With high-quality ground screws, you build a robust screw foundation as a stable base for your shelter or shed. In this article we explain what is important when buying the special screws, which versions are particularly recommended and when a foundation made of ground screws is the best solution.
Ground Screws provide an easy to install foundation
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Krinner ground sleeve U-Fix 91 (screw-in ground sleeve for squared timber, post support, length 830 mm, for wood size 90 / X mm) 21073, hot-dip galvanized / 8 pieces (1 box)
EUR 219.90 To the product| material | steel |
|---|---|
| Galvanized? | Yes |
| length | 830mm |
| Load capacity | 1050kg |
| Single screw or set? | Set (8 ground screws) |
This practical set from Krinner includes eight ground screws, each 830 millimeters long. The screws have a load-bearing capacity of 1050 kilograms and are therefore also suitable for a garden shed foundation. Manufactured from hot-dip galvanized steel according to DIN EN ISO 1461, the quality of the ground screws is absolutely convincing. Most Amazon reviewers agree. They rate the screws as "a very professional and stable product". The construction of the foundation seems to go relatively easily with the designs. With all these advantages, the Krinner set deserves first place in our comparison.
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Connex HV4336 screw-in sleeves 91 x 91 x 650 mm, hot-dip galvanised
To the product| material | steel |
|---|---|
| Galvanized? | Yes |
| length | 910mm |
| Load capacity | unknown |
| Single screw or set? | single screw |
The Connex ground screw has similar basic features as our comparison winner, only it is a bit longer and only available as a single screw. If you choose this model, it is best to simply order as many as you need for your screw foundation. The majority of reviewers on Amazon praise the screw for its robustness and good value for money. The Connex ground screw seems to be ideal for smaller projects in particular, such as anchoring a bird house or trampoline in the garden.
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12 multi-set screw foundations screw foundations ground sleeve ground dowel ground screw screw anchor ground anchor drilled foundation threaded rod ground anchor patio garden shed / Ø 60 x 2; Length: 600mm M12
260.20 EUR To the product| material | steel |
|---|---|
| Galvanized? | Yes |
| length | unknown |
| Load capacity | unknown |
| Single screw or set? | Set for foundation |
If you would like to buy an extensive set for your screw foundation straight away, the solid, multi-part combination from Maxerio is a good choice. It includes, among other things, twelve ground screws as well as post bases and screw-in rods. The latter make it much easier for you to screw the screws into the ground and thus speed up the assembly of the foundation. The ground screws seem to be able to withstand quite a bit - one reviewer reports, for example, that he has built a 550-kilogram garden shed (€24.90) on it, which is now apparently absolutely secure. Many customers describe the components of the set as very stable.
Purchase Criteria
material
Most ground screws are made of steel. In order to be considered a strong, reliable foundation to support a heavy shelter or even a garden shed, they must also be made of this material. Caution: On Amazon you will sometimes come across simple aluminum screw pegs when you are looking for ground screws. However, you should only use these pegs for lightweight tents and not for a comprehensive screw foundation.
hot-dip galvanizing
It is important that the ground screws are hot-dip galvanized. Hot-dip galvanizing is a process used to protect steel from rusting. In technical terms, the formation of rust is referred to as corrosion. In short, (only) hot-dip galvanized ground screws are corrosion-resistant and therefore stable for a long time.
size
Ground screws are available in different sizes. The differences relate to both the length and the diameter. When comparing several screws, also pay attention to what the manufacturer states in terms of suitability. If there is nothing about this in the product description, be sure to read customer reviews or actively ask the manufacturer or other users to make sure that the screws (dimensions) fit your project.
Manufacturer
If you want to buy earth screws from an absolute top brand, we recommend versions from BIOHORT. The company even offers a patented system with aluminum floorboards, foundation frames and mounting plates as a complete solution. However, the sets from this manufacturer are expensive. Alternatively, you can also rely on ground screws from lesser-known companies - provided the screws themselves make an all-round convincing impression and are well rated. Ground screws that meet these requirements are available from Maxerio, Krinner, Connex or KOTARBAU.
Individual screws vs. set
A screw foundation cannot be built with the ground screws alone. It requires some accessories. For example, post bases are required as fastening material - and you also need a tool with which you can build the foundation in a DIY manner. A screw-in rod is suitable for this. Some manufacturers offer extensive sets that are equipped with the most important materials for the screw foundation. If you already have the other utensils, you also have the option of ordering the ground screws individually.
costs
Ground screws are not exactly cheap per se. In principle, however, you can get away with a screw foundation much cheaper than with a conventional concrete foundation. Depending on the quality, size and manufacturer, a ground screw generally costs between 15 and 30 euros. With the purchase of an extensive set, you can often save - not only money but also time that you would otherwise have to invest in researching good accessories.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What are ground screws used for?
Ground screws, which are oversized compared to other screws, are used to create a foundation for a carport, a terrace or an entire building. For the gardener, a screw foundation for fixing a shelter, equipment cabinet or larger tool shed can be of interest. It offers a plus in storm safety, making the respective element significantly more resistant.
How is a screw foundation constructed?
A ground screw consists of plywood plates on ground screws. Adapters ensure that slopes and other uneven floors are compensated. An integrated water barrier allows rainwater to run off well and prevents the dangerous element from entering the shed. In principle, you can build the foundation yourself with ground screws within one to two days.
What are the advantages of a foundation made of ground screws?
With a ground screw, no floor sealing is required. As a result, the local ecosystem of the soil remains completely intact. Rainwater seeps directly under the foundation. The advantages also include the fact that no soil excavation is necessary with a foundation made of ground screws. In addition, it is associated with a comparatively short assembly time and low costs and is convincing in terms of sustainability.
Which is better: screw foundation or concrete foundation?
The advantages described above are - in each case reversed - the main disadvantages of a classic concrete foundation. Especially when it is clear from the beginning that sooner or later the demolition to a greenfield site should take place, there is no way around the screw foundation. It can simply be turned out and completely recycled. Accordingly, a screw foundation is often the better solution.
When is a screw foundation the right option?
In the case of special construction situations in which the concrete solution is no longer economical (e.g. in the case of supply lines running under the planned foundation), the foundation made of ground screws is the ideal alternative. A screw foundation is also ideal for hillside locations and uneven ground in general - as well as on properties that are difficult or impossible to access for large construction machines such as excavators and caterpillars.
Where is the best place to buy ground screws?
In principle, ground screws are available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers, for example at OBI or Dehner. In specialist shops, you have the best chance of acquiring first-class screws - but often at higher prices than, for example, at Amazon. The popular mail order company has various ground screws ready to build a stable screw foundation.
equipment
screen printing plates
For a screw foundation you need not only ground screws but also high-quality screen printing plates. These are "placed" on the screws. It is important that the special mounting plates are excellently processed, made of durable materials and thus support the elementary stability of the entire foundation.
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