Wood Poles versus Wood Pilings

What is a pole and what is a piling?

Simply put: The same thing used a different way.

Poles are used small-end-up. Pilings are used small-end-down. Yes, the same log might be used for either if it meets the required specs.

Actually, it slightly more complicated than that mostly because of grade standards. POLES are typically set to higher standards of quality than pilings. Poles usually have to be straighter and better looking than pilings depending on the use since poles are usually above the ground, might be free-standing, and aesthetics might be important. On the other hand, pilings are often driven half-way (or all the way) into the ground and probably used to support something under compression (there are many many exceptions such as bulkheads). Further pilings often benefit from the synergistic support of other structural components. That is, if you drive two pilings into the ground and connect them with a beam they are both now individually stronger than before you connected them.

Poles are almost always round (almost) while pilings commonly come round or square (timbers).

Both can be treated and usually are (and should be if used outside or in harsh environments). Pilings usually get treated more heavily than poles because they are probably going to be used in a more harsh environment such as in water for a bulkhead, dock, or pier.

If you have any other questions about poles and pilings, post a comment.