Piling, Shoring, & Ground Derivative Services
From steep slopes to soft soils, we deliver innovative piling, shoring, and ground solutions that make even the most challenging sites build-ready.
Piling, Shoring, & Ground Derivative Services
From steep slopes to soft soils, we deliver innovative piling, shoring, and ground solutions that make even the most challenging sites build-ready.
Overview
Foundations Built for Any Terrain
At Graf Concrete & Iron, we specialize in delivering advanced, reliable solutions for complex civil development in challenging ground conditions. Our team brings decades of hands-on experience and technical expertise to every deep foundation project - whether residential, commercial, or large-scale infrastructure, across Vancouver Island.
As development increasingly pushes into geotechnically demanding terrain, the need for adaptable and high-performance ground systems is greater than ever. Graf meets this need with innovative approaches to piling, shoring, and excavation support, backed by a robust equipment fleet and a track record of proven results.
From unstable soils to constrained urban sites, we provide the tools, methods, crew, and strategies to make difficult sites buildable. We do it all, and we do it safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Craftsmanship in Action
Custom Cabinetry & Millwork on Vancouver Island
Step into the Graf shop and watch raw lumber become smooth, soft-closing cabinets—measured to the millimetre and finished by the very team that installs them. This is craftsmanship you can count on.
Our Fleet & Equipment
Equipped to Handle Every Storm
Plow trucks
Plow trucks with Western XL Wide-Out plows for wide, efficient clearing.
Salting Units
Salting units for proactive ice control.
Skidsteers & Loaders
Skidsteers and loaders for larger commercial sites.
Hand Shoveling & Detail Clearing
Our hand shoveling crew ensures every hard-to-reach spot is cleared with care and precision.
Hand Shovel Crew
For precise clearing of stairs, entryways, and tight spaces.
Services
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Services
Our Expertise in Piling, Shoring & Ground Solutions
Piling
Piling is the process of transferring loads from structures through weak surface soils to stronger, stable layers beneath. It is often the key to unlocking the potential of otherwise unusable land.
Graf offers a wide range of piling services using driven, drilled, and turned methods, with material options that include steel, concrete, and timber. Our in-house piling capabilities range from 4" up to 24" diameters, making us well-suited for light structural posts to full structural foundations.
Ground Improvement
In many cases, Graf applies ground improvement methods to increase soil stability and load-bearing capacity without full-depth foundations. These techniques include:
- Stone columns
- Engineered fill pads
- Deep soil mixing
- Pre-loading high moisture soils
Each method integrates engineered materials into existing soils, improving performance and reducing costs compared to traditional piling. These services are ideal for projects aiming to minimize environmental impact or reduce excavation and material removal.
Ground improvement strategies are selected based on testing and project responsiveness. While effective, they are better suited for timelines that allow for design iteration and on-site verification.
Temporary Shoring & Excavation Support
Excavating in poor or unstable soils poses significant safety and performance challenges. Graf offers innovative temporary shoring systems tailored for civil construction environments, including our proprietary continuous pile wall system.
Unlike conventional trench cages or rental systems, our method uses driven sheet piles or round steel piles spaced to provide continuous wall-like resistance. This system reduces excavation width and damage to adjacent infrastructure, while increasing worker safety. Where appropriate, we supplement our sheet systems with trench shields to minimize risk and reduce the need for constant geotechnical oversight.
This method has proven especially effective in:
- River and aquifer crossings
- Urban trenching where prior backfill was poorly compacted
- Areas with high groundwater or saturated soils
Horizontal Piercing (Trenchless Services)
When open excavation is not possible, due to surface infrastructure, environmental constraints, or urban density, Graf offers trenchless horizontal piercing solutions.
Our equipment can install services up to 200 feet in length and diameters between 4” and 16”. This is ideal for utility crossings under roads, watercourses, or existing buildings. Because every trenchless project presents unique logistical and technical requirements, we work under non-disclosure agreements where needed and provide fully customized execution plans.
Our Process
Design to Install
We handle every stage of your cabinetry and millwork project with care and craftsmanship all under one roof.
1. Design & Planning
Our designers collaborate with you to create cabinetry that fits your space, style, and storage needs. From kitchens and bathrooms to mudrooms, closets, and custom built-ins, we tailor every detail from sizing to storage types, edging to hardware, color choices to door profiles.
2. In-House Fabrication
We cut, edge, and assemble all cabinetry in our own facility using CNC precision and quality. Using premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship, we ensure consistency, durability, and attention to detail.
CNC Precision
Our state-of-the-art CNC machine brings your ideas to life with millimeter accuracy. We can:
· Cut complex shapes and profiles
· Engrave logos, text, or graphics
· Create detailed inlays and decorative face designs
· Replicate both traditional woodworking and modern minimalist finishes
From intricate crown mouldings to sleek flat-panel fronts, our CNC capabilities allow us to deliver truly custom work—whether it’s classic, modern, or one-of-a-kind.
Hardware & Finishing
All hardware—hinges, pulls, drawer systems, and organizers—is sourced, installed, and tested by our crew. Finishes are applied in-house to ensure a flawless look and long-lasting performance.
3. Installation by Our Own Crews
Your project is never handed off to outside contractors, because at T.K Cabinets – we design it, build it, install it, and back it. Our in-house install team ensures everything fits perfectly, functions smoothly, and looks exactly as it was designed.
Our Projects
A Legacy of Successful Projects
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Applications
Applications & Featured Projects
Graf’s Ground Derivatives services are suited for a wide range of civil, industrial, and residential applications, including:
- Foundations for homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities
- Infrastructure upgrades and utility installations
- Challenging river, aquifer, and wetland crossings
- Retention and excavation support for deep or narrow trenching
- Site preparation on steep, unstable, or poorly compacted land
Check out recent projects demonstrating our piling, shoring, and ground derivatives services:
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Why Choose Graf
Why Choose Graf Concrete & Iron
Graf stands out not just for what we build, but how we approach every challenge.
Specialized Civil Expertise
We have decades of hands-on experience with piling, shoring, excavation, and utility work in some of the most demanding environments on Vancouver Island and beyond.
Custom Engineered Solutions
Every project begins with a clear understanding of ground conditions and is approached with practical, proven solutions designed for long-term performance.
Investment in Innovation
We continually evolve our equipment, methods, and knowledge base to meet today’s increasingly complex site demands.
Track Record of Performance
Our successful execution of piling and ground systems at the Nanaimo Airport, in Ladysmith, and throughout central Vancouver Island speaks to our ability to deliver results, safely and efficiently.
Why Choose Graf
Why Homeowners Trust Graf for Cabinetry & Millwork
Total in-house control for unmatched quality and consistency.
Personalized design with flexibility to suit any style or budget.
Skilled craftsmanship backed by experience in full home builds.
One team, one vision—from design to final install.
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Start Your Project with a Strong Foundation
No matter the terrain, we have the expertise and equipment to stabilise your site and set the stage for success.
