Piling Cost UK: £ per Metre by Type (CFA & Mini)
Piling cost in the UK is rarely a single “£ per metre” that survives contact with a real site. Rig type, pile length, working platform, testing, spoil, and access routinely move the figure more than brochure rates suggest.
This catalogue page explains what drives piling price so you can brief a quote properly. For structured rate and budgeting pages, use the groundworks costs hub and calculator — those URLs own explicit £ / rate intent.
review Mini Piling Contractors in Ashford and Piling Contractors in Tonbridge.
When a budget range is useful — and when it is not
Use this when comparing CFA, driven, and mini piling options at budget stage; when a GI has pushed the design from shallow foundations to piles; or when quotes diverge wildly and you need to see which scope items are included.
Cost drivers that move the figure
- Driven piling — indicative bands often quoted around £200–400 per linear metre (site-specific)
- Bored / CFA — indicative bands often quoted around £300–600 per linear metre (site-specific)
- Mini piling — indicative bands often quoted around £150–350 per linear metre (site-specific)
- Design, testing, platform, and spoil usually sit outside a bare £/m rate
- Restricted access and low headroom typically increase cost
Guide ranges help with budgeting. For a site-specific figure, send drawings and site details — or call for a quick scoping conversation.
Get an Accurate QuoteWhat you are usually paying for
A piling package typically includes mobilisation, working platform or mats, pile installation to design depth, spoil handling, cutting/trimming, and often preliminary or working load tests as specified. Caps, ground beams, and attendant excavation are frequently separate lines.
Indicative linear-metre bands published online (including those listed as signs on this page) are conversation starters only. They do not replace a priced method statement against drawings, GI, and access.
Cost driver summary
| Driver | Why it moves cost |
|---|---|
| Pile length & number | More metres and splices; variable founding |
| Rig & access | Urban streets, basements, low headroom |
| Platform & mats | Temporary works before the first pile |
| Testing | Preliminary/working tests and instrumentation |
| Spoil & waste class | Disposal route can dominate |
Why published rates cannot replace a site quote
Access and headroom, pile length variability, obstructions, water-bearing strata, testing intensity, and urban logistics dominate cost more than “pile type” alone. Contaminated spoil can eclipse installation rates.
How to get a usable figure
Issue drawings, GI summary, pile schedule, access constraints, and programme windows. Prefer like-for-like scope. Mainline prices installation to design; we do not redesign pile schemes without an engineer.
Information that improves quote accuracy
- Ground investigation and pile design/schedule
- Access, headroom, and working platform assumptions
- Testing specification
- Spoil disposal assumptions
- Interface with caps, beams, and attendant groundworks
From budget conversation to priced package
Step 1: Assemble design pack
What this step delivers: GI, pile schedule, loads, and constraints are clear.
Step 2: Scope the package
What this step delivers: Platform, testing, spoil, and attendance inclusions listed.
Step 3: Site visit / access review
What this step delivers: Plant and logistics reality checked.
Step 4: Price and programme
What this step delivers: Like-for-like tender comparison possible.
Project types where these drivers dominate
- New-build where shallow foundations are inadequate
- Urban sites needing CFA or low-vibration methods
- Extensions and basements using mini piles
Frequently asked questions
Why do piling quotes vary so much?
Because inclusions differ: platform, testing, spoil, attendance, and programme risk. Compare scope, not headline £/m. See also our Insight on why groundworks quotes vary.
Where should I look for piling rates?
Use /groundworks-costs (including piling cost per metre pages) and the calculator for budgeting structure, then obtain site-specific quotes from drawings.
Next steps from budget range to quote
Use these links to refine scope, then request a programme-ready quote:
We provide these services across the UK, including
Get a Free Quote
Contact us for a no-obligation quote or to discuss your project. We'll advise on the best approach and provide clear pricing.
Get an Accurate QuoteSend pile drawings and GI notes for a scoped piling quote.
Piling Cost UK: £ per Metre by Type (CFA & Mini) FAQ
Why do piling quotes vary so much?
Because inclusions differ: platform, testing, spoil, attendance, and programme risk. Compare scope, not headline £/m. See also our Insight on why groundworks quotes vary.
Where should I look for piling rates?
Use /groundworks-costs (including piling cost per metre pages) and the calculator for budgeting structure, then obtain site-specific quotes from drawings.
Need project guidance?
Share your site details and priorities. We will outline a practical scope, likely timeline, and next steps.