Wellington House Repiling
Timber Pile Replacement Wellington
Rotten, settled or failing piles? We replace them properly.
Full or partial repile. Licensed Building Practitioner. No-obligation assessments across Wellington.
Get a no-obligation quoteTimber Pile Replacement
Wellington homes on old timber piles, it's only a matter of time.
The majority of Wellington's older houses were built on untreated timber piles. In Wellington's wet conditions, high rainfall, clay soils, and moisture-rich underfloor environments, untreated timber has a finite lifespan.
When piles rot, get attacked by borer, or simply reach the end of their life, the house starts to move. Floors bounce and slope, doors stick, walls crack, and the problem only gets worse if left.
Wellington House Repiling specialises in timber pile replacement, full repiles, partial pile replacements, and like-for-like swaps, with owner Stephen Pihama carrying out every job personally under LBP licence.
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Warning signs
6 signs your timber piles are failing
Pile problems rarely appear suddenly. Most show up gradually over months or years, here's what to watch for.
Soft or bouncy floors
If your floor flexes or feels spongy underfoot, the piles beneath, or the framing resting on them, may have deteriorated.
Sloping or uneven floors
When timber piles rot unevenly, the house settles in different directions, creating noticeable slopes across rooms.
Sticking doors and windows
Foundation movement twists door and window frames, making them hard to open or causing visible gaps at corners.
Visible rot or borer damage
If you've crawled under the house, look for soft, crumbling or hollow-sounding timber, borer holes, or fungal growth on piles.
Cracks in walls or ceilings
Diagonal cracks from corners of openings are a classic indicator of differential foundation movement caused by failing piles.
Builder's report flagging piles
Pre-purchase building reports frequently identify deteriorated or non-compliant piles. Addressing them protects your investment.
Noticed any of these? Book an assessment before the problem gets worse.
Your options
Pile replacement options we offer
We'll recommend the right solution for your site, no upselling, just honest advice based on your ground conditions and budget.
H5-treated timber piles
Modern treated timber piles use H5 preservative treatment to resist rot and borer in ground contact. A cost-effective option where ground conditions are stable and well-drained.
Best for: budget-conscious replacements, stable and dry sites
Concrete piles
Bored concrete piles are the most durable option, rot-proof, borer-proof, and suitable for deep installation in difficult ground. Preferred in Wellington's wet, clay-heavy conditions.
Best for: long-term durability, wet sites, steep sections, soft ground
Partial pile replacement
If only some piles have deteriorated, we can replace just the affected ones rather than the whole foundation, saving cost while restoring structural integrity.
Best for: spot repairs where most existing piles are still sound
Not sure which option is right for your home? Ask us, we'll give you a straight answer after inspecting your site.
Our work
Pile replacement projects in Wellington
Real jobs, real results, photos from pile replacement projects across the Wellington region.
How it works
Our pile replacement process
Straightforward from first inspection to final sign-off, you're kept in the loop at every step.
No-obligation assessment
Stephen crawls the underfloor space, assesses every pile, checks framing condition, and identifies how many piles need replacing and why. Free, no obligation.
Assessment Assessment & quote quote
You get a clear, plain-English breakdown of what we found and a quote itemising the scope, materials, and cost before work starts.
Old pile removal
Existing failed piles are carefully removed or broken out. Where piles are still partially sound, we assess whether removal is necessary or if they can be supplemented.
New pile installation
New treated timber or concrete piles are installed to the correct depth for your site conditions, in compliance with NZS3604. Mechanical connections and securings are fitted as required.
Releveling (where needed)
If the house has settled, we lift and relevel the structure after new piles are in, restoring the floor to level before packing everything off.
Sign-off & documentation
Stephen signs off the completed work as LBP and provides full documentation, important for insurance, building records, and future property sales.
Why choose us
Wellington's pile replacement specialists
We do this every day, and we do it right the first time.
Owner on every job
Stephen Pihama is on the tools personally for every pile replacement. You're not getting a crew sent in his place, you're getting the specialist.
Licensed Building Practitioner
All pile replacement work is carried out under LBP licence and signed off to NZS3604 standard. Compliant, documented, and insurable.
Honest assessment first
We'll tell you if only a few piles need replacing rather than sell you a full repile you don't need. Honesty is how we get referrals.
Right pile for your site
Concrete or treated timber, we assess your specific ground conditions and recommend the pile type that suits your site and budget long-term.
Wellington specialists
We know the ground conditions, depths, and access challenges across Wellington's steep sections, clay soils, and varied terrain.
No-obligation assessments, no pressure
Inspection and quote with no obligation. We explain what we found, what it means, and let you decide, no hard sell.
NZS3604 Regulated
All pile replacement work carried out under LBP licence to New Zealand Building Code standard.
What our clients say
Reviews from Wellington homeowners
Fatima Dean
"Absolutely amazing job"
Absolutely amazing job from Stephen and the team. Punctual and very professional! I can't thank you enough for our level floors and strong foundations. I highly recommend Wellington House Repiling.
Kaycee Haze
"Professional and informative"
We had our house repiled by Stephen and his team whom were from the beginning very professional and informative throughout the entire process. We were very impressed by the tidiness of our property and respect they had as this is our family home. Highly recommend!
Ronise Paul
"Did a great job"
Stephen and his team did a great job. Was prompt, professional and left the site tidy. Has made me feel secure in my property and I know what he has done will last for years. Can highly recommend!
FAQ
Timber pile replacement, common questions
How do I know if my timber piles need replacing?
The most common signs are bouncy or spongy floors, sloping rooms, sticking doors and windows, diagonal wall cracks, and visible rot or borer damage on the piles themselves. A builder's report may also flag pile deterioration. If you're unsure, we'll crawl under your house and give you an honest assessment, free of charge.
How long do timber piles last in Wellington?
Untreated timber piles, common in homes built before the 1980s, can last anywhere from 30 to 80 years depending on ground moisture, drainage, and borer activity. Modern H5-treated timber piles have a much longer expected life in ground contact. Wellington's high rainfall and clay soils are harder on timber than drier regions, which is why concrete piles are often recommended for Wellington replacements.
Should I replace timber piles with concrete or treated timber?
It depends on your site conditions and budget. Treated timber piles are more cost-effective and perfectly adequate for stable, well-drained sites. Concrete piles are more durable, rot-proof, and better suited to Wellington's wet conditions and challenging soil types, they're our most common recommendation for full repiles in Wellington. We'll give you an honest comparison for your specific property.
Do I need to replace all the piles, or just the damaged ones?
Not necessarily. If only some piles have deteriorated and the rest are in sound condition, a partial pile replacement may be all that's needed. We assess every pile during the inspection and recommend only what actually requires replacing, there's no value in replacing piles that still have years of life left.
Can I get a partial pile replacement instead of a full repile?
Yes. Partial pile replacement is common and often the right call. We remove and replace only the failed piles, leaving sound piles in place. This is more cost-effective and causes less disruption than a full repile.
Does timber pile replacement require building consent?
In most cases, like-for-like pile replacement work is exempt from building consent when carried out by a Licensed Building Practitioner. However, if the scope involves significant changes or your council has specific requirements, a consent may be needed. We'll advise you clearly upfront before any work begins.
How long does timber pile replacement take?
A partial replacement of a few piles may take one to two days. A full repile of an average Wellington house typically takes one to two weeks. We'll give you an accurate timeline in your quote based on the specific scope of work.
Can I stay in my home during pile replacement?
In most cases, yes. Work is carried out under the house and interior disruption is minimal. There may be some noise from removal and installation. We'll tell you what to expect before starting, including if any specific phase of the work requires temporary access arrangements.
What does timber pile replacement cost in Wellington?
Cost depends on how many piles need replacing, the pile type (treated timber vs concrete), site access, ground depth required, and whether releveling is needed alongside the replacement. We provide no-obligation quotes after a thorough inspection, contact us to arrange a visit.
Do you service Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua and Kapiti?
Yes. We cover the full Wellington region including Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and the Kapiti Coast. Get in touch to confirm coverage for your specific location.
Worried about your timber piles?
Whether it's one rotten pile or a full repile, we'll give you an honest assessment and a clear quote. No-obligation assessments across Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and the Kapiti Coast.
Get a no-obligation quote