Advantages of timber piles: 1. They are economical. 2.

They can be driven rapidly and as such there is great saving in time in execution of piling work. 3. On account of their elasticity timber piles can be recommended for sites where piles are likely to the subjected to unusual lateral forces. 4. They do not need heavy machinery and elaborate technical supervision Disadvantages of timber piles: 1. Timber piles must be cut off below the permanent ground water level to prevent them from decay and thus if the water table at a site is at a greater depth, extra cost of excavation needed to provide the pile cap may render the choice uneconomical. 2. Timber piles can not be driven in filled up ground without injury and as such they can not be recommended for such sites. 3. They are liable to decay or deteriorate by sail water or insects. 4. On account of their restricted length, they cannot be used for jobs where long piles are needed-