Types of Piers
Pre-cast Pad & Block

This type of pier is used for the support on the interior of pier and beam foundations. Due to the floor, it is very difficult to drill holes or press piers into the ground on the interior, so the pad and blocks are placed as supports for the understructure.
Pressed Pier

This pier consists of pressing the stacked cylindrical piers into the ground a minimum of 15', usually until refusal. Between the cylindrical blocks and the slab or beam, a steel shim is used to adjust elevations to within 1/4".
Cast-in-Place

Steel piers are designed to be pressed into the ground a minimum of 20' and then to the point of refusal. They are then mounted to a bracket, which is bolted to the foundation and are adjustable in elevation. This offers greater benefits when lowering a part of the foundation, or when small adjustments are needed over time. They offer the most holding strength, yet are generally more expensive.