost calculator
- House leveling and pier cost calculator
Sources cited on this page: Angi, How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost? (updated Oct 26, 2026); Angi, How Much Does Pier and Beam Foundation Repair Cost? (updated Sep 18, 2026); Texas Master Naturalist, Alamo Area Chapter: Bexar County Soils; Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation, Technical Bulletin IHB TB 10-01 (Foundations on Expansive Soils). Cost figures are national, not San Antonio quotes.
LevelSATX Foundation Network connects San Antonio homeowners with vetted, independent foundation repair contractors. We don't perform repairs; participating contractors pay us for referrals.