Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
For new construction like Rita's modular home, traditional wooden piles are the cost-effective foundation choice—but they need to be driven to the right elevation and cut precisely to receive the bandboard.
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Rita's old Cape Cod is gone. Now her new modular home needs a foundation—and for new construction on the Jersey Shore, that means piles. While in Pt. Pleasant, they’re using high-tech helical micro-piles. Anthony Zarrilli makes the case that for new modular construction, traditional pressure-treated timber piles are the more cost-effective and equally reliable solution. The key is precision: drive them to the right elevation, cut them clean, and give the bandboard a solid seat. Get that right and the modular home drops into place perfectly. Get it wrong, and nothing lines up.
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Where to find it?
Contractor: Zarrilli Homes [http://zarrillihomes.com]
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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Timber Piles | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
For new construction like Rita's modular home, traditional wooden piles are the cost-effective foundation choice—but they need to be driven to the right elevation and cut precisely to receive the bandboard.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Rita's old Cape Cod is gone. Now her new modular home needs a foundation—and for new construction on the Jersey Shore, that means piles. While in Pt. Pleasant, they’re using high-tech helical micro-piles. Anthony Zarrilli makes the case that for new modular construction, traditional pressure-treated timber piles are the more cost-effective and equally reliable solution. The key is precision: drive them to the right elevation, cut them clean, and give the bandboard a solid seat. Get that right and the modular home drops into place perfectly. Get it wrong, and nothing lines up.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
Contractor: Zarrilli Homes [http://zarrillihomes.com]
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
Timber Piles | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
