I have no personal experience with piles.

I do suspect though that as Tim mentioned they can be pretty reasonable.

Wood piles seem a little dodgy but that is what Venice sits on and they've been there for 500 years or so.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.